Updated IRCC Requirements for Hiring Low-Wage Foreign Workers

Canada’s updated guidelines, practical as of September 26, 2024, establish more stringent requirements for employers seeking Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage positions:

• Hiring Caps & Duration: Employers in sectors with high unemployment face stricter hiring caps on low-wage foreign workers, with employment duration capped at one year.
• Sector-Specific Caps: Certain industries, such as retail, accommodation, and food services, are now subject to new, reduced thresholds for hiring low-wage foreign employees. This policy helps manage labour market demands and prioritizes Canadian job seekers.
• Enhanced Recruitment Obligations: Employers must intensify recruitment efforts to hire locally. This includes advertising positions on government job boards and targeting underrepresented groups in Canada, including youth and Indigenous workers.
• Compliance & Monitoring: Additional compliance measures will monitor employer adherence to recruitment requirements and wage parity for foreign workers, ensuring they match those of their Canadian counterparts. Enhanced inspections and audits will be in place to confirm these regulations are met.

These changes underscore the government’s intent to balance hiring foreign workers while supporting the Canadian labour market. For complete details, visit Canada’s official announcement.