The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians or permanent residents aren’t available. It is jointly connected to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC / Service Canada) and IRCC.
In most TFWP cases, the employer must first get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Then the worker applies for an employer-specific work permit.
This guide is written for workers (not employers). It explains what you need, what your employer needs, fees, processing times, and common mistakes.
TFWP vs LMIA-exempt work permits (important difference)
Not every Canadian work permit needs an LMIA.
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TFWP = usually needs an LMIA.
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LMIA-exempt work permits (often under the International Mobility Program) use the Employer Portal and an “offer of employment number,” not an LMIA.
If your employer is telling you “no LMIA needed,” confirm the reason using IRCC’s LMIA guidance before you apply.
What an LMIA is and who applies for it
An LMIA is a decision about whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or negative impact on Canada’s labour market. A positive LMIA confirms there’s a need for a foreign worker and no Canadians/PRs are available for the job.
Important: the employer applies for the LMIA, not the worker.
Who can apply for an LMIA work permit as a worker
You generally need:
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A real job offer / employment contract from a Canadian employer
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A copy of the positive LMIA (or LMIA confirmation details)
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A valid passport/travel document
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Proof you meet the job’s requirements (training, licence if needed)
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To be admissible to Canada (medical/security/criminal checks may apply)
Full-time and “non-seasonal” isn’t always true
Some TFWP streams are seasonal (example: agriculture). What matters is that your work permit matches the LMIA and job contract terms.
Step-by-step process (worker view)
1) Employer applies for the LMIA (ESDC / Service Canada)
TFWP has different LMIA streams (high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, Global Talent Stream, etc.).
The offered wage determines whether the employer applies under high-wage or low-wage rules.
2026 note: ESDC updated the wage threshold table “as of June 27, 2025.”
2) Employer receives a positive LMIA and sends you the documents
You should receive:
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your signed employment contract, and
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a copy of the LMIA (or the correct LMIA details for your application).
3) You apply for an employer-specific work permit (IRCC)
An employer-specific work permit limits you to the employer and conditions listed on the permit (employer, location, duration).
IRCC states you apply online in most cases.
4) Biometrics and medical exam (if required)
If you need biometrics, IRCC usually gives you up to 30 days after your biometric instruction letter to complete them.
Some jobs require a medical exam (depending on your work type and other factors).
5) Decision and travel to Canada
If approved, IRCC issues your work permit conditions. Processing times vary by country and application type.
Fees (what you pay vs what your employer pays)
Worker fees (IRCC)
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Work permit fee: $155
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Biometrics: $85 (if required)
Employer fee (LMIA)
ESDC states the LMIA processing fee is $1,000 per position for high-wage and low-wage streams.
Processing times (what to check)
Because there are two separate steps, you should check both:
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LMIA processing times (ESDC): ESDC publishes a table updated monthly showing average times by stream.
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Work permit processing times (IRCC): use IRCC’s processing time tool (varies by country and application type).
Your rights in Canada (very important)
ESDC states temporary foreign workers have the same rights and protections as Canadians and permanent residents, and provides a worker rights guide.
IRCC also states employers must make sure temporary workers aren’t charged recruitment fees.
If you are in Canada on an employer-specific permit and you’re being abused or at risk of abuse in relation to your job, IRCC has an open work permit for vulnerable workers option.
Common red flags (avoid problems)
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Someone asks you to pay “LMIA costs” or recruitment fees (serious red flag).
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Employer cannot provide the LMIA document details but asks you to apply anyway.
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The job offer looks different from what you will actually do (pay, duties, location). Your permit conditions must match.
FAQ
Do I always need an LMIA?
No. Most employers need an LMIA, but some work permits are LMIA-exempt (they use an Employer Portal offer number instead).
Can I change employers on an employer-specific permit?
Not automatically. Your permit is tied to the employer and conditions listed on it. To change, you usually need a new work permit tied to the new employer (and often a new LMIA).
How long do I have to give biometrics?
IRCC says you generally have up to 30 days after you receive your biometrics instruction letter.
How do I check processing times?
Use ESDC’s LMIA processing table and IRCC’s processing time tool.
Can my family come with me?
IRCC says spouses/partners and dependent children may be able to work, study, or live with you in Canada, depending on your situation and permit type.
Reality check
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TFWP is employer-driven. Even with a job offer, you still need the employer to meet LMIA rules and you still need IRCC approval for a work permit.
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Processing timelines are not fixed. Check both the LMIA table (ESDC) and the IRCC processing tool before making plans.
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If a recruiter or employer asks you to pay recruitment fees, treat it as a warning sign and confirm your rights using official sources.
TFWP / LMIA overview (ESDC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html
High-wage vs low-wage (wage thresholds, updated June 27, 2025):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/median-wage.html
LMIA processing times (updated monthly):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/labour-market-impact-assessment-processing-times.html
LMIA requirement (IRCC: do you need an LMIA?):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-temporary-foreign/find-need-labour-market-impact-assessment.html
Work permit overview + employer-specific permit rules:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit.html
How to apply for a work permit (online):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit/apply.html
IRCC fee list (work permit $155, biometrics):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
Biometrics (30 days after BIL):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/where-to-give.html
IRCC processing time tool:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Temporary foreign workers rights (ESDC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/protected-rights.html
Open work permit for vulnerable workers (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/special-instructions/vulnerable-workers.html
