The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to address temporary labour and skill shortages when the applicable program requirements are met. Most TFWP hiring requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada.
Main employer streams
Depending on the occupation, wage, sector and purpose of hiring, the TFWP includes the High-Wage Stream, Low-Wage Stream, Global Talent Stream, agricultural streams and LMIA applications connected to permanent-residence support.
2026 program environment
The program currently applies tighter low-wage rules, including a general 10% cap, a 20% cap for specified sectors and occupations, and refusal to process many low-wage applications in CMAs with unemployment of 6% or higher. Low-wage employment duration is generally limited to one year. High-wage positions can generally request up to three years where justified.
Employer responsibilities
- Meet recruitment and advertising requirements
- Pay the applicable prevailing wage and provide the promised occupation, duties and working conditions
- Comply with the LMIA decision and annexes
- Comply with federal and provincial or territorial employment and recruitment laws
- Maintain required records for six years
- Protect workers from abuse and prohibited recruitment-fee recovery
- Cooperate with inspections
LMIA and work permit are separate
A positive LMIA authorizes the employer to support the proposed hiring. The foreign national still needs the required work permit and must satisfy IRCC’s eligibility and admissibility requirements before working unless otherwise legally authorized.
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.