Big changes are coming to Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, and if you're an employer, these updates are essential to keep on your radar. Starting September 26, 2024, the government is rolling out stricter rules to help prioritise Canadian workers and reduce reliance on temporary foreign labor. Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean and how they might impact your business.
What’s Changing?
Tighter LMIA Processing:
In regions where unemployment is 6% or higher, the government will stop processing LMIAs for low-wage positions, except in critical sectors like agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and construction. This is a significant shift aimed at ensuring more jobs go to Canadians and permanent residents first.
Lower Cap on Foreign Workers:
Employers can now only have 10% of their workforce in low-wage roles filled by temporary foreign workers. This is down from previous limits and pushes companies to look more closely at hiring and developing local talent.
Shortened Employment Terms:
The time that low-wage foreign workers can stay in these roles is now reduced from two years to just one year. For employers, this means you’ll need to plan for quicker turnover and possibly increased recruitment efforts within Canada.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
These updates are more than just regulatory changes; they’re a call to action. Employers will need to rethink their hiring strategies and focus more on domestic recruitment. This could involve investing in training programs or offering more competitive wages to attract Canadian workers.
The government’s latest LMIA updates are designed to protect the Canadian labor market by ensuring that job opportunities are first offered to those already in the country. As an employer, staying ahead of these changes will be crucial to keeping your business compliant and successful. Navigating the LMIA process can be daunting, especially with these new changes. At The Visa Tales, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Our team specializes in LMIA applications and can guide you through every step to ensure your business meets the new requirements. Reach out to us today for personalized advice and support. For more insights and the latest updates on LMIA and other immigration news, keep checking our website and follow us on Instagram on @the.visa.tales. We’re committed to keeping you informed!
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