Update on Temporary Foreign Applications

October 3, 2014 · 12:42 amImmigration
Update on Temporary Foreign Applications

Temporary Foreign Worker Applications Fall By 74% (Its time for RCICs to change directions too. No approvals, means no clients and no business).

The month of August, 2014 saw a drop by nearly three quarters on the same month in 2012 in the number of applications made to hire temporary foreign workers.

Speaking during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Employment Minister Jason Kenney stated that “We announced a fundamental sweep of reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program earlier this year to ensure that it is used as a last and limited resort and that Canadians always come first in the workforce.

“Since those reforms were announced we’ve seen a 75-per-cent reduction in the number of applications in temporary foreign workers on the part of employers,” added Mr. Kenney, who used to hold the Citizenship and Immigration portfolio within the Government of Canada.

New rules for hiring temporary foreign workers introduced in June make it more difficult for employers to hire internationally, requiring them to meet strict criteria to ensure Canadians are first in line for jobs.

Immigration Will Have Large Effect On Population Changes, Says Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada, the federal agency assigned to produce statistics to better understand Canada, has released its latest population projections. It is projected that immigration will heavily influence the makeup of the country over the coming decades.

Alberta, for example, will most likely overtake British Columbia as the third most populace province by 2038, reaching between 5.6 million and 6.8 million. Its current population is just over 4 million. A young workforce attracted to the province by a strong economy will result in Alberta continuing to have the lowest proportion of seniors in the country.

Quebec’s population will also increase, mostly due to immigration, but its share of the Canadian population will reduce in size as the populations of other provinces increase more rapidly.

The population of Ontario is expected to increase to between 14.8 million and 18.3 million by 2038. Ontario would remain the most populous province according to all scenarios. In all scenarios, immigration would remain the key driver of Ontario’s population growth.

Most scenarios show Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick all losing population over the next 25 years. This is due to their relatively older age structure, their small share of Canadian immigration, and the tendency of many younger members of their Canadian-born populations to seek work in other provinces.

The overall population of Canada is projected to be between 39 million and 48 million by 2038.

Source: cpd house

How do temporary foreign worker applications work?

Foreign nationals generally work in Canada under one of two systems: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which usually requires an employer to obtain an LMIA, or the International Mobility Program, which covers LMIA-exempt work permits. Rules and processing change regularly, so current requirements matter.

SystemLMIA needed?Typical use
Temporary Foreign Worker ProgramYesEmployer fills a role no Canadian can
International Mobility ProgramNoTrade agreements, transfers, open permits

These are employment and IRCC processes; Karb Law’s legal team assists workers and employers. If a status issue reaches a hearing, we can represent you before the IRB.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the TFW Program and the International Mobility Program?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program generally requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment before hiring. The International Mobility Program covers LMIA-exempt work permits, such as those under trade agreements or intra-company transfers, where a broader Canadian interest is served.

Can a temporary worker become a permanent resident?

Yes. Canadian work experience gained on a work permit can help qualify a temporary worker for permanent residence through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program, depending on their occupation and circumstances.

Official resources

External links are provided for general information only and are not legal advice.

Angelina Shuster — Licensed Paralegal, Karb Law
Written by

Angelina Shuster

Licensed Paralegal · Law Society of Ontario

Angelina Shuster is a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario with 25 years of experience in Canada. Based at Karb Law’s office in Richmond Hill, she represents clients across Ontario and in immigration matters throughout Canada, and has helped thousands of people with immigration and legal matters — refugee claims, appeals, admissibility and detention reviews before the Immigration and Refugee Board, and summary-conviction criminal matters.

More about Angelina & Karb Law →
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