April 2026: Low-wage LMIA applications are frozen in 30 major metro areas until July 9, 2026. Rural employers may now hire TFWs up to 15% of workforce (up from 10%) through March 2027.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
LMIA & the TFWP - Complete Guide
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is approval from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that a Canadian employer cannot find a qualified Canadian for a specific role. A positive LMIA is required before a foreign national can work under the TFWP.
As of April 10, 2026, low-wage LMIA applications are frozen in 30 Canadian census metropolitan areas including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and 24 others. The freeze runs until July 9, 2026. High-wage and LMIA-exempt (IMP) applications continue normally. Rural employers may now hire TFWs up to 15% of workforce (increased from 10%) through March 2027.
LMIA Streams
Employer must advertise the job for at least 4 weeks, genuinely recruit Canadians first, and demonstrate no qualified Canadian is available. A positive LMIA is valid for 18 months. Employer compliance inspections apply.
Cap of 10-20% low-wage TFWs per worksite. Employer must provide transportation, housing assistance, and private health insurance. As of April 2026, low-wage LMIA applications are frozen in 30 major metro areas until July 9, 2026.
Canada's fastest LMIA - 2 week processing target. Category A: high-growth companies referred by a designated partner. Category B: roles on the Global Talent Occupations list (tech engineers, developers, data scientists, etc.). No minimum advertising for Category A.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) for workers from Mexico and Caribbean nations. Agricultural Workers stream for year-round positions. Employer must provide employer-paid housing and transportation to/from the worksite.
Two pilot programs offering a direct pathway to permanent residence after 24 months of work. Employer must provide genuine job offer. No in-live requirement. Caregiver pilot applications were oversubscribed in 2025 - check IRCC for current intake status.
ICL prepares and submits LMIA applications, manages all documentation timelines, and helps employers stay compliant with TFWP regulations.
FAQ
Work Permits in Canada - FAQ
Common questions about working in Canada as a foreign national.
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ICL's RCIC-licensed work permit specialists will identify your fastest pathway, handle the complexity, and put you on the road to permanent residence.