Open
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream
Fast access to highly skilled foreign workers
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 18, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
This program helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled temporary foreign workers through the Global Talent Stream. It supports roles in innovative firms and in-demand occupations, with a maximum LMIA processing fee of $1,000 per position.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 18, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring unique and specialized temporary foreign workers to help a company scale and grow.
- Hiring highly skilled workers for occupations on the global talent occupations list.
Documents Needed
- Most recent business license
- Recent CRA tax documents
- Recruitment and advertisement records
- Referral form from a designated partner, for Category A
- Labour Market Benefits Plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Innovative Canadian firms referred by a designated partner
- Canadian employers hiring for in-demand occupations on the global talent list
Who is not eligible
- Employers on the TFWP ineligibility list
- Businesses that regularly offer sex-industry services
- Employers in default of an administrative monetary penalty
Eligible expenses
- LMIA processing fee of $1,000 per requested position.
- Costs related to third-party representatives.
- Advertising and recruitment costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Recruitment fees charged to temporary foreign workers.
- Processing fees recovered from temporary foreign workers.
- Costs linked to withdrawn, cancelled, or refused applications are not reimbursed.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Innovation and growth potential of the business.
- Need for unique and specialized talent.
- Occupation included on the global talent list, for Category B.
- Ability to meet Labour Market Benefits Plan commitments.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review requirements
- Determine if an LMIA is needed.
- Check Category A or B eligibility and provincial requirements.
- Prepare the Labour Market Benefits Plan and supporting documents.
- Step 2: Create the online application
- Sign in to LMIA Online using a Job Bank for employers account.
- Complete the application form and upload required documents.
- Category A applicants must upload the referral form for each worker.
- Step 3: Submit and pay
- Submit the LMIA application through LMIA Online.
- Pay the processing fee, if applicable.
- Step 4: After submission
- Respond to Service Canada if changes or clarifications are needed.
- Receive the written decision once the assessment is complete.
Processing and Agreement
- Application is reviewed for program requirements and labour market impact.
- Service Canada may temporarily suspend processing in serious risk cases.
- Decision is provided in writing after assessment.
- Approved employers receive a positive LMIA letter.
- Annual LMBP progress reviews continue after approval.
Additional information
- LMBP progress reviews are conducted annually.
- Approved LMIA is valid for up to 6 months.
- Processing fees are not refunded in case of withdrawal or negative decision.
- Employers must keep supporting documents for 6 years.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream Program
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream?
This program helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled temporary foreign workers through the Global Talent Stream. It supports roles in innovative firms and in-demand occupations, with a maximum LMIA processing fee of $1,000 per position.
Who is eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream program?
To be eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream program, you must:
Innovative Canadian firms with a referral.
Employers hiring for in-demand occupations.
A Labour Market Benefits Plan is required.
What expenses are eligible under Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream?
Hiring unique and specialized temporary foreign workers to help a company scale and grow.
Hiring highly skilled workers for occupations on the global talent occupations list.
Who can I contact for more information about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or by phone at 1-877-864-9191.
Where is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream available?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream?
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Global Talent Stream is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)