Canada Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP): How to Obtain
The Canada Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) is a federal program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available. The TFWP is designed to fill short-term labor gaps in Canada’s workforce, allow Canadians the first crack at available jobs and assist in the transfer of skills to the Canadian workforce.
There are two types of work permits available under the TFWP: employer-specific and open permits. Employer-specific permits are granted to foreign workers who have a job offer from a Canadian employer for a specific position. Open permits, on the other hand, allow foreign workers to work for any Canadian employer in any position.
To obtain a work permit under the TFWP, a Canadian employer must first apply for a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA is an assessment of the impact hiring a foreign worker would have on the Canadian labor market. Once an employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The employer must prove that they have made efforts to recruit Canadians for the position before hiring a foreign worker.
The TFWP has faced criticism in recent years for the potential exploitation of foreign workers. In 2014, the program was also linked to the death of 13 foreign workers in a tragic traffic accident in rural Alberta. The incident raised concerns about the living and working conditions of temporary foreign workers in Canada.
In response to these concerns, the Canadian government has made changes to the program, including tighter regulations to improve working conditions for temporary foreign workers and establish stronger penalties for employers who violate the program’s rules. The government also created a new International Mobility Program (IMP) to allow foreign workers to work in Canada more easily if they are not covered by the TFWP.
Despite these changes, the TFWP continues to be a crucial program for Canadian employers looking to fill short-term labor gaps. The program provides an opportunity for skilled foreign workers to gain Canadian work experience, while also allowing Canadian businesses to thrive and remain competitive on the global market.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the TFWP?
A: Canadian employers who are unable to find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill temporary labor gaps may be eligible to participate in the program.
Q: What types of work permits are available under the TFWP?
A: There are two types of work permits available under the TFWP: employer-specific and open permits.
Q: How does an employer apply for a labor market impact assessment (LMIA)?
A: Employers can apply for an LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Q: What are the living and working conditions for temporary foreign workers in Canada?
A: The Canadian government has implemented tighter regulations to improve working conditions for temporary foreign workers, including establishing stronger penalties for employers who violate the program’s rules.
Q: What is the International Mobility Program?
A: The International Mobility Program (IMP) was created to allow foreign workers to work in Canada more easily if they are not covered by the TFWP.