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Source verified August 14, 2026
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry
Support skilled workers’ permanent residency
Latest source updateLast Update: September 26, 2026Latest change: Program requirements now define the employer relationship, prohibit misclassifying workers as independent contractors, and add new rules for representatives and abuse-free workplace reviews.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 26, 2026
Latest change: Program requirements now define the employer relationship, prohibit misclassifying workers as independent contractors, and add new rules for representatives and abuse-free workplace reviews.
TFW Program requirements updated
The Program requirements page now adds detailed employer definitions and employer-worker relationship rules for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It also adds misclassification rules, third-party representative requirements, and a new-employer review tied to abuse-free workplace and affiliated-employer conditions. The recruitment page now says employers must make reasonable efforts to hire and train Canadians and permanent residents before hiring foreign workers, and it streamlines the stream-specific recruitment instructions into high-wage and low-wage requirements.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program guides Canadian employers and authorized third-party representatives submitting Labour Market Impact Assessment applications to hire temporary foreign workers in Canada when needed. It covers high-wage and low-wage positions, recruitment and advertisement, wages, business legitimacy, working conditions, housing, transportation, health insurance, and LMIA processing rules.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers.
Who is not eligible
- Employers that regularly offer services in the sex industry, including striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massage.
- Employers on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ineligibility list, including employers that have been found non-compliant as result of an employer compliance review, banned from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program because non-compliance was discovered during an inspection, or in default of payment of an administrative monetary penalty.
- Employers that are new and have not been in business for a minimum of 1 year.
- Employers hiring workers who intend to reside in the province of Quebec.
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural areas outside census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in participating provinces and territories.
- Economic regions of Montréal and Laval.
How to apply
- Apply using LMIA Online.
- Use a Job Bank for employers account to access LMIA Online.
- Sign into LMIA Online using the same log-in information you use to access your Job Bank for employers account.
- Create, fill out and submit your LMIA application from the Employer Dashboard.
- Upload any required documents.
- Pay the processing fee, if applicable.
Processing and Agreement
- Service Canada will assess the LMIA application submitted by the employer to determine what impact hiring a foreign worker would have on Canada’s job market.
- Based on the application and the documents received, the Department will issue a positive or negative LMIA.
- Once the assessment process is complete, the employer will be notified in writing of the final decision of their LMIA application.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry Program
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program guides Canadian employers and authorized third-party representatives submitting Labour Market Impact Assessment applications to hire temporary foreign workers in Canada when needed. It covers high-wage and low-wage positions, recruitment and advertisement, wages, business legitimacy, working conditions, housing, transportation, health insurance, and LMIA processing rules.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry program?
To be eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry program, you must:
The employment offered must be a full-time position with a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
For low-wage positions, the job offer must be advertised for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks in the 3 months before applying.
For low-wage positions, employers must target youth in recruitment efforts.
Who can I contact for more information about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.DEMANDE.FORMULAIRE.PTET-TFWP.FORM.REQUEST.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-367-5693.
Where is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry available?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry program is available across Canada.
Is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)