Canada Tightens LMIA Rules

As of September 26th, 2024, Canada has implemented new regulations impacting Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage positions. These changes aim to protect Canadian workers and ensure that employers are prioritizing domestic talent. The new rules focus on limiting the use of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in low-wage positions. The key changes include:
Cap on Low-Wage TFWs: Employers exceeding a 10% cap on low-wage TFWs at their work location will not have their LMIA applications processed.
Higher Cap for Specific Sectors: For industries like construction, food manufacturing, healthcare, and education, employers are limited to a 20% cap on low-wage TFWs.
Location-Based Restrictions: LMIA applications for low-wage positions in areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher will be denied.
Reduced Duration of Employment: The maximum employment duration for low-wage positions has been reduced from two years to one year.
While these regulations affect low-wage positions, certain sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare will have exceptions allowing for more flexibility.
It's crucial for employers and potential applicants to understand these new rules. Applicants seeking permanent residency through LMIA pathways will continue to be processed as before. For comprehensive details on LMIA and the full scope of these changes, please visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website. Stay informed about these changes and consult with an immigration professional for personalized guidance.

[@RedDevilMoto]

When Canadian workers are seeking employment in various low-wage earning jobs (many for the first time) and are having great difficulty doing so because they are turned down in favor of TFW or international students, then it should be addressed in a way that gives better access to Canadian workers for jobs in their own country that should be for them first.
The unemployment rate in Canada is now 6.6%
This will help employers be forced to hire Canadians first. To attract and train Canadian workers first. It should be the responsibility of business owners in this country to give preference to Canadians who are applying and seeking employment.