Foreign Worker 2025 Guide
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour shortages when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable. Administered jointly by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it relies on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to ensure Canadian workers are not displaced. Once an employer secures a positive LMIA, a foreign worker can apply for an employer-specific work permit, submit biometrics and—if admissible—begin employment under set conditions. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, fees, processing times and common questions
Who Can Apply?
To work in Canada under the TFWP, you must:
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Have a valid job offer
Your Canadian employer must offer you full-time, non-seasonal employment. -
Obtain a positive LMIA
The employer applies to Service Canada for an LMIA, demonstrating no Canadians can fill the position. -
Receive LMIA confirmation
You need the official LMIA letter or confirmation number before applying for your work permit.
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Meet occupation requirements
Hold any required education, training or licences for your role and a valid passport or travel document -
Be admissible to Canada
Pass medical, security and criminality checks to ensure you pose no risk.
How Does the Application Process Work?
1. Employer Secures LMIA
The Canadian employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC’s Service Canada centre, detailing recruitment efforts, wages and working conditions
2. Receive Positive LMIA
Once approved, Service Canada issues a confirmation letter to the employer, who forwards it to you
3. Apply for Work Permit
You submit an online application for an employer-specific work permit, including:
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Employment contract
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LMIA confirmation letter or offer number
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Passport/travel document scans
4. Pay Fees and Biometrics
Pay the work permit processing fee and the CAD 85 biometrics fee, then give fingerprints and photo within 30 days of instruction
5. Undergo Medical Exam (if required)
Complete a panel-physician medical exam for occupations with health risks.
6. Receive Work Permit
IRCC issues your permit, which specifies your employer, job, location and duration. You can then travel to Canada and begin work
Application Fee and Processing Time
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Work permit fee: From CAD 155 for employer-specific permits
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Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per individual
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Processing times: Vary by country and visa office. Check IRCC’s “Check processing times” tool for up-to-date estimates
Required Documents
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Valid Passport -
Education Credential Assessment -
Language Test Results -
Proof of Work Experience -
Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province -
Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Hire a temporary foreign worker (LMIA) canada.ca
🔗 Work permit – IRCC canada.ca
🔗 Check processing times – IRCC canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?
A federal program allowing employers to hire foreign nationals temporarily when Canadians are not available
Do I need an LMIA?
Yes—an employer must secure a positive LMIA before you apply for a work permit
Can I change employers?
No—an employer-specific permit ties you to one employer; to change, you must get a new LMIA and work permit.
How long is my permit valid?
Validity matches your LMIA approval period, up to two years for most high-wage positions
What happens if I lose my job?
You must apply for a new work permit or leave Canada; employers may notify IRCC of non-compliance.
Can my family accompany me?
Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children may apply for open work or study permits under certain conditions
