The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is being re-organized into two distinct programs. This will reduce confusion and better reflect the major differences between the various streams. One program is that foreign workers enter Canada at the request of employers following approval through a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the other program is the new International Mobility Programs (IMP).

Temporary Foreign Worker Program:

• Based on employer demand to fill specific jobs
• Unilateral and discretionary
• Employer must pass Labour Market Impact Assessment (formerly LMO)
• Lead department ESDC
• No reciprocity
• Employer-specific work permits (TFWs tied to one employer)
• Majority are low-skilled (e.g. farm workers)
• Last and limited resort because no Canadians are available
• Main source countries are developing countries

International Mobility Programs:

• Not based on employer demand
• Base largely on multilateral/bilateral agreements with other countries (e.g. NAFTA, GATS)
• No Labour Market Impact Assessment required
• Lead department CIC
• Based largely on reciprocity
• Generally open permits (participants have greater mobility)
• Majority are high skill / high wage
• Workers & reciprocity are deemed to be in the national economic and cultural interest
• Main source countries are highly developed

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
• A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
• Your proposed employer must contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). ESDC will provide details on the LMIA application process.