The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour and skill shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available. Foreign nationals usually can come to Canada to work for 1 or 2 years under this program.

For employers who have been unable to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for job openings, the TFWP makes it possible to hire workers from abroad. Thus employers do not have to suffer their business because of lack of qualified manpower through domestic supply.

While most temporary foreign workers will be hired to address a specific, short-term labour need, some temporary foreign workers who initially came to fill a temporary vacancy can transition to permanent residence if they meet certain requirements. For example, the Canadian Experience Class is open to foreign nationals who have been working full-time in Canada as trades people or in managerial or professional occupations and meet certain other requirements. Other foreign workers may qualify through the Provincial Nominee Program for permanent residence in Canada. 

LMIA Requirement

Most employers need an LMIA before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. Before you start the hiring process, you must determine if you need an LMIA.

An LMIA confirms

• there is a need for a temporary foreign worker
• no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job

However in few instances employers and employees may be exempt from needing an LMIA Review the LMIA exemption codes and work permit exemptions.

You’ll need an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

The LMIA application process depends on the type of program you’re hiring through.

Find out how to apply for an LMIA to hire

• high-wage workers
• low-wage workers
• workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
• workers through the Agricultural Stream

Once an LMIA has been issued, you should provide a copy of the confirmation letter to each temporary foreign worker and tell each of them to apply for a work permit.

Please note- the candidate will receive a closed work permit through this process that means he is allowed to work only for the specific employer and under specific conditions.

Contact us  for further information regarding the procedures for applying for a LMIA Or Work permit.