TFWP — Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

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.