What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a program offered by the Canadian government that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary job vacancies when qualified Canadians are not available. The program is designed to help Canadian employers who are facing labour shortages and cannot find enough workers to meet their business needs.
How can it help my business?
The TFWP can be beneficial for Canadian employers like you in many ways. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Access to a larger pool of workers: The TFWP allows you to access a larger pool of workers from around the world, which can be especially helpful if there are labour shortages in your local area.
- Fill labour shortages quickly: If you are facing a labour shortage, the TFWP can help you fill vacant positions quickly. This can be especially important for seasonal industries like agriculture or tourism.
- Meet your business needs: By hiring temporary foreign workers, you can ensure that your business can continue to operate and meet its production targets. This can be especially important for businesses that rely on skilled labour or have tight production schedules.
- Diverse perspectives and skills: Hiring temporary foreign workers can bring new perspectives and skills to your business. This can help your business innovate and stay competitive in a global marketplace.
What is the process?
The process for hiring temporary foreign workers can vary depending on specific circumstances and the type of work being performed. Here are the general steps involved:
- Determine if you are eligible: Canadian employers must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate in the TFWP. This includes demonstrating that no qualified Canadians are available to fill the position and providing evidence that you can support the temporary foreign worker during their stay in Canada.
- Obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Before you can hire a temporary foreign worker, you must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This assessment will determine whether hiring a temporary foreign worker will have a positive or negative impact on the Canadian labour market.
- Apply for a work permit: Once you have received a positive LMIA, the temporary foreign worker can apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The worker must provide evidence that they meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit, including medical exams, criminal record checks, and proof of financial support.
- Provide support during their stay: As a Canadian employer, you are responsible for providing support to the temporary foreign worker during their stay in Canada. This includes providing transportation to and from work, helping workers find housing, and providing language training if necessary.
The TFWP is a valuable resource for Canadian employers facing labour shortages and needing to fill temporary job vacancies. By following the appropriate steps and providing support to temporary foreign workers, Canadian businesses can benefit from access to a larger pool of workers with diverse perspectives and skills.
Do you want to know more about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program? Contact us today.