Temporary Foreign Workers in Montréal: Rights, Resources, and Support
Temporary Foreign Workers in Montréal: Rights, Resources, and Support
Am I a Temporary Foreign Worker?
Authorization to Work in Canada
A temporary foreign worker (TFW) is a person who is authorized to work in Canada under a work permit issued by the federal government.
Limited Duration
The right to work is granted for a limited period. The work permit includes an expiration date and may, in some cases, be renewed.
Compliance with Permit Conditions
Workers must comply with the conditions specified on their work permit, such as the type of job, the employer (in the case of a closed work permit), the work location, and the period of validity.
What Types of Work Permits Are There?
A temporary foreign worker may hold:
- A closed work permit, which authorizes them to work only for the employer specified on the permit;
- An open work permit, which allows them to work for different eligible employers, subject to certain conditions.
What Are My Rights?
In Quebec and across Canada, temporary foreign workers benefit from the same fundamental employment protections as other workers. They have the right to:
- A wage that complies with applicable labour standards;
- Safe working conditions;
- Protection under employment standards legislation;
- A workplace free from harassment and discrimination;
- Access to legal remedies if their rights are not respected.
Employers cannot take away their passport or identity documents, nor can they require them to perform work that does not comply with the conditions of their work permit or applicable laws.
More specifically:
- Work must be voluntary. You cannot be forced to work or remain with an employer.
- You are entitled to fair wages, at a minimum the wage specified in your work permit.
- No one may keep your passport or work permit.
- If your employer provides housing, it must meet minimum health and safety standards.
- You may be eligible for coverage under the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
For any questions, CACI can refer you to its partner, Justice Pro Bono, which may be able to assist you free of charge.
How Can CACI Help Me?
CACI can provide information and support in the following areas:
- Workplace health and safety
- Taxation and income taxes
- Administrative assistance
- Legal matters
- Translation and interpretation
- Integration support
- We also provide information about social, sports, and cultural activities that you can participate in.
Several Laws Protect You
This fundamental law protects all individuals, regardless of their race, skin colour, sex, age, gender identity, disability, ethnic or national origin, political beliefs, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, language, pregnancy, or social condition.
It governs employment relationships and provides minimum protections for all workers. Its scope covers:
- Wages, including the minimum wage
- Working hours
- Paid leave and absences
- Termination of employment and compensation
- Psychological or sexual harassment
It aims to reduce economic and wage inequalities based on gender. Its scope includes:
- Ensuring equitable compensation
- Combating systemic discrimination
- Evaluating and comparing jobs based on objective criteria
- Holding employers accountable
- Promoting gender equality in the workplace
It aims to prevent workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. Its main objectives are:
- Protecting the physical and psychological health of workers
- Preventing risks in the workplace
- Providing avenues of recourse for workers who are victims of workplace accidents
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
In Quebec, temporary foreign workers have the same occupational health and safety rights as all other workers. Employers are required to provide a safe workplace, offer the necessary training, and supply appropriate protective equipment. Workers, for their part, must follow safety instructions and report any hazardous situations.
Preventing workplace accidents and occupational illnesses is a shared responsibility between employers and workers, helping to ensure a healthy, safe, and respectful work environment for everyone.
Justice Pro Bono est un organisme au cœur de l’accès à la justice, qui mobilise les acteurs du monde juridique à offrir bénévolement leur aide et expertise aux personnes en ayant le plus besoin.
Vous pouvez aussi consulter le site de la CNESST 
A closed work permit authorizes you to work only for the employer named on your permit.
If you wish to change employers, you will generally need to complete certain procedures with immigration authorities before starting a new job. CACI can refer you to the appropriate resources to help you better understand the options available to you.
If you lose your job, it is important to act quickly to understand the steps that apply to your situation. Depending on your status and the type of work permit you hold, different options may be available to you.
CACI can provide information about available resources, refer you to the appropriate services, and support you in finding the information you need.
The renewal process varies depending on your type of work permit and your specific situation. It is generally recommended to review the renewal requirements several months before your permit expires.
CACI can refer you to government resources and specialized organizations that can provide information about the steps you need to follow.
Temporary foreign workers who work in Quebec are generally required to pay taxes on the income they earn in Canada. Deductions at source, such as federal income tax, provincial income tax, contributions to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums, are usually deducted directly from their pay.
Each year, they must file an income tax return to regularize their tax situation and, depending on their eligibility, they may qualify for certain tax credits or receive a tax refund.
The CACI offers a tax clinic service. For a modest fee of $10, we can prepare and file your income tax return.
The Centre d’appui aux communautés immigrantes (CACI) provides administrative assistance to temporary foreign workers to facilitate their integration into Quebec. Its services include help with completing forms, understanding immigration-related procedures, accessing government services, obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), enrolling in health insurance when applicable, and receiving information about their rights and responsibilities.
CACI also refers workers to appropriate resources to support their settlement and social and professional integration. These services are free of charge.
In addition to French and English, CACI services are available in Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian, Mandarin, and many other languages. CACI can also refer you to CAFLA , which supports families from the Latin American community and their children, and offers translation and interpretation services.
CACI offers personalized support to help you adapt to Quebec society and promote long-term integration into your community and workplace. We offer a wide range of workshops, activities, and events.
He or she may be eligible for one of the 100 training programs offered by Québec métiers d’avenir , an Éducation internationale service.
We can help you enroll them in school.
Attend our information sessions to learn more about the school system, the role of Youth Protection Services (DPJ), and more.
We also offer a summer camp and homework support services. Older youth can take part in our Solidarity Squads and ICI Jeunesse projects.
We offer family and cultural outings to help you discover the province of Quebec, its customs, and its traditions.