Western Agriculture
Labour Initiative
130 - 32160 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W5
Tel. 604-854-4450
Fax. 604-854-4457
Email. info@walicanada.com
Labour Solutions | Low Skill Worker Program
Western Agriculture Labour Initiative
Labour Solutions | Sourcing Foreign Workers | BCSAWP | WALI Fees | Links & Forms
WALI is the recognized negotiating partner for provincial, federal and foreign governments for new TFW programs under the National Occupational Classification system, Skill Level C or D. This program is commonly referred to as the “Low Skill Worker Program”. This temporary foreign worker program is open to workers from all countries.
WALI has signed an agreement with the International Organization of Migration, Guatemala Office, for the implementation of temporary migrant workers from Guatemala under the NOC C or D Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This capacity allows WALI to develop sector specific contracts and provides agricultural employers some flexibility on implementation of employment contracts in regards to the calendar year.
NOC C or D General Guidelines:
- Job classification available to occupations other than agriculture and CIC issues a Work Permit to a foreign worker entering in an occupation that usually requires at most a high school diploma or job-specific training at most
- Employer must develop a signed employer-employee contract suitable to Service Canada
- Work visa valid up to two-years in length; wage rate reviewed annually
- Contract period not restricted to calendar year
- Employee recruitment done by employer/authorized employment service
- Employee work visa through CIC not “directly” facilitated as in SAWP
- Employer provides return airfare for worker – (non recoverable cost)
- Non-occupational health coverage the responsibility of the employer until worker eligible for provincial coverage
- Employers must facilitate reasonable accommodation for the employee
- Employer registers the worker for provincial medical services plan
- Employer must provide occupational health coverage (WorkSafeBC)
- EI, CPP and CRA deductions are similar to domestic workers