Table of Contents
What is the TFWP Program?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a federal programme operated by two federal departments in Canada: ESDC and IRCC. They decide whether companies can hire a temporary foreign worker, if the needed labour is available in Canada, and what standards both the foreign worker and the Canadian company must follow. There are multiple streams which Canadian employers may use in order to hire foreign nationals and MUST have a approved LMIA in order to be eligible. The employer must issue a job offer and approved LMIA which makes the foreign worker eligible to apply for a work permit.
Which streams fall under the TFWP?
High-Wage and Low-Wage Workers
Foreign Academics
In-Home Caregivers
Global Talen Stream
Foreign Agricultural Workers
What is an LMIA?
The LMIA is a document produced by the ESDC, a federal government of Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada). They will examine and approve whether the Canadian company has a genuine labour shortage that can only be met from outside the country or whether the same labour can be hired within Canada. The LMIA may be positive or neutral, indicating that the ESDC supports the employer’s perspective on the necessity of employing an employee from overseas due to the inability of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to provide this talent. The LMIA may also be negative if ESDC does not agree with the employer’s point of view and believes the required position should be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
What are the steps involved in getting an LMIA?
Step 1: The employer applies to the ESDC for an LMIA and receives a positive or neutral LMIA.
Step 2 – The employer chooses and recruits a foreign worker.
Step 3 – The foreign worker applies for a permit through the IRCC, accompanied by the ESDC-approved LMIA.
How does this program differ from the IMP program?
| Selection Criteria | TFWP Program | IMP Program |
| LMIA Required | Yes | No |
| Work Permit Type | Employer-specific work permits | Open or Employer-specific work permits |
| International Treaties | Not based on international treaties | Based on International treaties for the most part |
| Purpose | To fill the labor shortages of Canada | To further Canada’s broad economic and cultural interests |
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