Susan Gong, CPA, CA, RCIC – Founder & CEO of Altec Global Inc.
On September 10, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will be making a series of changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). While not all details have been released, the direction is clear: the government wants a more targeted and efficient system, focusing on industries and regions where labour is urgently needed.
As someone who has worked with countless employers and applicants under TFWP and LMIA, I, Susan Gong, believe these changes will bring both challenges and opportunities for workers and businesses.
Main changes already in motion or under preparation in TFWP
Focused Approach – TFWP will prioritize strategic industries 以及 specific regions instead of broadly approving applications.
New Admissions Target – Canada plans for 82,000 net new temporary foreign workers in 2025.
Low-Wage LMIA Suspensions – In regions where unemployment is 6% or higher, low-wage LMIA applications are being paused.
Higher Salary Thresholds for High-Wage Jobs – Employers hiring under the “high-wage” stream must now offer salaries well above median local wages.
Employer Caps – Companies will face stricter limits on the proportion of their workforce that can be filled by foreign workers.
Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) – Spouses of TFWP holders can only qualify if:
Fewer Work Permits Issued – In the first half of 2025, new permits under TFWP fell by nearly 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
Why These Changes Matter
These reforms are designed to:
Protect Canadian workers by prioritizing citizens and permanent residents for local job opportunities.
Align foreign labour with real needs, ensuring TFWs are placed where shortages are genuine.
Raise fairness and standards by increasing wages in the high-wage category and reducing potential program misuse.
What Applicants and Employers Should Do?
For Applicants
✔️ Check if your occupation falls under a priority industry or region. If so, prepare documents early to seize opportunities. ✔️ Review whether your spouse qualifies for an open work permit under the new rules. If not, consider alternative pathways like PNPs.
For Employers
✔️ Stay up to date on LMIA requirements (wages, job category, regional unemployment). ✔️ Adjust hiring practices to ensure compliance with the new salary thresholds and caps. ✔️ Plan ahead—applications with missing documents or non-compliance risk long delays.
For Both Applicants & Employers
✔️ Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) as parallel or backup routes. Provinces are often more flexible and can prioritize healthcare and skilled trades.
Conslusion
The TFWP is shifting from broad access to precision targeting. While the new rules may feel restrictive, those who plan early, prepare thoroughly, and align with Canada’s labour priorities will be in the best position to succeed.
At 歡迎來到順達集團, we’ve helped clients adapt to countless immigration policy shifts over the years. One thing remains true: with the right guidance, you can turn policy changes into opportunities.
If you’re considering applying through TFWP or LMIA, now is the time to act. Let’s assess your case and build a strategy together. CONTACT US Today.
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