Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as a Job Seeker
If an employer mentions an LMIA or the TFWP, here is what that actually means for you.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.
What an LMIA means
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the employer's approval from the federal government confirming the hire won't negatively affect the Canadian labour market — it's the employer's responsibility to obtain, not the worker's.
What this means for your work permit
A positive LMIA typically supports a closed work permit tied to that specific employer, which is different from an open work permit that lets you work for anyone.
Where to verify details
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes current program rules — this is general information, not immigration advice, and rules change, so always confirm current requirements for your specific situation.