Closed
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry
Support a skilled foreign worker’s permanent residency
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The program lets employers support a skilled foreign worker’s permanent residence through an LMIA-based job offer. It covers high-skilled positions, recruitment and advertising requirements, wages, working conditions, and the application process.
/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
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
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
Activities funded
- Hiring skilled foreign workers to support permanent residence applications.
- Submitting an LMIA-based job offer under Express Entry.
- Hiring workers temporarily while their permanent residence application is processed.
Documents Needed
- Business license
- Recent CRA tax documents
- Proof of recruitment and advertising efforts
- Relevant employment agreement
- Required LMIA forms and supporting documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers offering skilled positions under Express Entry programs.
- Employers hiring in management, professional, scientific, technical, or trade occupations.
- Employers offering eligible skilled trade or technical occupations.
Who is not eligible
- Embassies, high commissions, and consulates in Canada.
- Employers on IRCC’s ineligible employer list.
- Employers who have not been in business for at least one year.
- Employers hiring workers who intend to reside in Quebec.
Eligible expenses
- LMIA processing fee for each position requested.
- Recruitment and advertising costs.
- Third-party representative fees.
- Transportation, housing, and private health insurance for certain low-wage positions.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Recruitment fees recovered from temporary foreign workers.
- LMIA processing fees recovered from temporary foreign workers.
- Wages below the prevailing wage requirement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada, except Quebec for this stream.
Processing and Agreement
- Service Canada reviews the LMIA application and supporting documents.
- The application is assessed for program compliance, job offer genuineness, and labour market impact.
- A positive or negative LMIA decision is issued.
- If approved, the employer must continue to comply with the LMIA terms and related regulations.
Additional information
- As of September 26, 2024, certain low-wage LMIA applications are subject to new caps and shorter employment durations.
- Employers must provide an employment agreement signed before the worker's first day.
- Paid representatives must be authorized under Canadian or Quebec regulatory bodies.
- Supporting documents may be requested to assess business legitimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry Program
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry?
The program lets employers support a skilled foreign worker’s permanent residence through an LMIA-based job offer. It covers high-skilled positions, recruitment and advertising requirements, wages, working conditions, and the application process.
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:
Skilled job offer under an eligible immigration program.
Full-time, qualifying position.
Employer must show business legitimacy.
What expenses are eligible under Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Express Entry?
Hiring skilled foreign workers to support permanent residence applications.
Submitting an LMIA-based job offer under Express Entry.
Hiring workers temporarily while their permanent residence application is processed.
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).
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 Other Support
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)