Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows employers to hire foreign nationals on a temporary basis when no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill specific job roles.

For Employers

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The program addresses short-term labor shortages across various industries, such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Employers are required to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market, typically through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

Key Features of the TFWP:

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Purpose: The LMIA is a crucial part of the TFWP and is used to assess whether hiring a foreign worker will negatively affect job opportunities for Canadians. The employer must prove that they made reasonable efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents but were unable to find a suitable candidate.
Process: Employers submit an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), providing details on the job vacancy, recruitment efforts, wages, and working conditions.
Positive LMIA: If the LMIA is approved (positive LMIA), the employer can proceed with hiring the foreign worker, who will use the LMIA approval to apply for a work permit.

Types of Workers Covered

High-Wage Workers: Jobs that offer wages above the provincial or territorial median wage. Employers hiring high-wage workers are required to submit transition plans showing how they will reduce reliance on foreign workers over time.
Low-Wage Workers: Jobs that offer wages below the median wage. Employers hiring low-wage workers must adhere to specific caps on the number of low-wage positions within their organization and meet additional requirements, such as providing transportation and housing.
Seasonal Agricultural Workers: The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) allows employers to hire temporary workers from specific countries (e.g., Mexico and Caribbean nations) to fill labor shortages in the agricultural sector during peak seasons.
Caregivers: The TFWP also allows employers to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for children, seniors, or individuals with high medical needs.

Benefits

Employer Obligations

Recruitment Efforts: Employers must demonstrate they have made efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before applying for an LMIA.
Wages and Conditions: Employers must provide wages and working conditions that meet federal and provincial standards and are comparable to those offered to Canadian workers in similar positions.
Transportation and Housing (for Low-Wage and Seasonal Workers): Employers may be required to cover the cost of round-trip transportation and offer affordable housing for workers.
Return Transportation: For low-wage or seasonal positions, employers must also cover the cost of the worker’s return to their home country.

Our Approach

Greenberg Hameed PC offers comprehensive support to employers navigating this process, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Labour Market Testing: We assist in conducting necessary labor market testing to justify the need for hiring foreign workers.
Application Preparation: Detailed preparation and submission of LMIA applications to reduce the risk of delays or refusals.
Ongoing Support: Support throughout the LMIA process, including liaising with government authorities and managing additional documentation requirements.

Why Work With Us

Every business has unique needs, and we create custom strategies that reflect your specific hiring goals—whether you’re filling critical senior roles or scaling your workforce with top talent.

Streamlined Process

Regulatory Expertise & Compliance

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