Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Learn how employers participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to hire international workers.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada

Canada’s economy thrives on a diverse and skilled workforce. When Canadian employers face genuine labour shortages that cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) serves as a critical bridge. This federal program allows employers to hire foreign nationals to fill specific jobs on a temporary basis.

The TFWP is designed to balance the needs of Canadian businesses with the protection of the domestic labour market. It ensures that foreign workers are hired only when necessary and that they are treated fairly and in accordance with Canadian labour laws. Navigating the TFWP requires strict adherence to regulations, including recruitment efforts and wage standards.

At Career Plus Immigration, we provide the legal clarity and operational support employers need to utilize the TFWP effectively. We help you access global talent while ensuring full compliance with government requirements, minimizing the risk of refusals or audits.

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What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?

The TFWP is a program jointly managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Its primary function is to allow employers to address temporary labour and skill shortages.

A defining feature of the TFWP is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Before hiring a foreign worker through this program, most employers must apply for and receive a positive LMIA. This document confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do it.

Unlike the International Mobility Program (IMP), which focuses on broad economic and cultural benefits to Canada and does not require an LMIA, the TFWP is strictly focused on filling labour market gaps.

Who Can Use the TFWP?

The program is open to employers operating in Canada who can demonstrate a legitimate business need.

Employers: You must show that you have made genuine efforts to hire Canadians first but were unsuccessful. You must also be able to pay the prevailing wage for the position and provide safe working conditions.
Foreign Workers: To participate, a foreign worker must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer supported by a positive LMIA. They must also meet the standard admissibility requirements for entering Canada (e.g., no serious criminal record or medical issues).

Types of TFWP Streams

The TFWP is divided into several streams to address different types of labour shortages. Choosing the correct stream is vital for a successful application.

High-Wage Stream: For positions where the wage offered is at or above the provincial/territorial median hourly wage. Employers must submit a transition plan showing how they will reduce reliance on foreign workers over time.
Low-Wage Stream: For positions where the wage is below the provincial/territorial median. This stream includes a cap on the proportion of low-wage foreign workers an employer can hire at a specific work location (usually 10% or 20%).
Global Talent Stream (GTS): A specialized stream with faster processing times (target of 10 business days) for employers hiring unique and specialized talent or highly skilled workers in designated tech occupations.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): For employers hiring workers from participating countries (like Mexico and Caribbean countries) for seasonal farming work.
Agricultural Stream: For employers hiring workers for on-farm primary agriculture positions who are not from SAWP-participating countries.

The TFWP Application Process

The process involves coordination between the employer, ESDC, and the foreign worker.

Step 1: Advertise the Position

Before applying, you must conduct recruitment efforts to try and hire a Canadian or permanent resident. This typically involves advertising the job on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and at least two other platforms for a minimum of four consecutive weeks.

Step 2: Apply for an LMIA

Once recruitment is complete (and unsuccessful), the employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC. This application details the job offer, wages, working conditions, and recruitment results. A processing fee of $1,000 per position applies to most streams.

Step 3: Receive a Positive LMIA

If approved, ESDC issues a positive LMIA confirmation letter. This letter outlines the conditions of employment that must be met.

Step 4: Submit Job Offer and LMIA to Worker

The employer provides a copy of the positive LMIA letter and the formal job offer to the foreign worker.

Step 5: Worker Applies for Work Permit

The foreign worker uses these documents to apply for a closed (employer-specific) work permit from IRCC. Once approved, the worker can travel to Canada and begin employment.

Key Considerations

Compliance is Mandatory: Employers are subject to compliance reviews. You must adhere to all terms set out in the offer of employment, including wages, hours, and duties. Failure to comply can result in fines and bans from the program.
Housing Requirements: For the Low-Wage and Agricultural streams, employers may have specific responsibilities regarding finding or providing affordable housing for the worker.
Worker Rights: Foreign workers in Canada have the same rights and protections as Canadian workers. Employers must ensure a workplace free from abuse and provide health insurance coverage where required.

How Career Plus Immigration Can Help

The TFWP involves significant paperwork and precise regulatory knowledge. We act as your partner in building a compliant and effective workforce strategy.

Stream Selection & Eligibility: We assess your business needs to determine the most appropriate TFWP stream.
Recruitment Strategy: We guide you through the advertising requirements to ensure your recruitment efforts meet ESDC standards.
LMIA Preparation: Our team handles the complex LMIA application forms and supporting documentation, crafting a persuasive case for your labour needs.
Work Permit Support: We assist your prospective employees with their work permit applications, ensuring a smooth transition from approval to arrival.

Your Journey, Our Expertise

Hiring through the TFWP is a significant commitment, but it is often the best solution for business growth. Career Plus Immigration provides the expertise and trusted guidance you need to navigate this process with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

LMIA for Employers

Employer Portal for job offer

TFWP for Employers

LMIA for Employers

Employer Portal for job offer

What is the Employer Portal used for?

The Employer Portal is used by Canadian employers to submit offers of employment for foreign workers who do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is also used to pay compliance fees and manage employer information with IRCC.
Who needs to register for the Employer Portal?

Any employer hiring a foreign worker under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for an employer-specific work permit must register. Employers hiring workers with open work permits do not need to use the portal.
How do I reset my Employer Portal password?

If you use a GCKey, you can reset your password through the GCKey login page by answering your recovery questions. If you use a Sign-In Partner (banking login), you must recover your password through your financial institution.
What is the employer compliance fee?

The employer compliance fee is $230 CAD. It is required for most offers of employment submitted through the portal to cover the cost of compliance inspections. Some exemptions apply (e.g., for non-profit organizations).
Can I submit multiple offers of employment through the portal?

Yes. You must submit a separate offer of employment and pay a separate compliance fee for each foreign worker you intend to hire.
How do I update my business information in the portal?

You can update certain business details directly in your account settings. However, critical information like the CRA business number cannot be easily changed; you may need to contact IRCC technical support or create a new account if your business structure changes significantly.
What happens if I make a mistake in the Employer Portal?

If you realize a mistake before the worker applies for their work permit, you can withdraw the offer and submit a new one. If the worker has already applied, correcting the error is difficult and may require withdrawing the work permit application. Always double-check information before submission.

TFWP for Employers

What is the difference between the TFWP and the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The main difference is the LMIA. The TFWP requires an employer to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadians are available. The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA because the position offers broader economic, cultural, or competitive advantages to Canada.
How long does it take to get an LMIA under the TFWP?

Processing times vary by stream and volume of applications. The Global Talent Stream aims for 10 business days. High-wage and low-wage streams can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What are the advertising requirements for a TFWP job posting?

Generally, you must advertise on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and at least two other methods consistent with the occupation (e.g., industry websites, local newspapers). The ads must run for at least four consecutive weeks before applying and remain active until a decision is made.
Can a foreign worker apply for permanent residence while on a TFWP work permit?

Yes. Work experience gained under the TFWP is often eligible for permanent residence pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can also boost a candidate’s points.
What happens if an employer violates TFWP rules?

Employers found to be non-compliant can face administrative monetary penalties (fines), a ban from using the program (hiring foreign workers), and the publication of their business name on a public blacklist.
How long can a foreign worker stay in Canada under the TFWP?

It depends on the stream and the duration of the work permit. Low-wage stream permits are typically limited to one or two years. High-wage permits can be longer. Some streams have cumulative duration caps (e.g., 4 years maximum inside Canada).
Can a TFWP work permit be extended?

Yes, provided the employer obtains a new positive LMIA (or the existing one is still valid) and the worker meets the eligibility requirements. The extension application must be submitted before the current permit expires.

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