Canada•North AmericaTemporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
At a Glance
Processing Time
56-84 days
Application Fee
1,155 CAD
Stay Duration
Up to 4 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
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) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for positions where Canadians are not available. All work permits under TFWP are employer-specific and require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
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Requirements
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid identification document
Job offer letter
From Canadian employer with detailed position
Positive LMIA
Labour Market Impact Assessment confirmation
Passport photo
Recent biometric-style photo
Police certificate
If required by IRCC
OptionalMedical exam
If required by IRCC
OptionalSponsor Documents
Positive LMIA letter
From Service Canada/ESDC confirming LMIA approval
Employer authorization
Signed offer letter from employer representative
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Advantages
- Allows employers to fill labour gaps
- Workers gain Canadian experience
- Can lead to permanent residency pathways
- LMIA ensures job legitimacy
- Can bring family dependents
Considerations
- Employer-specific (cannot change employers without new LMIA)
- Expensive LMIA costs for employers
- Reduced intake (82,000 in 2025)
- Long processing time
- No direct PR pathway
- Labour market protections required
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
Application for Work Permit
Form ID: IMM 1295
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