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Foreign Workers

Last updated on September 27, 2021

Foreign workers are all workers in British Columbia who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Canada.

Will the fact that I am from another country, working in British Columbia on a temporary basis, affect my right to file a claim?

The right to file a claim is normally by the place of injury, not by your country of origin. If WorksafeBC determines that your injury resulted from your work in British Columbia, you will likely receive compensation. Each case is assessed on individual merit.

How do I make a claim?

Interpretors are available upon request through the Workers' Advisers Office. For hearings, translators are available through The Review Division or Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT)

Read our Foreign Workers Factsheet for more information on your rights as a foreign worker.

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Make sure you are aware of your deadlines and that you send your information and forms in on time

Can I lose my job by filing a claim?

No, the law prohibits employers from:

  • Discouraging workers from filing claims
  • Retaliating against workers who do file claims

Read our Foreign Workers Factsheet for more information on your rights as a foreign worker.

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What if I have to leave Canada before a decision is made in my claim, review or appeal?

If you are still waiting for a decision when you leave Canada your matter will continue to proceed through the decision making process after you leave. The decision maker may need further information or documents from you, so it is important for you to give your most current contact information to WorkSafeBC, the Review Division, and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) whenever your address changes. Read our Foreign Workers Factsheet for more information on your rights as a foreign worker.

Translations: Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Punjabi and Spanish

What if I disagree with WorkSafeBC's decision?

If you disagree with WorkSafeBC's decision you have the right to request a review. You must request a review within 90 days. If you disagree with the Review Division decision, you have 30 days to file an appeal to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT). For more information, read our Factsheets:

Translations: Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional and Punjabi

Translations: Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional and Punjab