TFWP — Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Canada•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

Application Fee

1,240 CAD

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

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.

Fee Breakdown

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

Annual Cap & Quota

82000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Canada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite

Processing6 months

View Visa Details

Canada

FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite

Processing6 months

View Visa Details

Canada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite

Processing7-14 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

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 eligibility.
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

Employer assesses need: Canadian employer determines need to hire foreign worker

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

LMIA assessment: Service Canada assesses labour market impact of hiring foreign worker

Receive positive LMIA: Employer receives positive LMIA decision (valid 6 months)

Worker gathers documents: Foreign worker collects passport, identification, and supporting documents

Worker applies for work permit: Foreign worker applies for TFWP work permit

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

Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photograph

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

Verified Claims (28)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Annual Allocation	82000	canada.ca
Application Steps	Employer assesses need: Canadian employer determines need to hire foreign worker; Employer applies f…	canada.ca
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed	canada.ca
Dual Intent	true	canada.ca
English Min Score	—	canada.ca
English Test Name	—	canada.ca
Fee Breakdown	Work permit fee: 155 CAD; Biometric fee: 85 CAD; LMIA fee (paid by employer): 1000 CAD	canada.ca
Fees	CAD 155 work permit fee + CAD 85 biometric fee (employer pays CAD 1,000 LMIA fee unless exempt)	canada.ca

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Check Eligibility

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.

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.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

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 eligibility.
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