Employer Compliance: Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program

Whether hiring foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or through the International Mobility Program (IMP), Canadian employers must meet certain conditions.

Whether employers have hired a foreign national through the TFWP or the IMP, the company may be chosen for an inspection or compliance review at any time during the six years after a work permit has been issued.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Employer Compliance

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill labour shortages in their company. In this program, employers must first apply for and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before the foreign national can apply for a work permit. When applying for a LMIA, employers must commit to meeting certain conditions, such as salary requirements and working conditions. Employers are obliged to continue meeting these requirements and conditions throughout the entire duration of the foreign national’s employment with the company.

International Mobility Program Employer Compliance

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows employers to hire foreign nationals without requiring a LMIA. Examples of work permits under this program include, but are not limited to, CUSMA Work Permits and Intra-Company Transfer Work Permits. As with the TFWP, employers are required to continue meeting certain conditions throughout the duration of the foreign national’s time with the company.