Revised Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Regulations

Author: Prerna Arora

Entry for people working in Canada on the is open for companies looking to hire non-Canadians. This applies to the jobs available that are not opted for by Canadian citizens. Individuals desiring to work on the need a Labour Market Impact Assessment, a form to be filled by the hiring employer. This form depicts the failed efforts undertaken by the employer to find local Canadian talent to fill the position.

Issues faced by TFWs

There are many issues that an individual working on a Temporary Worker Visa Canada faces every day. These issues of work visa Canada rules and regulations include workers unable to have proper access to healthcare, workers unaware of their rights, and employers charging workers an illegal recruiting fee for the job. The efforts of the temporary foreign workers in Canada led to the success and continued growth of the Canadian economy. However, they are always vulnerable to restrictions and limitations.. There is the perpetual fear of being exploited by their recruiter. Other significant issues include the language barrier, fear of reprisal, and the social and physical disconnect they experience.

Revised Regulations

The Government of Canada has proposed various amendments and revised guidelines. These are to be followed by recruiters to protect the temporary foreign worker’s rights and safety concerns.

  • These regulations will improve the assessment of applications for new employees and postpone the processing of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in case the employer is non-compliant.
  • Involving third-party institutions such as banks to support inspection protocol and help reduce the prescribed timeline for employers actively recruiting.
  • An employment agreement to be signed between the employer and the employee states the working conditions, wages, etc.
  • Employers to ensure that the workplace is free of any abuse or reprisal.
  • The employer to comply with the given Federal and provincial employment rules.
  • Reduction in response time by an employer to the Notice of Preliminary Findings (NOPF) to 15 days.
  • Repercussions of a ban or legal punishment for employers charging illegal TFWs recruiting fees.
  • Providing the TFWs with proper access to healthcare and private health insurance that must include emergency medical care.
  • The Government of Canada has launched a Job Bank where TFWs can search for new opportunities with employers

The Canadian government acknowledges the new regulations may impose greater costs on the companies. But these norms will ensure better working conditions for employees working on a work visa in Canada. The total costs for the regulatory proposals are estimated at a whopping $37,677,828 until 2030. These costs include the cost of employers to provide valid information on the TFWs, their rights, administrative costs on undertakings, costs for the provision of healthcare, and insurance cover to the Government of Canada.

However, the total benefits to the temporary foreign workers are estimated to be $30,523,418 by 2030. These include employer-provided private health insurance, most recent TFW information, and a safe working environment for the temporary foreign workers staying on a work visa in Canada.