Are you interested in getting a job in Canada? The Canadian government has launched various kinds of visas that allow foreign workers to come. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is one of the work visas for foreigners. Check a complete guide on what the program is and how you can apply for TFWP.
What is the temporary foreign worker program
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program, also called the TFWP, is a temporary work visa that allows foreigners to work in Canada for a short period. It is introduced to meet the shortage of labor force in Canada. Temporary foreign workers who have obtained a visa and work permit can stay and work in the country for 6 months with extension possibilities. They can only have one employer and live where they work, abiding by Canadian Laws. Once their visa and work permit is about to expire, they need to apply for extensions or they must return to their home country.
Temporary foreign worker streams
The TFWP Canada not only helps Canadian employers find the foreign workers they need, but also it protects the rights of foreign workers in Canada. TFW Canada have the same rights as Canadian citizens. Under the program, you may apply for the visa through the following streams:
- High-Wage Workers
High-wage workers will be paid above the medium hourly wage of their province or territory. They must receive a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from their employer before they apply for authorization to work in Canada.
- Low-Wage Workers
Low-wage workers will be paid below the medium hourly wage of their province or territory. To apply for a work permit, an LMIA from their employers is also necessary.
- Global Talent Stream
Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program introduced by both the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It aims at helping Canadian employers to hire high-skilled talents from other countries quickly. LMIA is required for this stream.
- Foreign Agricultural Workers
Foreign Agricultural Workers is a stream that allows employers to hire foreign workers to engage in on-farm primary agricultural work for 8 months at most. Employers have to find workers through the SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program) which requires workers to come from certain participating countries including Mexico, Anguilla, Jamaica, etc.
- In-Home Caregivers
In-home caregivers are positions that involve taking care of children, seniors or people with high medical needs. Application fees for the LMIA can be exempted under certain conditions.
- Foreign Academics
Foreign academics stream is launched to fill positions in Canadian campuses. Foreign academics meeting relevant requirements can be exempted from obtaining an LMIA, a work permit or both. Those who do not qualify for exemptions still have to follow TFWP standard procedures.
Eligibility for temporary foreign worker program
Both Canadian employers and foreign workers should be eligible for TFWP. Your application will not be accepted if you don’t follow the requirements as follows:
For employers
- As we mentioned, the LMIA is short for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is used to protect Canadian citizens from unemployment. The employers must get a positive LMIA to prove that they can not find an available and qualified Canadian permanent citizen to work for them and thus need a foreign worker.
- The LMIA must be issued by the ESDA (Employment and Social Development Canada).
- The procedure for an LMIA may take months. It must be applied at least 6 months before the job starts.
For foreign workers
- The same as an employer, it is important for a foreign worker to receive a positive LMIA from his/her employer.
- You need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- You should prove that you will not overstay in Canada once your work permit expires.
- You need financial proof that you can afford to stay in Canada and go back to your home country.
- No criminal record is allowed.
- You must not be a threat to Canada’s national security.
- Proof of your health condition. You should be in good health.
- You must prove that you will not work in the erotic industry, such as escort service, erotic dance, etc.
How to apply for the TFW program
If you have checked all the boxes of eligibility, you can start applying for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Canada. Follow these steps:
Get a job offer
No matter what type of work visa you are applying for, the first thing you need is a job offer. You can search for job opportunities online or you can try the Canadian government’s Job Bank which provides various job resources including jobs for temporary foreign workers. You have to receive a job offer letter from a Canadian company or employer before you apply for a work permit.
Get the LMIA
As we talked about, the LMIA is the most important document for TFWP. Your employer must apply and get approved for an LMIA through ESDA and send it to you. Without a valid LMIA, you will have to find another employer.
Apply for a work visa and permit
Once you receive a LMIA, you can start the application process for a work visa and permit. You can apply in person at a Canadian Consulate in your country or apply online through its website. Relevant documents required are:
- Application Form IMM1295, Schedule 1, IMM 5646, IMM 5409, IMM 5476, IMM 5475.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months before you enter Canada. (Orignal and copy)
- 2 passport-size photos
- A job offer letter from your employer
- Proof of immigration status (if where you reside is different from your citizenship)
- Police record certificates
- Resume or CV
- Diplomas and certificates of education
- A copy of your Marriage Certificate (if you have one)
- A copy of the children’s Birth Certificate (if you have one)
- For jobs in Quebec, a Certificate d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) is required.
The above documents are usually required, but you should confirm with the specific Consulate you deal with.
Complete medical examination
Proving your health condition is necessary in a lot of work fields, such as child care, school teaching, health care and agricultural positions. You can find a licensed doctor to complete a medical examination and have him signed a document proving you are in good health. This step is not mandatory, but your work choices may be limited if don’t go through this step.
Attend visa interview
After you have made an appointment with your Consulate, you should attend the appointment on time and go through an interview with the staff. Follow their instructions and answer their questions truthfully.
Wait for the Consulate to process
Once you have submitted all the required documents, you need to wait for the result. The processing time depends on the Consulate of your country, ranging from 3 to 27 weeks. If your application is approved, you will receive further instructions, if not, they will inform you of the denial reasons.
Travel to Canada
If you obtain your work visa successfully, you can travel to Canada for work. Make sure you have arranged your accommodation in Canada and remember to bring all your documents with you in case you need to present them at the Port of Entry.
How long does it take to get Canada work permit
Canada has 7 types of work permits, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Business Visitors, Open Work Permits and more. The processing time varies depending on the types of permit you choose and the workloads of the Consulate in your country. Usually, it takes 3 to 4 months for overseas applicants to get a Canada work permit. For the TFWP process, it may take up to 8 months since you need at least 5 months to get a response from the LMIA application. Be patient and be prepared for the long processing time.
Canada temporary work visa fees
The fees for a Canada temporary work visa vary based on the type of visa and whether you are applying as an individual or a group. If you are required to give biometric information at the Consulate, you need to pay an additional fee. See the below table:
| Fees (CAD) | Note | |
| Work Permit for individual (initial application or extension) | $155 | |
| Work Permit for group (initial application or extension) | $465 | “Group” means 3 or more performing artists. This is the maximum fee for a group. |
| International Experience Canada | $161 | |
| Open Work Permit | $100 | |
| Restore status as worker | $355 | $200 for status restoration and $155 for new Work Permit |
| Additional Biometric Information for individual | $85 | |
| Additional Biometric Information for group | $170 | “Group” means 2 or more people apply at the same place and time. This is the maximum fee for a group. |
To apply for the TFWP as an individual, the cost is $155 and an additional $85 if you need to provide your biometric information.
FAQ
Is PGWP a temporary foreign worker?
Yes. PGWP stands for Post-Graduation Work Permit. It is a work permit that allows foreign students to work in Canada for 8 months to 3 years.
Can TFWs apply for permanent residency?
Yes. TFWs can apply for permanent residency in Canada as long as they meet the eligibility criteria set by the immigration authorities.
How long can a temporary foreign worker stay in Canada?
The temporary work permit is valid for 6 months, but you can apply for an extension. The maximum time you can stay in Canada through the TFW program is 4 years.
Can I bring my dependents to Canada while on the TFWP?
Yes. If you are on the TFWP, you are allowed to bring your dependents to Canada, including your spouse, common-law partner and minor children.
Conclusion
The TFWP is a program that helps both Canadian employers and foreign nationals who intend to find jobs in Canada. We have delved into every aspect of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program from the streams it includes to all the documents it requires. Hope you find a great job and get your work permit smoothly.
Erin Lo