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 affect day-to-day operations, profitability, and long-term growth.

To address the current labour shortage, the BCRFA partnered with Brij Rathi Consultancy to create an industry-first program for BC restaurants to hire skilled culinary talent.

The Skilled Foreign Worker Program connects local restaurants with experienced hospitality professionals who bring several years of industry expertise and strong English language skills. This program provides BC operators a reliable pathway to fill critical roles with qualified, motivated individuals eager to begin their careers in Canada.

A key advantage of this program is its simplified, efficient process. Candidates can apply for a work visa first, allowing them to begin employment in British Columbia without delay. While working, they can then start their Permanent Residency process, creating stability for both the employee and the employer.

Participants come with robust backgrounds, including experience on luxury cruise lines and in esteemed five-star hotels. Their advanced culinary and hospitality skills elevate service standards, strengthen kitchen and front-of-house teams, and support a more consistent and high-quality guest experience.

Welcoming these talented individuals into your operation not only fills critical roles but also lays the foundation for lasting growth, stronger teams, and a more resilient business.

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 allows BC restaurants to fill job roles which require experienced individuals. 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. 

What are the benefits of hiring under the program?

Pay the median wage in your area

Guaranteed mininimum 30 hours per week

No need to provide tickets for flights

No need to provide accomodation

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?

  • “My company has greatly benefited from working with Brij Rathi and his team on all immigration and employment-related matters. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, Brij provides responsive, thorough, and expert guidance tailored to the restaurant industry. Their team handles our company and employees with professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail. Brij is always available to answer questions and provide sound advice. I am grateful to have him as our immigration partner and regularly recommend him to industry colleagues.”

    - Kristi Farrell, President of Opa Sushi Ltd.

  • “We began working with Brij Rathi in April 2019 to address our staffing needs and have since hired 8 employees through the temporary foreign worker program. Brij and his team make the process easy and efficient. The applicants are consistently well-qualified, professional, and motivated, fitting seamlessly into our restaurants and elevating our teams. Brij’s expertise ensures every step of the process is organized and stress-free. 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 were efficient and made the process of hiring foreign workers straightforward. The full process took about six months—from the initial ESDC application and interview to receiving a well-organized selection of candidates to interview via Skype. All candidates were punctual, well-prepared, and of high quality. If labour shortages persist, we would not hesitate to 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 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."

    - Ernie Waitzner, Owner of Dairy Queen Saanich Centre