Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry
LMIA guidance for temporary foreign workers
Latest source updateLast Update: July 10, 2026Latest change: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program guidance now shows Newfoundland and Labrador as participating with a June 11, 2026 implementation date, while Ontario is explicitly not participating.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 10, 2026
Latest change: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program guidance now shows Newfoundland and Labrador as participating with a June 11, 2026 implementation date, while Ontario is explicitly not participating.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program update
The Temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program page now shows Newfoundland and Labrador as participating, with an implementation date of June 11, 2026, and Ontario as explicitly not participating. This changes where the temporary low-wage measures apply and updates the provincial eligibility coverage shown on the page. The Login page for LMIA Online also lost the system-issues notice and the “New to LMIA Online?” link, which is a minor process and portal navigation change rather than a rule change. A related guidance page on minimum advertising requirements only added a feedback block, without changing the application requirements themselves.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
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
- Newcomers to Canada
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Nursing Homes
- Other Health Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Housing
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Children & youth
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian employers.
- Third-party representatives acting on behalf of 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 IRCC ineligibility list, including employers found non-compliant in 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.
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural areas outside census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in participating provinces and territories.
- Economic regions of Montréal and Laval.
How to apply
- Create your own user account on Job Bank.
- Register the business on Job Bank before submitting the LMIA application.
- Submit the LMIA application through LMIA Online.
Processing and Agreement
- Service Canada assesses the LMIA application and supporting documents to determine whether the result will be a positive or negative LMIA.
- The assessment verifies employer eligibility, authorized third-party representation if applicable, consistency of the job offer with federal, provincial or territorial agreements, and the genuineness of the job offer.
- Positive decisions issued for LMIA applications received as of May 1, 2024 are valid for up to 6 months.
- During the validity period, employers must notify the temporary foreign worker that the LMIA was approved, send the positive LMIA letter, and the worker must apply for a work permit.
- If employers do not provide the names of the temporary foreign workers when applying, they must continue to recruit Canadians and permanent residents until they choose a temporary foreign worker.
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.
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)