Temporary Foreign Workers

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a program of the Government of Canada that allows employers in Canada to hire foreign nationals. Workers brought in under the program are referred to as Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) and are allowed to work in positions that are not filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The aim is to address skill shortages and promote economic growth, and helps businesses meet their short-term labour needs.Initially, the program was aimed at nurses and farm workers, but today it gives highly skilled and less skilled workers the opportunity to work in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience across a variety of job categories.

Apart from their temporary status, TFWs have the same employment rights as Canadian workers. For an employer to hire a TFW, or for a TFW to work in a company they started in Canada, they usually need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA or a confirmation letter grants permission to the employer who proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job as no Canadian worker is available and that such hiring will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market. While the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is primarily for temporary workers, skilled workers who want to become permanent Canadian residents can explore the Express Entry system. Speak with Canada Work Connect to learn more!