TFWP and IMP are two immigration programs in Canada for temporary foreign workers.
TFWP requires a labor market test known as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it a costlier option.
We understand that exploring work permit options in Canada can be challenging, but our goal is to simplify the process for you.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) Work Permits: To obtain a work permit for foreign nationals, an LMIA is required. This process involves employers demonstrating to the government that hiring foreign workers will not have a negative impact on the existing Canadian workforce. The aim is to ensure that employing foreign workers does not displace Canadian workers or put pressure on their wages. This category is known as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Program of International Mobility Work Permits: Certain work permits, under free trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, formerly known as NAFTA), do not necessitate an LMIA. Foreign nationals can apply for work permits through these agreements. Additionally, there are other work permit options available for foreign employees without a job offer, such as working holidays, post-graduation work permits, and open spousal permits. These LMIA-exempt workers are covered under the International Mobility Program.
Our goal is to simplify the process of exploring work permit options in Canada, making it easier for you to understand and navigate the available possibilities.
Essential workers and international graduates now have the opportunity to apply for open work permits through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Starting from July 26, 2021, individuals who have applied for Permanent Residency (PR) under Canada's newly opened pathway are also eligible to apply for an open work permit.
In May of this year, the IRCC introduced a pathway designed to grant permanent residency to approximately 90,000 essential workers and international graduates currently residing in Canada.
Furthermore, the IRCC is currently providing open work permits to essential workers and international graduates, enabling them to work for any employer of their choice within the country.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian employers to bring in international talent to address labor shortages in the country.
In contrast, the International Mobility Program (IMP) focuses on promoting Canada's cultural, social, and economic interests.
Under the TFWP, employers seeking to fill labor shortages must undergo a labor market test known as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) conducted by the government.
On the other hand, the IMP does not require foreign nationals to obtain an LMIA for this type of visa.
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit
The process of obtaining a Work Permit in Canada involves two main steps:
Step 1: To apply, it is highly likely that you will need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In most cases, the employer based in Canada is responsible for conducting domestic recruitment efforts and demonstrating to the Canadian government that there are no qualified candidates available for the job.
Step 2: Once an LMIA has been issued, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for a work permit. There are two types of work permits available: employer-specific and open work permits. With an employer-specific work permit, the foreign national can only work for the designated employer during their stay in the country. An open work permit allows the foreign national to work for multiple companies in different cities.
It's important to note that work permits have a limited duration.