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TFWP — Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
CanadaCanada•North America
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TFWP — Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

8-12 weeks

Estimated Cost

CAD $1,240

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-specific work program for Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers. Requires positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 2025 target reduced to 82,000.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets Canadian employers hire foreign nationals for temporary roles when no qualified Canadians are available. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC is required to confirm the hire won't negatively affect the Canadian labour market.

Work permits are employer-specific: up to 3 years for high-wage positions, up to 1 year for low-wage roles, renewable with a new LMIA. Workers pay CAD 155 (permit) and CAD 85 (biometrics); employers pay CAD 1,000 for the LMIA. Dependents are allowed, spouses may work with restrictions, and a PR pathway exists.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers with a confirmed Canadian job offer whose employer has secured a positive LMIA and who seek temporary, employer-specific work with a potential PR pathway.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit feeCAD $155
Biometric feeCAD $85
LMIA fee (paid by employer)CAD $1,000
TotalCAD $1,240

Annual Cap & Quota

82000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

CEC — Canadian Experience Class
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CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
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FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
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PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Employer must have obtained a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless exempt.

Worker must demonstrate they are qualified for the position (education, experience, skills).

Must be admissible to Canada (no serious criminal, medical, or security issues).

Must provide proof of identity and travel documents (e.g., passport).

Must meet specific wage and working condition requirements set by the program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Job offer letter

Positive LMIA

Passport photo

Police certificate

Medical exam

Positive LMIA letter (sponsor)

Employer authorization (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal employment in Canada for a specific period.
  • Provides a pathway to gain Canadian work experience.
  • Some streams may lead to permanent residence qualification.
  • Protects workers through mandatory employer compliance with wage and safety standards.

Worth Knowing

  • Work permits are generally employer-specific (tied to one employer).
  • The LMIA process can be lengthy and costly for employers.
  • Strict compliance and inspection regimes for employers.
  • Temporary status does not guarantee permanent residency.

Application Process

1

Employer assesses need

Canadian employer determines need to hire foreign worker

2

Employer applies for LMIA

Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment through ESDC/Service Canada

3

LMIA assessment

Service Canada assesses labour market impact of hiring foreign worker

4

Receive positive LMIA

Employer receives positive LMIA decision (valid 6 months)

5

Worker gathers documents

Foreign worker collects passport, identification, and supporting documents

6

Worker applies for work permit

Foreign worker applies for TFWP work permit

7

Pay fee

Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $85 biometric fee

8

Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photograph

9

Receive work permit

Approval sent to secure account

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Work Permit—
IMM 1295
Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
Fill online

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