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Every year, thousands of people from around the world come temporary worker in Canada to gain valuable work experience and improve their careers. If you are planning to work in Canada, it is essential to understand your rights and protections under Canadian law.

Canadian employers are legally required to respect your rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare. Knowing these rights before arriving in Canada helps you protect yourself and avoid exploitation.

How to Work as a Temporary Worker in Canada

Canada offers several programs that allow foreign nationals to work temporarily. The two main pathways are:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• The LMIA confirms that no Canadian worker is available for the job

• Employers must prove the job offer meets government standards

2. International Mobility Program (IMP)

• Does not require an LMIA

• Employers still must submit a job offer through the government portal

• Common for international agreements, intra-company transfers, and special exemptions

In most cases, a job offer is required to obtain a work permit.
However, there are exceptions, such as:

• International graduates

• Youth exchange participants

• Spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

These individuals may qualify for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Before hiring a foreign worker, Canadian employers must submit detailed job information to the government, including:

• Job title and duties

• Location of work

• Working hours

• Wage and benefits

This information becomes part of your work permit conditions.

Once the work permit is issued:

• Both the employer and the worker must follow the rules

• Employers cannot reduce wages, change job duties, cut hours, or relocate workers without authorization

• Employers may be inspected to ensure compliance

Failing to follow work permit conditions can affect future immigration applications, for both employers and workers.

Fair Wages and Pay Protection

Temporary foreign workers must be paid at least the same wage as Canadians performing the same job.

Wages are assessed using:

• The National Occupational Classification (NOC)

• Provincial median wage levels

High-Wage vs Low-Wage Streams (TFWP)

Jobs are classified based on provincial median wages:

• High-wage jobs: Pay above the provincial median

• Low-wage jobs: Pay below the provincial median

Below is an example of updated median wages (as of May 31, 2023):

Rights of Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Workers

Low-wage workers receive additional protections, including:

Housing

• Employers must help workers find safe and affordable housing

• Housing costs must not exceed 30% of gross income

Transportation

• Employers must pay for:

  • Travel from the home country to Canada

  • Return travel at the end of employment

Workers cannot be charged for these costs.

Health Insurance

• Employers must provide health insurance until the worker qualifies for provincial coverage

• Often includes private insurance arranged by the employer

Study Rights for Temporary Foreign Workers

Under a temporary policy introduced in June 2023, eligible foreign workers can:

• Study full-time or part-time

• Study without a separate study permit while their work permit is valid

This policy applies until June 27, 2026.
Workers planning longer studies may still need a study permit.

Working Conditions and Safety Protections

All workers in Canada including temporary foreign workers are protected by:

• Provincial and territorial labour laws

• Workplace safety regulations

• Employment standards covering hours, pay, overtime, and termination

If you believe your rights are violated, you can:

• Contact the Ministry of Labour

• File a complaint without fear of retaliation

All workers must also be covered by workplace safety insurance, either public or private.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

There are two main types of work permits:

Open Work Permit

• Allows work for any employer

• Common for graduates, spouses, and youth exchange participants

Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit

• Allows work for one employer only

• Job, location, and employer are listed on the permit

Pathway to Permanent Residence

If you plan to stay in Canada long-term, you may explore immigration programs such as:

• Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

These programs allow skilled workers to transition from temporary work to permanent residence.

Summary: Key Rights of Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

• Fair wages equal to Canadian workers

• Protection under labour and safety laws

• Housing, transportation, and health insurance (for low-wage workers)

• Study opportunities while working

• Access to complaint and enforcement mechanisms

• Options for open and employer-specific work permits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What rights do temporary foreign workers have in Canada?
Fair pay, safe working conditions, health insurance, and legal protections.

2. Do I need a job offer to work in Canada?
Usually yes, except for open work permit holders.

3. What is an LMIA?
A government assessment confirming the need for a foreign worker.

4. Can my employer change my job or pay?
No. Changes require government approval.

5. Are temporary foreign workers protected by labour laws?
Yes, the same laws that protect Canadians apply.

Final Note

Understanding your rights as a temporary worker in Canada empowers you to work safely, confidently, and legally. Whether your goal is short-term experience or permanent settlement, being informed is the first step toward success.