Protecting Foreign Workers: A Plain‑Language Guide to Canada’s TFWP

In Canada, temporary foreign workers have the same core workplace rights and protections as Canadian workers: fair pay, a safe work environment, and protection from abuse or retaliation.

Employers must respect labour laws and any written employment agreement, including wages, hours, job duties and, where applicable, housing conditions.

If the actual conditions are different from what was promised, workers have the right to ask questions, raise concerns and seek help from the appropriate authorities or support services.

The CNAP TFWP page provides step‑by‑step, plain‑language information about rights, employer obligations and common questions; it is intended as general information only and not as legal advice.

https://www.cnapcanada.com/temporaryforeignworkerprogramtfwp

https://www.cnapcanada.com/temporaryforeignworkerprogramtfwp

Employers are not allowed to take a worker’s passport, withhold wages, or retaliate when someone reports unsafe work or poor housing conditions.

A written contract that reflects the LMIA/official offer helps show when conditions have changed and supports a worker in seeking help from the appropriate authorities.

The CNAP TFWP page provides step‑by‑step, plain‑language information about worker rights, employer obligations and common questions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; it is offered as general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Where to seek help

Report abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (federal)

Workers who believe their rights are not being respected are encouraged to contact the appropriate government hotline, legal clinic or community organization for assistance.

. Federal tip line and online form (all of Canada)

• Service Canada Confidential Tip Line (report abuse of the TFWP): 1‑866‑602‑9448 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; live agents are available Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Online form to report abuse of temporary foreign workers: federal online reporting tool (link to the Canada.ca online form for reporting abuse of temporary foreign workers).

• In person: any Service Canada Centre (you can link to the Service Canada office locator).

• By mail (TFWP abuse or misuse):Temporary Foreign Worker Program Branch, Service Canada,165 Hôtel‑de‑Ville Street, 6th Floor L610, Gatineau QC K1A 0J2, Canada.​

If something does not feel right at work or in your housing, it is important to know that there are confidential places where temporary foreign workers can ask questions and report abuse.

CNAP currently focuses on providing clear information and referrals. As CNAP grows, additional advocacy and case‑navigation support for temporary foreign workers may be developed.