It Still Ain’t Over. Canada Immigration Proposes Yet Further Temporary Foreign Worker Program Requirements

The Background

Ever since the 'Royal Bank Scandal' in 2013, the Canadian immigration system continues to implement further guidelines, restrictions, requirements and constraints for employers hiring and employing foreign workers. Many of the changes are with regard to 'Labour Market Impact Assessments' (LMIAs, formerly LMOs), under the jurisdiction of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), but they all ultimately impact the ability to recruit and retain foreign workers.

Previous Changes to the System

Among other measures implemented to date, the test for recruitment requirements has been tightened, and the tests have been altered (from an occupational level division, to a wage based division); application fees have been raised from $275 per position to $1000 per position; caps have been placed on the number of foreign workers that can be brought to Canada in certain categories; foreign employers are restricted from hiring certain foreign workers in