Having a hard time finding skilled culinary talent?

Foreign Worker Program

Restaurant owners and operators across British Columbia continue to face persistent labour shortages that impact daily operations, profitability, and long-term growth.

To help address this challenge, the BCRFA has partnered with Brij Rathi Consultancy to launch an industry-first Skilled Foreign Worker Program for restaurants in BC. This program connects operators with experienced culinary and hospitality professionals who bring years of industry expertise and strong English language skills.

A key advantage is the streamlined process: candidates can obtain a work visa first, allowing them to begin working in BC right away, and pursue Permanent Residency while employed—creating stability for both employers and employees.

Participants often come from luxury cruise lines and five-star hotel environments, bringing advanced skills that elevate service standards, strengthen teams, and support a consistently high-quality guest experience.

By welcoming this talent into your operation, you can fill critical roles, build stronger teams, and support long-term business resilience and growth.

Contact

Brij Rathi
President & CEO
brathi@brijrathi.com | 780-953-9090

About Brij:

A licensed immigration consultant (ICCRC – RCIC R517946) with an MBA from Worcester University,UK, Brij oversees every application with care and maintains communication with clients and government regulators throughout the process.

In addition to his immigration expertise, Brij is a hotelier and gold medalist from the renowned César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland. His extensive hospitality background enables him to support newcomers in finding meaningful employment in the hotel and restaurant sectors, a service he proudly offers at no cost.

What is the Express Entry Foreign Worker Program?

Your Investment:

A total investment of $1,800 + tax per worker,
which includes the $1,000 government fee
and all administration fees.

Processing Times:

At present, applications are taking approximately 6 to 7 months to process, though timelines may shift based on government workloads.

Our Commitment:

We provide a comprehensive recruitment system, rigorous screening, and full onboarding support to ensure you get the right person in the right role.

This program helps BC restaurants fill skilled roles with experienced professionals. Under the Express Entry Foreign Worker Program, all candidates must have a culinary or hospitality diploma, 4-5 years of relevant experience, and demonstrate English proficiency through the IELTS exam.

Working with Brij Rathi, all applicants are pre-screened to ensure they meet the required qualifications and experience. There is no cap on the number of applications; you can hire as many workers as needed.

The program covers roles such as chefs, cooks, food service supervisors, bar supervisors, and restaurant managers. Successful candidates arrive in Canada with a work visa and can pursue permanent residency while employed, providing stability for both employees and employers. 

What are the benefits of hiring under the program?

Pay the median wage in your area

Access highly skilled, motivated talent at a competitive, predictable wage that aligns with local market standards, with no premium pay required.

Guaranteed minimum 30 hours per week

Secure reliable, consistent staffing with guaranteed availability that supports stable scheduling and smoother operations.

Accommodation support provided

Brij assists new workers with finding accommodations, helps complete Service Canada documents, and sets up cell phone services.

What positions can you hire for?

Line Cooks - First Cooks & Second Cooks - Bakers - Pastry Cooks

Restaurant Supervisors & Managers - Banquet Supervisors & Managers

Event Coordinators - Other Hospitality Roles

How do BCRFA and Brij Rathi help?

This innovative program is unique. Our partner, Brij Rathi Consultancy, will:

  • Explain and provide advice on the Skilled Foreign Worker Program that fits your needs; A total investment of $1,800 + tax per worker, which includes the $1,000 government fee and all administration fees.

  • 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 of 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 College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

To access the program, contact

Brij Rathi
President & CEO, BRC
brathi@brijrathi.com | 780-953-9090

For more information, contact:

Ian Tostenson
President & CEO, BCRFA
itostenson@bcfra.com | 604-669-2239

Who have we helped?

  • “Working with Brij Rathi and his team has been a tremendous benefit to our business. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, Brij provides expert, responsive guidance tailored to the restaurant industry. Their professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail give us complete confidence, and I regularly recommend them to industry colleagues.”

    - Kristi Farrell, President of Opa Sushi Ltd.

  • “We began working with Brij Rathi in 2019 to address staffing needs and have since hired eight employees through the temporary foreign worker program. Brij and his team make the process seamless and efficient, consistently delivering well-qualified, motivated candidates who strengthen and elevate our teams. I highly recommend his services.”

    - Logan Smith, Human Resource Manager for Bin 4 Burger Lounge

  • "Facing a local shortage of qualified workers, we worked with Brij Rathi Consultancy to recruit two cooks from overseas. The process was simple and well-organized, from document submission to candidate interviews. The cooks we hired have proven invaluable to our team, are professional, friendly, and contribute to our growth. I highly recommend Brij and his team and would work with them again."

    - Matt Rissling  Owner and Chef of Rock Salt Restaurant

  • "C-Lover’s is a fast-growing restaurant group with over 12 locations in BC and Alberta. Facing staffing shortages, we turned to Brij Rathi Consultancy, who created a custom plan for our corporate and franchise locations. They guided us professionally through every step, and all our workers have arrived and are performing excellently. I highly recommend their services to any business struggling with staffing."

    - 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 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

  • "I have worked with Brij Consultancy in both large corporate hotels and small independent restaurants. Their expertise ensures the right employees are matched to each company’s culture, supporting business growth. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and professional—always there for their clients. It’s a pleasure to work with such a customer-focused company."

    - Andrea Schaetzle, Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub

  • "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

  • “The Union Club of BC was introduced to Brij Rathi Consultancy through the BCRFA, and working with their team has been a pleasure. They made hiring foreign workers efficient and straightforward, delivering well-prepared, high-quality candidates for interview within six months. If labour shortages continue, we would gladly work with Brij Rathi Consultancy again.”

    - David Hammonds, General Manager for The Union Club of British Columbia

  • "The hospitality industry faces a chronic shortage of qualified workers. Brij Rathi Consultancy guided us through the foreign worker program, handling all details and government requirements. They organized interviews efficiently, and the candidates were outstanding. Our new workers have integrated seamlessly, and we couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend Brij and his team."

    - Jack Payne, Owner of Inn on the Harbour

  • “Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd. has supported the Crest Hotel with the Foreign Worker Program for four years. Brij and his team are professional and thorough, ensuring all applications meet federal requirements. Their pre-screening process consistently delivers quality candidates, we’ve successfully hired five employees who have made a significant impact on our operations. I highly recommend their services.”

    - Scott Farwell, General Manager of Crest Hotel

  • “Brij Rathi and his team were instrumental in helping us identify qualified employees for our restaurant in Victoria’s tight labour market. Their knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness made the process seamless. We’ve been extremely pleased with their services and will continue to rely on Brij Rathi Consultancy whenever the need arises.”

    - Ernie Waitzner, Owner of Dairy Queen Saanich Centre