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Changes in the works for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Carney says

  • Writer: Open Canada Immigration
    Open Canada Immigration
  • Sep 17
  • 2 min read

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that updates to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are in the works.

Speaking to the Liberal caucus in Edmonton on September 10, Carney emphasized that the program moving forward must have “a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors, and needs in specific regions.” While he didn’t provide specifics yet, the government is actively working on adjustments.


Business meeting with four people discussing work permits. Background shows a chart labeled "CHANGES IN TFWP." Professional setting.


What is the TFWP?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is Canada’s main pathway for employers to hire foreign nationals through work permits. Before hiring, employers must complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which ensures that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on Canadian jobs.



Opposition Voices 📣

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the TFWP, arguing it reduces opportunities for Canadians. The Conservative Party has even called for the program to be abolished.


Recent Changes Over the Last Year

The government has already introduced several measures to scale back the program, including:

  • 🎯 Setting a target of 82,000 net new TFWP admissions for 2025.

  • 🛑 Imposing a moratorium on low-wage LMIA processing in regions with 6%+ unemployment.

  • 💰 Increasing the high-wage stream threshold to 20% above the regional median wage.

  • 📉 Lowering the cap on the percentage of a company’s workforce that can be hired through TFWP.

👨‍👩‍👧 Restricting spousal open work permits (SOWPs) only to spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1, or select in-demand TEER 2 or 3 occupations. Workers must also have at least 16 months left on their permit.


The Numbers

According to government data, from January to June 2025, total work permit issuances dropped by 50% compared to last year. During that same period, only 33,722 new TFWP permits were issued.



👉 With more changes ahead, it’s clear that the government is narrowing the scope of the TFWP, aiming to focus resources on priority sectors and regions.


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Changes in the works for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Carney says

 
 
 

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