New Canada Rules for Work Visa: From Wage Hikes to Job Caps (November -December 2024)

Canada is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and strong economy. If you’re a job seeker dreaming of working there, you’ve probably heard about Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program helps people from other countries get temporary jobs in Canada when Canadian workers aren’t available for those positions. To make this happen, employers need something called an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which shows that hiring someone from outside Canada won’t negatively affect Canadian jobs.

 

But hold up! Canada just made some big changes to this program. So, let’s break down what these changes mean for you as a job seeker and how they could impact your plans to work in Canada.

1# Bigger Paychecks but Tougher Requirements: Wage Threshold Increase

Starting November 8, 2024, Canada is raising the bar on what counts as a “high-wage” or “low-wage” job by increasing the wage threshold by 20%. In simpler terms, jobs that used to be considered “low-wage” might now be classified as “high-wage,” and the requirements for those jobs could change.

Why This Matters for You: If you’re looking for a job in Canada, this means you could see better pay for some positions. However, it might also mean stricter qualifications and requirements for these jobs. Be ready to meet those new standards!

 

2# Goodbye Shortcuts: Proving Employers Are Legit

Starting October 28, 2024, employers in Canada will no longer be able to just use letters or documents from lawyers or accountants to prove that their business is real. Instead, they’ll need to show official documents like business licenses and tax forms.

What This Means for You: This change is mostly on the employer’s side, but it’s still important for you. It might take a little longer for some job offers to come through as employers adjust to this new rule. The upside? You’ll be more likely to work for legitimate, stable employers.

3# Fewer Low-Wage Job Openings and Shorter Contracts

Starting September 26, 2024, it’s going to be tougher to get jobs that are classified as “low-wage.” Here’s what’s happening:

• No LMIAs in High-Unemployment Areas: If the area where you’re applying has an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, low-wage job applications won’t be processed.
• Reduced Job Caps: Employers can only have up to 10% of their workforce as low-wage TFWs (20% for construction and healthcare jobs).
• Shorter Job Contracts: If you land a low-wage job, it will only last up to 1 year (previously, it could be up to 2 years).

Why This Matters for You: If you’re looking for a low-wage job, your options might be more limited, especially in areas where unemployment is high. You’ll also need to plan for shorter job durations, which could mean reapplying or looking for another job sooner.

4# Montréal’s Pause on Low-Wage Job Processing

If you were hoping to work in Montréal, there’s an important update: From September 3, 2024, to March 3, 2025, the government won’t be processing applications for low-wage jobs in this city. That’s right—a six-month pause!

What This Means for You: If you’re set on working in Montréal in a low-wage position, you’ll need to wait until the pause is over or look at other cities or job types for now.

 

Key FAQs about Canada’s immigration rules for skilled workers:

Eligibility Requirements

What are the main eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

To be eligible for the FSWP, you must:

– Have at least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past 10 years
– Meet the minimum language requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark 7) in English or French
– Have a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment
– Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the six selection factors
– Have sufficient funds for settlement in Canada

What types of jobs qualify as skilled work?

Skilled work experience must be in occupations classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This generally includes managerial, professional, and technical occupations.

What are the six selection factors?

The six factors are:

1. Language skills
2. Education
3. Work experience
4. Age
5. Arranged employment in Canada
6. Adaptability

Applicants must score at least 67 out of 100 points across these factors to be eligible.

 Application Process

How do I apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The process involves:

1. Checking your eligibility
2. Creating an Express Entry profile
3. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (if you rank high enough in the Express Entry pool)
4. Submitting a complete application for permanent residence

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs, including the FSWP. Candidates create profiles and are ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Rights and Restrictions

Can I bring my family members?

Yes, you can include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in your application.

Where can I live and work in Canada?

You can live and work anywhere in Canada except Quebec, which has its own skilled worker selection system.

Other Important Information

How long does the application process take?

The government aims to process complete applications within 6 months after receiving them.

Is a job offer required?**

A job offer is not required, but having a valid job offer can earn you additional points in the selection factors and in the Express Entry ranking system.

What language tests are accepted?

For English, IELTS and CELPIP are accepted. For French, TEF and TCF are accepted. Test results must be less than two years old when you apply.

Remember that immigration rules can change, so it’s always best to check the latest information on the official Canadian government immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate details.

Reference:
[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html
[2] https://www.canadavisa.com/federal-skilled-worker-program-fswp.html
[3] https://workpermit.com/immigration/canada/canada-federal-skilled-worker-program-points-requirements
[4] https://www.davidsonmorris.com/skilled-worker-visa/

[5] https://www.visa4you.org/en/visa-for-canada/live-and-work-in-canada/
[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/median-wage/low.html.