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LMIA-Based Employer-Sponsored Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

Temporary work permit requiring employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment proving no Canadian worker is available.

Estimated Cost

$1,350

Processing Time

~6 months

Validity

24 months

Description

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when they can demonstrate that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. Employers must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The program has high-wage and low-wage streams with different requirements.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
2 months – 9 months

Average: 6 months

Visa Validity
2 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~8 years

Requirements

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$1,350