This information is for people who want to work in Manitoba, and for those currently working in our province.

For most temporary jobs you must get a work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). For complete information and to learn how to apply, visit CIC > Working temporarily in Canada.

Before you can apply for a work permit your employer must register with Manitoba Labour and Immigration and, in most cases, obtain a labour market opinion from Service Canada.

Temporary foreign workers invited to stay permanently in Manitoba

If you have worked at least six months in Manitoba and you are offered a full-time, long-term job, you are eligible to apply to stay to live and work in Manitoba with Canadian permanent resident status through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Know your rights

Temporary foreign workers in Manitoba are protected by laws.

• Manitoba has a law called The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act. Employers must be registered with the government before they can hire temporary foreign workers, and recruiters must have a licence. A recruiter or employer cannot charge you money to get a job.
• As a temporary foreign worker, you have the same rights as Canadians to safe and fair working conditions. Manitoba Employment Standards sets the rules of the workplace. You have the right to report violations.
• In the case of workplace injury you are protected by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.
• If your work permit is for one year or longer you have access to free medical care from Manitoba Health.
• Your employer is required to meet all of the conditions of your labour market opinion, which is a formal agreement between you, the employer and the government.
• You have the right to quit your job. In most cases you must give your employer notice. You may choose to find a new job with a different employer. However, you must apply to change your work permit.
• Employers and recruiters cannot force you to return home if your employment contract is terminated before the end of your work permit or if you decide to find a different job.
• You may apply to extend your permit, change the conditions or to correct problems with your status. For more information visit CIC.
• Your spouse and dependants may be able to accompany you to Manitoba and may be able to get work permits. For more imformation visit CIC.

For more information

If you have any questions about the rights of TFWs and the rules that workers and employers must follow visit CIC > Temporary foreign workers – Your rights and the law or contact:

Manitoba Employment Standards
Phone: 204-945-3352 (24 hours)
Toll-free: 1-800-821-4307
E-mail: Employmentstandards@gov.mb.ca