top of page
Writer's pictureTiffany Chia

Canada Raises Median Hourly Wages for Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers


Canada Raises Median Hourly Wages for Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers


Are you an employer looking to hire foreign nationals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada? Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has made significant changes to its list of median hourly wages for employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers. These changes, which will come into effect on May 31, aim to streamline the hiring process and ensure fair compensation for foreign workers.


When offering a wage to a temporary foreign worker, it's crucial to consider whether it meets or exceeds the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. This determination will guide you on whether to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the stream for high-wage positions or the stream for low-wage positions. Both streams have their own unique requirements, which you should be mindful of.


If the wage you offer is at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, you should apply under the stream for high-wage positions. On the other hand, if the wage falls below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, the stream for low-wage positions is the appropriate choice for your application.

Let's take a closer look at the updated list of median hourly wages by province or territory:





These changes reflect Canada's commitment to ensuring a fair and equitable working environment for temporary foreign workers. It's important for employers to stay informed about these updates to avoid any complications in the hiring process.


In Canada, temporary foreign workers often utilize their work permits as a stepping stone towards permanent residency. Through the two-step immigrant selection process, these individuals gain valuable experience in the Canadian labor market, which strengthens their chances of obtaining permanent residency in the future.


To address labor shortages and fill positions that lack qualified workers, Canadian employers frequently turn to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP) to hire foreign nationals. These programs provide employers with the flexibility to bring in skilled workers from abroad.


In the second step of the immigration process, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses the eligibility of temporary foreign workers for permanent residency. The latest data from IRCC shows that Canada has benefited from the contributions of 319,530 foreign nationals through the IMP and TFWP. Out of these, 183,710 individuals obtained work permits through the IMP, while an additional 135,820 benefited from the TFWP.


If you're considering hiring temporary foreign workers, it's essential to be aware of the processing times for immigration applications. While these times can vary depending on the applicant's country of origin, the average processing time for work permits from outside of Canada typically ranges from three weeks to four months. However, it's important to note that some cases may take up to four years.


At 1to1 Immigration, we understand the value that temporary foreign workers bring to Canadian businesses. Our team of experts is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout the hiring process. Contact us today to explore how we can help you navigate the complexities of hiring temporary foreign workers and contribute to Canada's thriving workforce.


Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page