Does the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Visa?

The TFWP is a Canadian federal initiative that allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available. The program includes several streams such as high-wage, low-wage, seasonal agricultural workers, and global talent streams, each with specific requirements and procedures.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Agriculture & Farming: General Farm Worker, Harvester, Greenhouse Labourer
• Healthcare: Personal Support Worker, Nurse Aide, Caregiver
• Hospitality & Food Service: Cook, Chef, Food Service Supervisor, Housekeeper
• Construction & Trades: Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Heavy Equipment Operator
• Manufacturing & Logistics: Machine Operator, Warehouse Associate, Production Worker
• Technology (under Global Talent Stream): Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for Temporary Foreign Worker Program Visa

• Obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC.
• Demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians or permanent residents before hiring foreign workers.
• Provide a valid job offer outlining wage, duties, and working conditions.
• Ensure wages meet the provincial median wage for the occupation.
• Cover transportation, housing, and health insurance (for certain streams).
• Register with provincial employment standards where required.
• Maintain compliance records for at least six years in case of inspection.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor a Temporary Foreign Worker Program Visa?

Typical costs include:

• LMIA application fee: CAD 1,000 per position.
• Work permit application fee (for the worker): CAD 155.
• Employer compliance fee: CAD 230 (for employer-specific work permits).
• Additional costs for advertising, recruitment, and relocation assistance may apply.

Employers usually cover LMIA and compliance fees, but arrangements vary depending on the employment contract.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring a Temporary Foreign Worker Program Visa

Processing times depend on the visa stream and country of application but are typically:

• Global Talent Stream: 2–4 weeks
• High-wage and Low-wage Streams: 8–16 weeks
• Seasonal Agricultural Stream: 4–6 weeks

Delays occur due to incomplete documentation, background checks, or volume surges at ESDC or IRCC.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring a Temporary Foreign Worker Program visa is often costly, slow, and full of red tape. Employers are responsible for LMIA fees, recruitment efforts, and government reporting, with applications often taking weeks or months. For companies that need to hire quickly, this can slow down operations and add extra costs.

You can still hire globally without going through the visa process. With Playroll’s Employer of Record model, you can onboard talent in over 180 countries compliantly and without relocation. We take care of contracts, payroll, taxes, and benefits according to local labor laws, so you can scale your team faster and more cost-effectively.