"CHEcking-in" on temporary foreign workers

The old adage that "Canadians are born all over the world, it just takes some time for them to get here" continues to ring true, particularly, as accommodators look outside of Canada to welcome new employees. Temporary Foreign Workers contribute immensely to our industry in British Columbia, but we share a friendly reminder that additional documentation is required to ensure these workers meet employment and immigration protocols.

Please see below for a quick guide on how you can confirm this, reviewing your use of third-party organizations and contractors:

• Most importantly: please check the work permits of all Temporary Foreign Workers employed at your property, ensuring that their permit has NOT expired.
  • Please note, SIN numbers have an expiry date for TFW so just having the number does not mean it is valid. TFW’s SIN numbers will expire on the same date as their work permits; therefore, a copy of the work permit is better to have than just a worker’s SIN.
  • PR cards will also have an expiry date; therefore, it is best to have a copy of the actual card.
• We also recommend you have the following documentation in the TFW’s personnel file: (Please note, if you were to be audited by Service Canada or IRCC, they will request this.)
  • For temporary foreign workers (workers on working holiday permits, post-graduate work permits, LMIA supported work permit)
    • Copy of current work permit
    • Copy of SIN number
    • Proof of medical coverage- usually temporary medical coverage
    • Copy of plane ticket/transportation being paid (for LMIA supported work permits)
    • Job offer letter
    • Employment contract or job description
    • Copy of pay stubs (if you cannot easily access this through your payroll)
  • For workers that have their PR or in the process of getting their PR finalized:
    • Copy of PR card or proof of application to IRCC
    • Copy of SIN number
    • Proof of medical coverage- usually MSP enrollment
    • Copy of plane ticket/transportation being paid (for LMIA supported work permits)
    • Job offer letter
    • Employment contract or job description
    • Copy of pay stubs (if you cannot easily access this through your payroll)
• If you have an undocumented TFW at your property:
  • We recommend reaching out to one of the following immigration consultants. As there are many immigration consultants that do not follow proper policies or procedure, the BCHA has extensively vetted these companies and are pleased to share they are reputable and trusted organizations.
    • Bell Alliance, LLP:
      • Heather Bell Consultant and Manager, Immigration
      • hbell@bellalliance.ca
      • 604 873 8723 x 130
    • Radar Immigration:
      • Rena Dhir RCIC B.Comm, CPA, CGA (Former Board Member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada)
      • rena@radarimmigration.com
      • +1 604 725 7050
    • Crease Harman, LLP:
      • Sarah N. Goodman B.B.A. (Hons), J.D. | Lawyer
      • sgoodman@crease.com
      • 250-388-5421 | Fax: 250-388-4294