Canada’s foreign worker program tightens: PM Mark Carney’s reforms and what they mean for professionals

Canada is once again rethinking its foreign worker program, a policy that has shaped its economy for over five decades. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced sweeping reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), raising wages, narrowing eligibility, and cutting permit numbers. While the changes are designed to protect Canadian workers, professionals across industries may feel unintended ripple effects, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and hospitality, where reliance on foreign labour runs deep.

Why Canada is Tightening the Foreign Worker Program

Launched in 1973, the foreign worker program was initially a temporary measure to address labour shortages. Over time, it grew into a backbone of Canada’s labour market, helping employers fill roles in industries where Canadian workers were scarce.

But under Mark Carney, the program is being reshaped into a more targeted framework. Instead of serving as a broad safety net, the TFWP will now focus on specific regions and high-demand sectors. This means more rigorous application processes, higher wage thresholds, and reduced pathways for temporary workers.

Carney describes this as a “strategic recalibration,” a move intended to prioritise Canadian jobs while addressing essential shortages.

Key Changes to the Program

The tightening of Canada’s foreign worker program comes with several big adjustments:

• Higher wage requirements: Employers must now pay 20% above the median regional wage for high-skill positions.
• Permit reductions: The number of work permits decreased by nearly 50% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
• Caps on workforce reliance: Companies can now employ fewer foreign workers overall.
• Spousal permit restrictions: Open work permits are now limited to spouses in high-demand occupations.
• Regional unemployment rules: In areas with unemployment above 6%, low-wage LMIA applications will no longer be processed.

These changes mark a dramatic shift from a system that once leaned toward openness.

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The Debate Around Carney’s Decision

Critics argue that the foreign worker program reforms may do more harm than good. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has accused the government of undermining opportunities for Canadians while failing to address wage stagnation.

At the same time, industries such as healthcare, farming, and hospitality warn that the new restrictions could make it nearly impossible to meet labour demands. Hospitals, for instance, depend heavily on internationally recruited nurses and support staff to maintain patient care.

Implications for Foreign Professionals

Canada’s tightened foreign worker program carries significant implications for professionals worldwide who view the country as a gateway for career growth, international experience, and migration. While the reforms aim to protect Canadian workers, they also reshape the landscape for foreign professionals in practical and strategic ways.

• Tougher Competition Across the Board: With fewer permits available and stricter eligibility rules, only applicants in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare, IT, engineering, skilled trades, and certain agricultural roles, are likely to secure opportunities. This increases competition not just for African professionals, but also for candidates from Asia, Latin America, and Europe seeking to work in Canada. Professionals will need to carefully assess where their skills align with Canada’s labour priorities to maximise their chances.
• Higher Wage Thresholds: The new wage requirements, designed to prioritise mid- and high-wage positions, reduce low-wage entry points. For foreign professionals, this translates into better compensation for qualifying roles, which is a positive shift, but it also narrows the pool of accessible jobs. Skilled workers now have the potential to negotiate higher pay and improved working conditions, emphasising the value of specialised skills in the Canadian labour market.
• Regional Targeting: The program’s shift toward specific regions and provinces means foreign professionals may need to broaden their geographic focus. Provinces with acute labour shortages, such as rural healthcare centres in Atlantic Canada, tech hubs in Ontario, or skilled trade opportunities in Western Canada, offer the most realistic pathways. Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal may no longer be the primary gateway for foreign professionals, especially in oversaturated sectors.
• Spousal and Family Considerations: Changes to spousal open work permits (SOWPs) may affect families looking to relocate together. Only spouses of workers in high-demand occupations may qualify for SOWPs, which could potentially make it more challenging for families to relocate seamlessly. Professionals will need to plan carefully and explore alternative immigration pathways for family reunification.
• Opportunity in Precision: While the tightening rules limit some pathways, they also create opportunities for foreign professionals with highly sought-after skills. Nurses, IT specialists, engineers, tradespeople, and other technical experts may find that their expertise is in higher demand than before, giving them an edge in the labour market. Precision targeting enables those with the right skills and experience to navigate the system more efficiently, thereby gaining competitive advantages.
• Emphasis on Skills-Based Pathways: For foreign professionals, these reforms reinforce the importance of pursuing skills-based migration options, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or targeted employer-specific programs. Relying solely on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program may no longer be sufficient for career growth or long-term settlement goals. Professionals should focus on aligning their qualifications with Canada’s high-demand sectors, maintaining certifications, and preparing for more competitive application processes.

In essence, the recalibration of Canada’s foreign worker program signals a more strategic, skills-focused approach. While the path may be narrower, foreign professionals with the right qualifications, flexibility, and planning can still find opportunities to thrive and potentially benefit from higher wages, better working conditions, and stronger recognition of their expertise.

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A National Balancing Act

The tightening of the foreign worker program reflects a deeper national dilemma: Should Canada prioritise strict job protection for its citizens or maintain an open approach to global labour that strengthens its economy?

Mark Carney’s reforms lean toward caution and control. However, history shows that the most successful economies are those that strike a balance between domestic protection and global openness.

The Road Ahead

As Canada recalibrates its foreign worker program, the real question is not how many permits are granted, but whether these changes empower Canadian professionals or leave them burdened. If labour shortages persist, the productivity of the very citizens the reforms are meant to protect could be undermined.

For Africans seeking opportunities, the message is clear: focus on acquiring in-demand skills, target specific provinces, and prepare for a more competitive landscape.