Generally, temporary foreign workers (TFW) are engaged in paid work activity and are authorized to enter and to remain in Canada for a limited period to fill temporary labour and skill shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available (for example, in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program). In most instances, temporary residents who work in Canada require a work permit. If the work permit is tied to a specific employer then you require a work permit that mentions the name of the employer. Some foreign workers are required to have a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained and LMIA and a work permit. The objective of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is to assist employers who have demonstrated a need to fill jobs which there are no qualified Canadians.

Employers must meet the program requirementsand also be knowledgeable about whethere they are hiring from the high-skilled or low-skilled occupation stream. Under the TFWP, employers must be actively engaged fin the business where the temporary foreign worker (TFW) will be employed, and must have an operating/functioning business, providing either a good or a service related to the job offer made to the TFW. Employers must obtain an LMIA and demonstrate that they have made extensive efforts to find suitable Canadian or permanent resident candidates and that none are available to fill the position in question. Employers must pay $1,000 for each position requested to cove the cost of processing the LMIA application.

A foreign worker may apply for an extension of a work permit, however, the applicant must comply with the following conditions:

• the renewal application must be made before the expiry of the current TRV and/or work permit; and
• the foreign worker has complied with all conditions imposed on entry into Canada

A foreign national who wishes to relocate permanently to Canada must undertake a rigorous application process and a complex approval process. Acquiring Canadian permanent resident status brings a foreign national a step closer to becoming a Canadian citizen.

A foreign national seeking to work in Canada is required to comply with a three-tiered process involving ESDC, IRCC and the CBSA, as follows, in this order:

• the employer must undergo an employer compliance review and obtain a positive LMIA from ESDC/Service Canada
• the foreign national must apply for and obtain a work permit (and temporary visa, if applicable) from a visa officer; and
• the foreing national must enter Canada only after an examination by a CBSA officer at the port of entry