May 29, 2023

Did you know that Canada has recently raised the median hourly wages for employers hiring temporary foreign workers? This is a positive step towards ensuring that these workers are paid a fair wage and are not being exploited by their employers.

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the federal ministry responsible for overseeing the labor market in Canada, has recently implemented changes to the list of median hourly wages used by employers hiring foreign nationals through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These revisions are scheduled to take effect on May 31. The ESDC has provided guidance to employers regarding the wage requirements and the corresponding Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) streams for high-wage and low-wage positions.

According to the information available on the ministry’s website, the wages offered for a specific position will determine the appropriate LMIA stream that employers need to apply under. There are separate streams for high-wage and low-wage positions, each with its own specific requirements. If the wage being offered to a temporary foreign worker is equal to or higher than the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, employers are required to apply under the high-wage stream.

On the other hand, employers offering wages below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage must apply under the low-wage stream. These streams are designed to ensure that employers are offering fair wages to temporary foreign workers and that the labor market is protected.

The ESDC’s revision of the median hourly wages is aimed at ensuring that wages remain in line with the prevailing market conditions. By periodically updating the wage thresholds, the government can adapt to changes in the labor market and maintain fairness for both foreign workers and Canadian employees.

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These changes reflect Canada’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of temporary foreign workers are protected and that the program is aligned with the country’s labor market needs. By establishing clear wage requirements and LMIA streams, the government aims to strike a balance between supporting Canadian employers in addressing labor shortages and safeguarding the rights and well-being of temporary foreign workers.

Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated wage thresholds and corresponding LMIA streams to ensure compliance with the revised requirements. The ESDC’s website provides detailed information and resources to assist employers in understanding the application process and meeting the necessary criteria.

In conclusion, the ESDC’s recent revisions to the median hourly wages for employers hiring temporary foreign workers through the TFWP reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining fairness in the labor market. The wage thresholds determine the appropriate LMIA stream, either high-wage or low-wage, that employers must apply under based on the wages offered. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to align the program with the needs of the labor market while protecting the rights of temporary foreign workers.

Among the latest list of median hourly wages, the territory of Nunavut stands out as the only region experiencing a decrease in wages for workers. 

Median Hourly Wages by Province or Territory
Province/territory Median hourly wages prior to May 31, 2023 Median hourly wages as of May 31, 2023
Alberta $28.85 $28.85
British Columbia $26.44 $27.50
Manitoba $23.00 $23.94
New Brunswick $21.79 $23.00
Newfoundland and Labrador $24.29 $25.00
Northwest Territories $37.30 $38.00
Nova Scotia $22.00 $22.97
Nunavut $36.00 $35.90
Ontario $26.06 $27.00
Prince Edward Island $21.63 $22.50
Quebec $25.00 $26.00
Saskatchewan $25.96 $26.22
Yukon $32.00 $35.00

Canada has established a welcoming environment for temporary foreign workers, employing a two-step immigrant selection process that enables them to gain valuable experience through work permits before pursuing permanent residency. This process has proven beneficial for both the workers and the Canadian labor market.

In instances where Canadian employers encounter job vacancies that remain unfilled due to a scarcity of qualified workers, they often turn to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP) to recruit foreign nationals for these positions. These programs have played a significant role in addressing labor shortages and sustaining economic growth in various sectors.

Canada Increases Wages for Temporary Foreign Workers

The second phase of the pathway to permanent residency involves Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assessing the number and eligibility of temporary foreign workers who can be admitted as permanent residents. This step recognizes the contributions made by these individuals to the Canadian workforce and offers them an opportunity to establish a long-term presence in the country.

According to recent data released by the IRCC, Canada has seen the positive impact of the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) on its labor market. The IMP has facilitated work permits for 183,710 foreign nationals, allowing them to contribute their skills and expertise to the Canadian economy. Similarly, the TFWP has supported an additional 135,820 individuals in filling crucial job positions that would have otherwise remained vacant.

To ensure transparency and assist applicants, the IRCC provides estimates of processing times for immigration applications on its official website. The processing timeframe for work permits obtained from outside of Canada varies significantly depending on the country of origin. While some applicants may receive their permits in as little as three weeks, others may face a longer processing time of up to four years. However, as a general guideline, most countries can expect an average processing time of three to four months.

Canada’s commitment to welcoming temporary foreign workers and providing them with opportunities for growth and integration showcases the country’s dedication to a diverse and robust labor market. By embracing foreign talent, Canada continues to strengthen its economy and foster global connections.

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May 2, 2023
On March 24, 2021, the Canadian government announced new immigration measures aimed at supporting Sudanese nationals. The measures are designed to help Sudanese nationals who have been affected by the recent political and economic challenges in their home country. In this blog, we will discuss the new immigration measures introduced by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and what they mean for Sudanese nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada. Background Sudan has been facing political and economic challenges for several years, including conflict and instability, inflation, and high unemployment rates. The situation has led to a significant number of Sudanese nationals seeking refuge in other countries, including Canada. To address this issue, the Canadian government has introduced new immigration measures to support Sudanese nationals and help them immigrate to Canada. These measures will provide greater opportunities for Sudanese nationals to come to Canada and build a better life for themselves and their families. New Immigration Measures The new immigration measures announced by IRCC include the following:
  1. A new program for resettlement: IRCC will be launching a new program that will provide resettlement opportunities for Sudanese nationals who have been displaced or are at risk in their home country. This program will prioritize the most vulnerable individuals and families, including women, children, and individuals with medical needs.
  2. Special measures for family reunification: IRCC will be introducing special measures to facilitate family reunification for Sudanese nationals. These measures will include prioritizing the processing of family sponsorship applications and providing additional resources to support families during the immigration process.
  3. Temporary measures for students and workers: IRCC will be implementing temporary measures to support Sudanese nationals who are already in Canada as students or workers. These measures will include extending work and study permits, as well as providing additional support for those who wish to transition to permanent residency.
  4. Improved processing times: IRCC will be prioritizing the processing of immigration applications from Sudanese nationals to reduce wait times and provide faster access to Canadian residency.
Implications for Sudanese Nationals The new immigration measures introduced by IRCC are expected to have a significant impact on Sudanese nationals who are looking to immigrate to Canada. The measures will provide greater opportunities for Sudanese nationals to come to Canada and build a better life for themselves and their families. The new program for resettlement is particularly important as it will prioritize the most vulnerable individuals and families who are in need of immediate assistance. The special measures for family reunification will also help to reunite families who have been separated due to conflict or other challenges in Sudan. The temporary measures for students and workers will provide additional support for Sudanese nationals who are already in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residency. This will allow them to continue building their lives in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy and society. The specific documents needed for immigration to Canada as a Sudanese national will depend on the type of immigration program, however generally speaking, the following documents may be required:
  1. Passport: You will need a valid passport from Sudan.
  2. Language test results: You may be required to take a language test to prove your proficiency in English or French, depending on the immigration program you are applying for. The most commonly accepted language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English, and the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) for French.
  3. Educational documents: You may need to provide transcripts, degrees, diplomas or certificates from schools, colleges, or universities that you have attended. These documents should be in their original language and must be translated into English or French by a certified translator if they are not in one of these languages.
  4. Work experience documents: If you are applying for an immigration program that requires work experience, you may need to provide letters from your previous employers, detailing your job duties and work experience.
  5. Police certificates: You may be required to provide police certificates from Sudan and any other country where you have lived for more than six months.
  6. Medical examination: You will need to undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by the Canadian government to ensure that you are in good health.
  7. Proof of funds: You may need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members accompanying you during your stay in Canada.
These are some of the most common documents required for immigration to Canada as a Sudanese national. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the immigration program you are applying for. Conclusion The new immigration measures introduced by IRCC are a positive step towards supporting Sudanese nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada. The measures will provide greater opportunities for Sudanese nationals to come to Canada and build a better life for themselves and their families. It is hoped that these measures will help to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese nationals who have been affected by the recent political and economic challenges in their home country.