Open
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW)
LMIA hiring guidance for temporary foreign workers
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 18, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
The program offers guidance for employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program by determining the appropriate Labour Market Impact Assessment stream and understanding compliance responsibilities. Eligible activities include hiring for high and low-wage positions, primary agriculture, supporting permanent residency, the Global Talent Stream, caregiver roles, foreign academic positions, and positions in Quebec, although no maximum funding amount is specified.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 18, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Higher Education
- Other Health Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- New immigrants & refugees
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring temporary foreign workers with an LMIA.
- Hiring through specific LMIA streams such as high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, Global Talent Stream, caregiver, academic, Quebec, or Recognized Employer Pilot.
Documents Needed
- Business legitimacy documents.
- Recruitment and advertisement documents.
- Referral forms, for Global Talent Stream Category A.
- Quebec-specific documents, where applicable.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian employers hiring temporary foreign workers.
- Employers using the high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, caregiver, academic, Quebec or Global Talent Stream.
- Recognized employers using the simplified LMIA process.
Who is not eligible
- Employers operating in the sex industry.
- Employers on the ineligibility list for non-compliance or unpaid penalties.
Eligible expenses
Employers in Canada can access grants to hire temporary foreign workers through various Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) streams. These activities enable businesses to meet labor shortages across diverse roles and sectors while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
- Apply for LMIAs for high and low-wage positions based on provincial or territorial median wages.
- Hire temporary foreign workers in primary agriculture for relevant occupations and activities.
- Support skilled foreign workers in their permanent residency applications through LMIA.
- Leverage the Global Talent Stream to hire uniquely skilled or in-demand talent.
- Recruit temporary foreign caregivers for children, seniors, or persons with medical needs.
- Bring foreign academics to Canadian degree-granting post-secondary institutions.
- Streamline the hiring of temporary foreign workers in Quebec via regular or facilitated processes.
- Utilize the Recognized Employer Pilot for a simplified TFW application process.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada.
- Quebec-specific applications, where applicable.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed for labour market impact and program compliance.
- A written decision letter is issued once the assessment is complete.
- Positive LMIA holders must provide the decision letter to the worker.
- Post-decision compliance inspections may occur.
Additional information
- Employers must keep relevant records for 6 years.
- Approved LMIA changes may need to be reported.
- Non-compliance can lead to penalties or a ban.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW)?
The program offers guidance for employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program by determining the appropriate Labour Market Impact Assessment stream and understanding compliance responsibilities. Eligible activities include hiring for high and low-wage positions, primary agriculture, supporting permanent residency, the Global Talent Stream, caregiver roles, foreign academic positions, and positions in Quebec, although no maximum funding amount is specified.
Who is eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) program?
To be eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) program, you must:
LMIA is required, if applicable.
Stream requirements must be met.
Quebec rules may apply.
What expenses are eligible under Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW)?
Hiring temporary foreign workers with an LMIA.
Hiring through specific LMIA streams such as high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, Global Talent Stream, caregiver, academic, Quebec, or Recognized Employer Pilot.
Where is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) available?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) program is available across Canada.
Is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW)?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) is funded by Government of Canada