TFWP & IMP - Themillenniumimmigration

Temporary Foreign Worker Program & International Mobility Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian businesses to address labor shortages by hiring skilled workers from abroad. Meanwhile, the International Mobility Program (IMP) supports Canada's economic, social, and cultural goals by facilitating the entry of foreign nationals.

Employers seeking to hire through the TFWP are required to undergo the Canadian government’s labor market test, referred to as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In contrast, foreign nationals applying for a work permit under the IMP do not need an LMIA. This detailed page on themillenniumimmigration.com offers an overview of the LMIA process.

If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer from The Millennium Immigration, please fill out our contact form.

Overview of the TFWP and IMP

Canada provides over 100 distinct pathways for foreign nationals to temporarily work in the country. These options are divided between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The TFWP is jointly managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows Canadian employers to address genuine labor shortages by hiring international talent, while ensuring Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority for job openings.

The IMP, administered by IRCC, supports Canada’s broader economic, social, and cultural objectives. In addition to meeting labor market needs, the program facilitates the entry of foreign workers to strengthen Canada’s bilateral and multilateral relationships and to promote areas like arts, culture, sports, and religion.

The key difference between the TFWP and IMP is that the TFWP requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a labor market test conducted by the Canadian government.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), along with a temporary work permit, is mandatory for foreign nationals seeking employment under the TFWP. An LMIA confirms that hiring the foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.

Employers in Canada should familiarize themselves with the LMIA process, including requirements around wages, advertising efforts, exceptions to these rules, and the application procedure for an LMIA.

Certain positions exempt from the LMIA fall under the IMP. Under this program, Canadian employers can extend job offers to foreign workers without needing to secure an LMIA.

Comparing the TFWP and IMP

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

To hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians are unavailable, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Lead Department: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Purpose: Based on labor market needs, tailored to specific occupations and regions, with no reciprocity requirements.
Work Permits: Employer-specific, meaning the foreign worker can only work for the employer who secured the LMIA.
Criteria: Wage levels are used instead of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to determine the applicability of the LMIA.

International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) advances Canada’s broader economic, social, and cultural interests:

Purpose: Supports national interests through bilateral/multilateral agreements with other countries (e.g., CUSMA).
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Not required for work permits under the IMP.
Lead Department: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Reciprocity: Primarily based on reciprocal agreements with other nations.
Work Permits: Can be employer-specific or open, depending on the agreement or situation.
Wage Criterion: The program does not categorize applicants by the wage offered.

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Are you interested in working in Canada on a temporary basis? The Millennium Immigration can assist you. With over 45 years of experience, The Millennium Immigration specializes in helping both workers and employers navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration laws.

Simply fill out this brief form to submit your work permit inquiry to The Millennium Immigration. Our dedicated Work Permit Team is ready to assist you every step of the way: