Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian employers to temporarily hire foreign nationals to address labor shortages in Canada. Jointly managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the program ensures that employers can access the necessary talent while protecting the rights and safety of foreign workers.

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TFWP Streams

High-Wage Workers

Employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers for positions with wages at or above the median hourly wage in their province or territory must apply through the high-wage workers stream. The process begins with obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can fill the position. Once a positive LMIA is obtained, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit or permanent residency.

Low-Wage Workers

Employers must apply through the low-wage workers stream for positions with wages below the median hourly wage. Like the high-wage stream, an LMIA must demonstrate the lack of available Canadian workers. Employers must adhere to specific conditions to ensure low-wage foreign workers’ workplace rights and safety.

Global Talent Stream

Launched as a pilot program in June 2017, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) facilitates the hiring of highly skilled international talent, helping Canadian businesses compete globally. The GTS offers expedited processing for employers referred to the program, allowing them to hire foreign nationals quickly through the Global Skills Strategy.

Foreign Agricultural Workers

The TFWP includes two agricultural streams for hiring temporary foreign workers in agricultural production: the regular Agricultural Stream and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). Employers must meet specific criteria, such as involvement in sectors listed on Canada’s national commodity list and engaging in on-farm primary agriculture activities. The SAWP allows workers from participating countries to be hired for up to eight months, provided employers meet transportation, housing, and workplace safety requirements.

In-Home Caregivers

Through the In-Home Caregivers stream, families can hire foreign nationals to provide care in private residences for children, seniors, or individuals with medical needs. Positions must meet specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, and families must demonstrate a need for in-home care and the financial ability to pay wages. Families hiring caregivers for seniors and persons with disabilities are exempt from the $1,000 LMIA application fee.

Foreign Academics

Post-secondary institutions in Canada can hire foreign academics to enhance the quality of education and research. Certain academic positions may be exempt from requiring an LMIA or a work permit. For positions that do not qualify for exemptions, institutions must follow the standard procedures for hiring foreign workers through the TFWP.

Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)

An LMIA is a document issued by ESDC assessing the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. A positive LMIA indicates no Canadian worker is available for the position, allowing the employer to hire a foreign national. Employers must provide evidence of their recruitment efforts and demonstrate the need for a foreign worker to obtain an LMIA.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The IMP allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA. This program promotes Canada’s economic, social, and cultural interests by facilitating the entry of foreign workers who offer broader benefits to the country. Employers hiring through the IMP must ensure the position qualifies for an LMIA exemption, pay a compliance fee, and submit a job offer through the IMP’s Employer Portal.

Global Skills Strategy

The Global Skills Strategy accelerates work permit processing for certain foreign workers, allowing applications to be processed within two weeks. Eligible workers must apply outside Canada for positions without an LMIA or under the Global Talent Stream with a positive LMIA.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec

Quebec has unique distinctions in its immigration policies. LMIA applications in Quebec must be submitted in French (except for in-home caregiver positions) and approved by both federal and provincial authorities. Some temporary foreign workers with a valid work permit, a Quebec Certificate of Selection, and residency in Quebec may be exempt from requiring an LMIA.

Conclusion

The TFWP and IMP provide Canadian employers with essential pathways to hire foreign talent, address labor shortages and enhance the country’s economic and cultural landscape. These programs ensure foreign workers are protected and integrated into the Canadian workforce, contributing to the nation’s growth and diversity. For more detailed information on these programs and their requirements, employers and potential applicants are encouraged to consult the official resources and guidelines provided by IRCC and ESDC.