The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) provides Canadian employers with an opportunity to fill immediate skills and labor shortages. SM Immigration can help you file the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application required for employers who want to hire foreign workers.
Canadian employers may hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to fill positions when Canadians and permanent residents are not available. Employers may recruit workers from any country into any lawful occupation as long as both the employer and the foreign worker meet the specific requirements of the TFWP program.
A formal application must be made to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Upon receiving an approval, the foreign worker may submit his/her application for a Canada work permit.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Employers must make an application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will assess an employer on multiple factors. Employers must demonstrate reasonable efforts to employ Canadians and/or permanent residents for the position, pay the minimum prevailing wage and commit to other requirements. Employers may wish to submit an application for a single individual, or multiple positions within the same or different occupations. Government filing fee is $1000 CDN per position requested.
Temporary Foreign Workers – Work Permits
Once an LMIA has been approved, the foreign worker may submit an application for a temporary work permit. Foreign workers must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the job by presenting evidence of their work experience and education background. They must pass security background checks, and depending on the occupation, a medical examination may also be required. The foreign workers work permit will indicate the name of the employer, and will restrict the employee from working for another employer. If an employee is terminated, he/she may remain in Canada until the expiration of their work permit but may not take up any other employment without first securing an LMIA or LMIA exempt job offer.
LMIA Exempt Job Offers and Work Permits
In some specific cases, an LMIA is not required. International agreements, certain co-op placements for international students and other very specific situations, for example; open work permit for a spouse.
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