Foreign Worker Program
We are all aware of our current critical labour shortage. We estimate a shortage of close to 40,000 workers. That is approximately 20 percent of our workforce.
The BCRFA with our partner, Brij Rathi Consultants has the best Skilled Foreign Worker program in Canada. Brij and his team are highly regarded at both the Provincial and Federal level.
The demand for foreign workers is increasing and our partner is continuing to process applications as they are received, presently it is taking a bit longer from the time the application is submitted to the time the worker is in your restaurant. As a result we are encouraging you to forecast your hiring needs and submit your requests now in order to get into the que and the process started.
Contact Brij Rathi, President & CEO,
Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd. at
brathi@brijrathi.com or 780-953-9090
As the domestic market will not be able to supply our needs now and for the foreseeable future, we do believe that given the urgency of the situation, timelines should improve.
The BCRFA has asked the Provincial government to exempt BC employers from having to apply for an LMIA for period of 24 months in view of the fact we are in an epidemic labour shortage. Secondly, we have asked government to ask their federal counterparts to expediate the work permits for foreign workers headed to BC.
We will continue to provide regular updates on this important issue.
Thank you
Ian Tostenson
What is the Express Entry Foreign Worker Program?
This program allows BC restaurants to fill job roles which require experienced individuals. As per the immigration regulations for the Express Entry Foreign Worker Program, all foreign workers must have a culinary diploma or hospitality management education in their field of work and at least 4 to 5 years specific experience in the job role they are applying for in Canada. In addition, the foreign worker is required to demonstrate English language proficiency by undergoing the IELTS exam. By working with Brij Rathi on this unique program, we screen all applicants and verify that the foreign worker has all the necessary training, qualifications and experience to perform the work in Canada.
The number of applications you can make through this program is not capped. You can apply for as many workers as you require.
This program is available for skilled positions such as Chefs, Cooks, Food Service Supervisors, Bar Supervisors and Restaurant Managers. Successful applicants arrive in Canada with a visa to work for a specific employer. A key benefit of the program is that while working, the foreign worker can, with the support of their employer, pursue the permanent residency status change.
How do we help?
The BCRFA program is unique. Our partner, Brij Rathi Consultancy, will:
Explain and provide advice on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that fits your needs;
Advertise and recruit;
Complete and submit the application form and all required documents;
Communicate with ESDC/Service Canada on the employer’s behalf;
Represent the employer during the application process.
All our candidates have at least 5 years experience in high volume restaurants or hotels. This allows you to focus on orientation and training for your specific position and workplace, rather than basic job training. Brij Rathi and his team are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
To access this program: Contact Brij Rathi, President & CEO, Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd. at brathi@brijrathi.com or 780-953-9090.
For more information: Contact Ian Tostenson, President & CEO, BC Restaurant and Food Service Association at itostenson@bcfra.com or 604-669-2239.
What are the benefits of hiring under the program?
✔ Pay the median wage in your area.
✔ Guaranteed min 30 hours per week.
✔ No need to provide tickets for flights.
✔ No need to provide accommodation.
What positions can you hire for?
✔ Line Cooks
✔ First Cooks & Second Cooks
✔ Bakers
✔ Pastry Cooks
✔ Restaurant Supervisors & Managers
✔ Banquet Supervisors & Managers
✔ Event Co-ordinators
✔ Other hospitality supervisory roles
Who have we helped?
My company has greatly benefited from working with Brij Rathi and his team for the past few years on all types of immigration employment-based matters. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, I had the confidence that Mr. Rathi would provide responsive, thorough and quality results based on his expertise in the restaurant industry. Their team has represented our company and employees with the utmost personal care and professionalism. Their sense of integrity to the employment concerns of the industry, attention to detail, knowledge and competence are second to none. When I have questions or concerns, Brij is always available to listen and trouble-shoot, providing sound guidance. I am extremely grateful to have him as our immigration partner and continue to promote him to my local and regional industry members whenever possible.
-Kristi Farrell, President of Opa Sushi Ltd.
In April 2019 we started working with Brij Rathi to help address our staffing needs. As of this date, we have hired 8 employees through the temporary foreign worker program. I highly recommend Brij and his team as they have made every step of the process easy. For me, two things really stick out with the service Brij provides. First is the quality of applicants we interviewed and second is the ease of process. Every applicant we interviewed was well qualified, professional and motivated. The people whom we hired have fit in seamlessly to our restaurants. They can be relied upon and are bringing an added level of professionalism to our teams. The actual process of bringing in temporary foreign workers can seem daunting at first but Brij knows the system and organizes every step of it for you.
-Logan Smith, Human Resource Manager for Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Due to shortage of qualified workers locally, last year we took the opportunity to work with Brij Rathi Consultancy to help us recruit two cooks from overseas. The process was pretty simple from our end, with an organized list of documents required and submitted on our behalf, a short list of potential candidates provided and interviews arranged. We made our selections and could not be happier with the results! We hired on two professional cooks who have proven themselves to be invaluable to our organization and our continued growth, and I am confident they will contribute further to the success of our team. As a bonus, the fellows we hired are really friendly and a pleasure to have around. I would not hesitate to recommend Brij and his team or contract them again in the future if needed. If you are having troubles finding skilled labour locally, make the connection and put Brij to work for you!
-Matt Rissling Owner and Chef of Rock Salt Restaurant
C-Lover’s is fast paced rapidly growing restaurant group. We currently have over 12 locations in BC and Alberta. Like many other restaurant groups, we were suffering staffing shortage. We had been thinking of Temporary Foreign Worker programs for a while but process is so complicated and very had to navigate through but I am glad I contacted Brij Rathi Consultancy, they created a custom plan for our corporate as well as franchised locations. They were so professional and helpful in every step of the process. All our workers have arrived now and working out great in our business. I highly recommend their services to any business having staffing shortage.
-Brad MacLeod, President of C-LOVERS FRANCHISE CORP
We started using Brij Rathi Consultancy services after receiving a BCRFA flyer in the mail. Before that we had been struggling with staff shortage for years like other restaurants. Since January 2019 Brij has done Dual Intent LMIA for 4 Line cooks and 2 Food Service Supervisors. Within 10 Months he has solved all our staffing issues with good professional staff. Brij has always been available for questions and given personal service when needed.
-Nash Mawani, Owner and CEO of Jambo grill
It was an immense pleasure working with Brij Rathi consultancy. Brij and his team is quite reliable and accommodating . We at Royal Canadian Military Institute- were guided by them at each step, right from the candidate selection till the final immigration process. I would highly recommend them for their professionalism and will certainly use them for all our future immigration needs.
-Suhail Sayed, CCC Executive Chef for The Royal Canadian Military Institute
If you are looking for quality foreign workers to fill your labour shortage and looking for someone to help you with the laborious and complicated process, I highly recommend Brij Rathi Consulting Ltd. He and his team provide quick and efficient communication and service along the entire journey from candidate selection, to interview, to arrival with work permit in hand. Brij and his team take command and make the daunting process seem easy.
-Jane Frohlick, Senior HR manager for Glowbal Restaurant Group
I have worked with Brij Consultancy in both, a large corporate Hotel and a small, independent Restaurant setting for several years. Their service has enabled all business’ to grow due to an efficient workforce count. Brij Consultancy takes the time to get to know the employer so that they can match the right employee to the companies culture. Brij’s Consultancy’s team are subject experts and offer their knowledge in a timely and accurate manner. The response times to any of our inquiries are superb; they are always there for their client! It’s a true pleasure to work with such a customer service driven company.
-Andrea Schaetzle, Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub
The Union Club of BC was introduced to Brij Rathi consultancy through the BC Restaurant and Food Service Association. I have to say, it was a pleasure working with the team at Brij Rathi consultancy. I found them to be very efficient, making the process of bringing foreign workers into British Columbia a very easy process. From start to finish, it takes about 6 months for the hiring process. Starting with an application to Employment and Social Development Canada, the application was approved after an interview with myself and a program officer. Then, Brij Rathi consultancy provided us with candidates to interview via Skype. This process was very well organized, as all candidates were punctual and ready for their interviews. We have been very happy with the quality of the candidates which we hired and, should we find in the future that the available workforce still hasn’t improved and we are unable to find suitable candidates in Canada, we would certainly use Brij Rathi consultancy again, absolutely.
-David Hammonds, General Manager for The Union Club of British Columbia
I have been working with Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd for the past couple years. We have had much success in the foreign worker program at our restaurant; Joe Fortes. The candidates he provides us are skilled and have been a great asset to our business. We continue to look forward to working with Brij in the future.
-Wayne Sych, Corporate Culinary Director of Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
The hospitality industry is crying for and chronically short of qualified workers. Brij Rathi Consultancy steered us through the foreign worker program. They did an excellent job acting on our behalf, handling all the details and governmental requirements involved. When it came time to interview candidates, they organized everything and made the process simple and straightforward. Brij Rathi and his team had the knowledge and experience we needed. There were no surprises. The quality of the candidates was outstanding. Now we have our first workers with us, we could not be happier. I would recommend Brij Rathi and his team to anyone looking to recruit high quality, motivated workers.
-Jack Payne, Owner of Inn on the Harbour
I thought I would send a brief note regarding my experience with Brij Consultancy. I can unequivocally say that my experience with both the quality of applicants we have hired over the past couple of years as well as the service from Brij and his staff has been outstanding! I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending to others in search of top-notch restaurant employees.
-Mike Muphy, Owner of 10 Acres Restaurant Group
Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd. has provided assistance with the Foreign worker program to the Crest Hotel for the past four years. During this period Brij and his team have been professional, and thorough in ensuring our applications meet the federal governments requirements. Brij has a network of excellent candidates and their pre-screening process results in quality interviews. The Crest Hotel has been fortunate to hire 5 candidates using Brij Rathi Consultants. These employees have made a significant contribution to our operations. I would not hesitate to recommend the services offered by Brij and his team.
-Scott Farwell, General Manager of Crest Hotel
Brij Rathi and his consultants were instrumental in assisting us with all the steps necessary in identifying qualified employees for our restaurant. As the labour market currently here in Victoria is one of the lowest unemployment rates in all of Canada, Brij's assistance in finding qualified restaurant staff was crucial and his team was able to meet our needs. Brij and his team are very knowledgeable, professional, and are always available for immediate assistance. We have been extremely pleased with Brij Rathi Consultancy and intend to continue to use their services in the future should the need arise.