Canada · Skilled Worker Visa

TFWP — High-Wage Stream (LMIA-required)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
5.5/10 diff
Challenging

Employer-driven temporary work permit. Employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC …

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

Employer-driven temporary work permit. Employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC paying ≥CAD 230 employer compliance fee + LMIA fee CAD 1,000. High-Wage = wage offered at or above the median provincial hourly wage. Recruitment efforts required (advertise 4 weeks in 3 places). Transition plan required showing reduction of reliance on TFWs. Worker fee CAD 155 work permit. Permit tied to employer (employer-specific). 2-year max usually. Not a direct PR pathway, but can build CEC work experience. | [B1 2026-07-15] program_status fica NULL: em canada.ca o…

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Toronto
Single (monthly)€2,590
Family (monthly)€4,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,551
Groceries€648
Transport pass€155
Vancouver
Single (monthly)€2,690
Family (monthly)€5,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,781
Groceries€672
Transport pass€161
Montreal
Single (monthly)€2,000
Family (monthly)€3,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,181
Groceries€500
Transport pass€120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TFWP — High-Wage Stream (LMIA-required)?

Employer-driven temporary work permit. Employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC paying ≥CAD 230 employer compliance fee + LMIA fee CAD 1,000. High-Wage = wage offered at or above the median provincial hourly wage. Recruitment efforts required (advertise 4 weeks in 3 places). Transition plan required showing reduction of reliance on TFWs. Worker fee CAD 155 work permit. Permit tied to employer (employer-specific). 2-year max usually. Not a direct PR pathway, but can build CEC work experience. | [B1 2026-07-15] program_status fica NULL: em canada.ca o…

Can the TFWP — High-Wage Stream (LMIA-required) lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Canada?

Yes. Canada offers 23 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Canada country page.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Toronto: €2,590/mo; Vancouver: €2,690/mo; Montreal: €2,000/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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