Hiring temporary foreign workers

Last updated on April 15, 2024

The Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act protects foreign workers in B.C. from unfair practices. If you're a foreign worker with concerns about recruitment or employment, find out how the law protects you.

Hiring temporary foreign workers

Employers must register
to hire foreign workers

Employers can hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. Most employers hire a foreign worker through the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Register to hire foreign workers

Foreign worker recruiters
must be licensed

Recruiters help employers in B.C. find foreign workers. Individual recruiters must be licensed in B.C., even if their business or main operations are located outside of the province.

Apply for a recruiter's licence

See a list of employers and recruiters

If you will be working in B.C. under most federal foreign worker programs, your employer must be registered. Employers must only use licensed foreign worker recruiters.

Search employers and recruiters