Refusal to Process Low-Wage LMIA Applications
The Canadian government's policy to limit both permanent and temporary residence admissions to Canada results in additional restrictions for hiring temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in low-wage positions. If you are an employer or a TFW applicant, understanding these regulations is crucial to a successful Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. Foreign nationals, who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Canada, require a valid work permit to legally work in Canada. There are generally two options to obtain a work permit: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), wherein the Canadian employer applies for an LMIA in order to hire a foreign worker, and the International Mobility Program (IMP) , which covers various exemptions that let employers hire a foreign worker without an LMIA. Since September 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is refusing to process certain low-wage LMIA applications. This measure targets jobs in Census Me...