For general information on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, see Government of Canada.
Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office
Alberta’s Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office (TFWAO) helps temporary foreign workers, international students (with work authorization) and employers understand their rights and responsibilities and find solutions to situations involving unfair, unsafe or unhealthy working conditions.
Services
Services provided by the office include:
- responding to concerns, questions and requests for information
- making referrals to appropriate authorities where there are allegations of mistreatment, including potential signs of human trafficking
- Visit Human trafficking to learn how we can work together to reduce this crime.
- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (OWP-V) supports temporary foreign workers who are experiencing abuse.
- working with agencies to ensure safe, fair and healthy workplaces
- helping temporary foreign workers find resources
- outreach services across Alberta, including
- facilitating presentations for temporary foreign workers, international students (with work authorization), employers and other stakeholders
- providing public webinars (register below)
- arranging phone appointments with clients to:
- help clients understand their rights and responsibilities while working and living in Alberta
- provide an opportunity to learn about available services and resources and ask questions of an advisor
To request a presentation, email [email protected].
For more information, see the Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office fact sheet.
Note: The Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office provides free and confidential guidance and resource supports. The office does not have the authority to act on your behalf, but they may be able to provide guidance on how you can make a complaint.
If you believe your employer is not meeting minimum employment standards and would like to make a complaint, please visit: Make an employment standards complaint.
Webinars
Sign up at least 24 hours in advance, when possible. You will receive a confirmation email with the webinar link before the event. If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.
Table 1. Webinars
| Topic | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta | July 23, 2026 | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm |
| Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta | August 18, 2026 | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm |
Contact
Connect with the Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free 1-877-944-9955 (exception is Mexico: 0018005145713)
Email: [email protected]
Related
- Resources for Temporary Foreign Workers
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- Moving to Alberta
- For inquiries related to Alberta Provincial Nomination, contact Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- To check the status of your application for a Permanent Residence Card, go to: Immigration and Citizenship