Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada
Hire skilled temporary foreign workers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 18, 2021
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
When qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available, you can access a pool of foreign workers you can hire on a temporary basis, through one of the program's specialized talent streams. Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment to see if y
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$64,000
Hiring skilled foreign artisans to produce custom furniture for a social economy enterprise
$48,000
Hiring specialized agricultural workers for a family-owned organic farm
$120,000
Hiring a specialized IT team to implement advanced cybersecurity measures for a financial cooperative
$75,000
Hiring international chefs to introduce a diverse menu at a new high-end restaurant
$100,000
Hiring international marketing experts to expand global reach for a startup
$160,000
Recruitment of clinical researchers for a healthcare non-profit organization
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for utilizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is determined by specific criteria related to the employer and the nature of the position.
- The employer must be prepared to apply for and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when required.
- The employer must comply with all recruitment efforts specific to the stream and wage of the position.
- The job offer must meet the median wage requirements as defined by the province or territory.
- The employer must demonstrate efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents first, especially for high-wage positions.
- Compliance with federal, provincial, or territorial employment and recruitment laws and regulations is mandatory.
- For some streams, such as primary agriculture, the position must be directly related to primary agricultural activities.
- The job must be genuine and not conflict with existing labor laws or agreements.
- Employers hiring under different streams, such as the Global Talent Stream or for caregiver positions, must meet stream-specific requirements.
- Employers in Quebec may be subject to additional or different criteria as per provincial regulations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Employers looking to hire temporary foreign workers under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process as part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada are eligible to apply. Specific streams include hiring for high and low-wage positions, primary agriculture positions, applications supporting permanent residency, the Global Talent Stream, caregiver positions, foreign academic positions, hiring in Quebec, and the Recognized Employer Pilot. Each stream has its own eligibility and application requirements based on the employment needs and conditions in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine LMIA Requirement
- Evaluate if an LMIA is required based on the position you intend to fill.
- Consult the 'Find out if you need an LMIA' provided by Employment and Social Development Canada.
- Step 2: Select Appropriate LMIA Stream
- Choose the correct LMIA stream according to the job position: High/Low-Wage, Primary Agriculture, Global Talent, Caregiver, etc.
- Consider location-specific procedures if applying for positions in Quebec.
- Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
- Collect necessary documents such as job offer, recruitment efforts proof, and business legitimacy documents.
- Ensure compliance with requirements specific to the selected LMIA stream.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Log into LMIA Online using a Job Bank account.
- Complete and submit the LMIA application via the online portal.
- Ensure all required fields are filled and necessary documents uploaded.
- Step 5: After Submission
- Monitor processing times and await a decision on your application.
- Prepare for potential additional requests from Employment and Social Development Canada.
- Step 6: Compliance and Follow-up
- Adhere to employer compliance obligations if your LMIA is approved.
- Be aware of the procedures to modify a positive LMIA if necessary.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Employers must adhere to employer compliance obligations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- There are specific modifications that can be made to a positive LMIA if necessary.
- Employers are encouraged to voluntarily disclose any non-compliance issues before an inspection is initiated.
- A list of non-compliant employers is maintained and available after inspections.
- An LMIA Online system is available for submitting applications electronically. A Job Bank account is necessary for access.
- There is an Employer Contact Centre available for inquiries and assistance.
Apply to this program
Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and LMIA Applications
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. Employers must select and submit the appropriate Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to ensure compliance and effective management of foreign worker employment.
Key Aspects of Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers Under the TFWP
This program, managed by Employment and Social Development Canada alongside Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is essential for employers looking to hire foreign talent temporarily to combat acute labor shortages which cannot be met by the local workforce. An LMIA is a crucial document that a Canadian employer must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as proof that there is a legitimate need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do so. The LMIA process assesses the impact that hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian job market.
Deciding the right LMIA stream is crucial. Depending on the wage offered, positions are categorized into high-wage and low-wage positions based on the provincial/territorial median wage. For those hiring in agriculture, specific provisions apply to ensure timely access to labour in critical areas. The Global Talent Stream allows companies to hire uniquely skilled workers required for scaling innovative projects, whereas the caregiver stream aids employers needing to hire TFWs for personalized care services.
Particularly, in Quebec, employers must navigate specific procedures which might involve additional provincial considerations. Meanwhile, the Recognized Employer Pilot simplifies processes for those in recurring needs of hiring TFWs, streamlining compliance and satisfaction of LMIA processes over multiple seasons or years. Compliance with the TFWP is an ongoing obligation involving retaining records, ensuring work conditions are met, and addressing any discrepancies proactively.
Furthermore, employers are suggested to apply through the LMIA Online platform facilitating secure and efficient submission. Timely processing and proper submission of applications help prevent delays and ensure a seamless transition for temporary workers entering the business structure.
This process not only aids businesses in bridging labor gaps but also supports foreign workers in transitioning towards permanent residency, fostering long-term benefits for both parties. Employers should remain informed about potential impacts from unforeseen events such as hazardous weather and must comply with voluntary disclosures of potential non-compliance before official inspections. These careful measures are designed to maintain the integrity and efficiency of Canada's labor market while protecting both employers and foreign workers involved.
