We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent changes in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have specific questions relating to this update, feel free to contact us at info@gaimmlaw.com
Today’s topics:
COVID-Era Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work Permits Terminated
LMIA Applications Paused for Low-Wage Occupations in Certain Metropolitan Areas Across Canada
Potential Changes to LMIAs for High-Wage Occupations
Canada’s immigration landscape is undergoing significant changes as the country continues its ambitious goal of welcoming 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, with plans to increase that number to 500,000 by 2025 and beyond.
However, with changing economic realities, the Canadian government is more strictly controlling access through certain programs. Learn about the most recent policy changes from our immigration lawyers in Toronto.
Read our previous update here.
COVID-Era Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work Permits Terminated
Last month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended the COVID-era policy, allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.
Initially, this temporary measure was introduced in August 2020 to assist visitors stranded in Canada due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, enabling them to apply for work permits without leaving the country.
The policy, originally set to expire in February 2025, was terminated on August 28, 2024. IRCC will continue processing work permit applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the former policy.
Temporary Pause on LMIA Applications for Low-Wage Occupations in the Montréal Economic Region
Effective September 3, 2024, a temporary six-month pause has been placed on new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage occupations in the Montréal economic region.
This move impacts jobs with wages below $27.47 per hour; however, certain industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare are exempt from this freeze, as are positions offering wages at or above the Quebec median.
What Are Your Options for Coming to or Staying in Canada?
Speak to immigration lawyers to understand your options and next steps.
LMIA Applications Paused for Low-Wage Occupations in Metropolitan Areas Across Canada
As of September 26, 2024, the Canadian government will stop processing LMIAs for low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in census metropolitan areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher. Despite the pause, exceptions will be made for roles in critical sectors, including food security (primary agriculture, food processing, and fish processing), construction, and healthcare.
Additionally, employers hiring through the TFWP will be limited to having no more than 10% of their workforce consist of low-wage temporary foreign workers, and the maximum employment duration for low-wage temporary foreign worker applications that are still eligible for processing will be reduced to one year.
Employers should understand that there are potentially other options for Temporary Foreign Workers. Connecting with an Immigration Lawyer at Guberman//Appleby Immigration Lawyers will give you an opportunity to explore other possible work permit streams.
Potential Changes to LMIAs for High-Wage Occupations
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) advises that within the next 90 days there will likely be additional changes to the High-Wage Stream. These changes may include revising sectoral exceptions or even halting the processing of certain LMIA applications.
// CONTACT US
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our immigration lawyers, by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
