My employer is treating me unfairly: can I get help and keep my status?

You may be eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers

“You can apply for an open work permit as a vulnerable worker if you”

“are in Canada”

“You can’t apply at a port of entry.”

“are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada, and”

“have a valid (not expired) employer-specific work permit with your employer’s name on it, or”

“applied to extend your work permit before it expired and you’re still waiting on a decision”

“Abuse can be any behaviour that scares, controls or isolates you. It can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological or reprisal.”

IRCC: after you apply (a temporary permit with an expiry date; it can’t be renewed)

This permit is for employer-specific permits; an open permit already lets you work for almost any employer

An open work permit already lets you work for any employer except those IRCC lists. You can still report abuse to Service Canada.

“An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that:”

“If you need help right away call 9-1-1 or your local police.”

Service Canada: how to report abuse of temporary foreign workers

Not this permit without a valid employer-specific work permit

You can still report abuse to Service Canada. A lawyer or licensed consultant can advise on your status.

“have a valid (not expired) employer-specific work permit with your employer’s name on it, or”

“applied to extend your work permit before it expired and you’re still waiting on a decision”

Service Canada: how to report abuse of temporary foreign workers

No: your employer can't deport you or change your immigration status

The rules that decide your status are the conditions on your work permit, not your employer. IRCC's guide for LMIA-exempt workers says the same about deportation.

“Your employer or supervisor can't: ... deport you from Canada or change your immigration status”

“If you're a temporary foreign worker, you have the same rights and protections as Canadians and permanent residents.”

“punish you for reporting mistreatment, unsafe work, inadequate housing or for cooperating with a government employee conducting an inspection”

“To report an abusive situation, contact the Service Canada confidential tip line at 1-866-602-9448 or use the online reporting tool .”

“If you change jobs without following the steps above, you may be working without authorization. Read your work permit carefully. It sets out all the conditions for working in Canada. If you don't meet the conditions, you could be asked to leave Canada.”

IRCC: your rights in an LMIA-exempt job (International Mobility Program)

No: your employer can't take your passport, work permit or other personal documents

“Your employer or supervisor can't: ... take away your personal documents (passport, work permit, social insurance number [SIN], health card, bank card, etc.)”

“To report an abusive situation, contact the Service Canada confidential tip line at 1-866-602-9448 or use the online reporting tool .”

Service Canada: how to report abuse of temporary foreign workers

Contact your province's or territory's employment standards office

“Each province and territory has an employment or labour standards office that deals with labour and employment laws. This office can talk to you about fair pay, hours of work, rest periods and working conditions, and provide other services as well.”

“You don’t need your employer’s permission to contact these offices or go to their websites. You also can’t be punished or deported for contacting them.”

“Always keep a copy of your agreement for your records. You and your employer must always follow the agreement. If you disagree about work details in the future, having a copy of the agreement may help you.”

“If your employer doesn’t follow the law when they dismiss you, you can complain to the local employment or labour standards office. If you’re covered by a union contract, you may have to make a formal complaint through the union instead.”

IRCC: employment and labour standards offices, by province and territory

You can refuse dangerous work, and report an unsafe workplace

“Your employer cannot force you to do dangerous work. Your employer must investigate any danger that’s reported in the workplace. You have the right to refuse to do the work until”

“you and your employer agree that the danger is removed”

“you feel that the problem no longer exists”

“a government official tells you that it’s safe to do the work”

“To report an unsafe workplace, contact your local employment or labour standards office .”

IRCC: employment and labour standards offices, by province and territory

Yes: report it to Service Canada, confidentially

“Canada takes the abuse of temporary foreign workers and the Temporary Foreign Program (TFW Program) very seriously. Employers who abuse workers or the TFW Program could face a penalty or be banned from the program. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, you can report it to Service Canada.”

“If you’re in danger, call 9-1-1 now.”

“You can call 1-866-602-9448 to report abuse. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“We’ll never tell your employer or anyone at your workplace who made the report”

“You do not have to give your name, phone number or LMIA/work permit number to make a report, but these do help us”

“For privacy reasons , we cannot tell you what happens after you make your report”

Check the source: the official page now reads "Temporary Foreign Program", without "Worker"; the program's name is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Quoted as published (page updated 2026-10-05).

Service Canada: report abuse online

You can change employers, but an employer-specific permit needs a new work permit first

“You're allowed to change employers. However, your employer-specific work permit only allows you to work for the employer named on your work permit. You must apply for a new work permit to work for a different employer. Also, your new employer must get permission from the Government of Canada to hire you as a temporary foreign worker. They'll need to have a valid LMIA.”

“If you lose your job through no fault of your own, or if you leave your job because you're being abused, you may qualify to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.”

“If you change jobs without following the steps above, you may be working without authorization. Read your work permit carefully. It sets out all the conditions for working in Canada. If you don't meet the conditions, you could be asked to leave Canada.”

IRCC Help Centre: what can I do if my employer is treating me unfairly?