Fact Sheet
Employer Registration InformationAll employers wanting to recruit foreign workers in Manitoba will first be required to register with Employment Standards. This requirement results from The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, which improves protections for foreign workers.
What is the process for employer registration?
Employer Registration Forms can be downloaded from the Employment Standards website. Employers are required to provide information about their company and the types of positions for which they are recruiting. They also need to provide information about any third-party agencies and all individuals who will be involved in the recruitment process. How much does registration cost and when does an employer need to register?There is no fee for employer registration. Employers must register with Employment Standards before applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment from the Government of Canada or making a job offer as part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program application process. What factors will Employment Standards consider in reviewing the application?Employment Standards will ensure the applicant provides any information required as part of the application, and will review the applicant's past conduct to assess whether they will behave lawfully, honestly, and in the public interest while carrying out the business of the license or registration. What if an employer does not register before recruiting internationally?Employers who submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment application to the federal government without supplying a Certificate of Registration will be referred back to Employment Standards for registration. The offence of recruiting without registering is subject to fines as high as $25,000 - $50,000. What is the process for recruiting foreign workers?For more information about recruiting foreign workers, please visit the Immigration and Multiculturalism Division's website at http://www.immigratemanitoba.com/ or the Government of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program website. When can recruitment of foreign workers start?Recruiters may begin recruitment activities once their licence is received. Employers may begin once they receive their notice of registration. Can a third party be used to recruit foreign workers?
Foreign workers can only be recruited by a third party who is licensed by Employment Standards or falls under an exemption. The offence of recruiting without a licence is subject to fines as high as $25,000 - $50,000. The employer hiring the worker will also be held liable, resulting in their recruitment registration being cancelled.
Can an employer use a recruiter who is not licensed?An employer may apply for written permission from the Director of Employment Standards to use an unlicensed recruited if:
What information is an employer required to provide once a foreign worker is employed?Upon request, employers are required to provide the following information to Employment Standards:
Employers may be required to provide additional information, as outlined in the regulations, if requested by the Director. How do I know if someone is licensed?The only way to know for sure is to check the website at www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards or by contacting Employment Standards. The names of all people or companies holding a valid licence are posted on our website. If they are not on the list, they are not licensed. Can fees be charged to a worker?No. Neither a recruiter nor an employer can ever charge or collect a fee (directly or indirectly) from the worker. How are workers protected from being charged fees?
Employment Standards conducts inspections and investigations to ensure employees are not being charged fees. Who pays the fees associated with recruiting foreign workers?Employers are responsible for paying any recruitment fees. The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act strictly prohibits charging fees to workers. Who pays the fees associated with immigration assistance?
Foreign workers coming to Manitoba under employer-directed recruitment are given all necessary application forms and help directly by either Citizenship and Immigration Canada or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Can the terms and conditions of a foreign worker's job be changed?
Foreign workers, including workers with temporary status, have the same rights as all other workers in Manitoba. If an employer hires a temporary foreign worker and needs to lay them off, what happens?If an employer lays off a temporary foreign worker, it is necessary to contact Employment Standards to discuss what steps should be taken to inform and support the worker. Employment Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada must also be notified. What if there is no job when the foreign worker arrives?Employers are required to immediately report any changes to Employment Standards. Employers are responsible for paying any benefits promised during the recruitment process such as transportation costs to and from Manitoba. Employment Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada must also be notified. What records must an employer keep when recruiting a foreign worker?Complete and accurate financial operations records must be kept for at least three years, as well as records that show:
How do employers protect themselves from unscrupulous recruiters when recruiting foreign workers?
Can I appeal?
Applicants can appeal a refusal, cancelation, or suspension related to a licence or registration under the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act to the Court of King's Bench. Applicants who wish to appeal must file a Notice of Application (form 14B at the Statutory Publications Office) with the court within 14 days of receiving the decision. For more information contact the Employer Registration Unit:Phone: 204-945-3352 or toll free in Canada 1-800-821-4307 Fax: 204-948-2882 E-mail: employmentstandards@gov.mb.ca Website: www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards This is a general overview and the information used is subject to change. For detailed information, please refer to current legislation including The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, or contact the Employment Standards Branch to ask for advice.
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Date Published: May 24, 2023 |
- Telephone: 204-945-3352
- Toll Free: 1-800-821-4307
- Fax: 204-948-3046
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