Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a program administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.

Key features of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program include:

• Designed to address temporary labor shortages in specific industries or occupations
• Allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to fill job vacancies
• Employers must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC before hiring foreign workers
• Foreign workers must meet the requirements for the specific job offer and obtain a valid work permit
• Provides opportunities for foreign workers to gain Canadian work experience and contribute to the Canadian economy
• Includes various streams and categories, such as the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Eligibility criteria for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program:

• Employer must have a genuine need for temporary workers to fill job vacancies
• Job offer must meet certain requirements, including wage, working conditions, and duration
• Employer must obtain a positive LMIA from ESDC, unless exempted under specific streams or categories
• Foreign workers must meet the requirements for the specific job offer, including qualifications, skills, and experience
• Foreign workers must obtain a valid work permit before working in Canada
• Foreign workers may be subject to medical examinations, background checks, and other admissibility requirements

Application process for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program:

• Employer submits an application for an LMIA to ESDC, demonstrating the need for temporary foreign workers
• If the LMIA is approved, the employer provides a job offer to the foreign worker
• Foreign worker applies for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Upon approval, the foreign worker can travel to Canada and begin working for the employer

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and requirements for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, employers and foreign workers are advised to consult the official website of ESDC or seek guidance from authorized immigration representatives.