Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Prairie Region Project
The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) jointly commissioned Pivotal Research Inc. (Pivotal Research) to conduct policy research focused on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in the Prairie provinces—encompassing the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan—building on the TFW Prairie Region Project to provide AAISA and CCIS with insights and opportunities to strengthen the TFW-serving ecosystem across the Prairie region.
As presented through the project analysis, TFWs’ needs are primarily integration-oriented— food security, housing, financial literacy and assistance, public health, information services—that result from inadequate service supports on- and outside-the-job. The project analysis and literature review also show structural gaps in employer engagement, funding supports, and monitoring mechanisms that help employers ensure their workers are productive and healthy on-the-job. Geographically mapped data further paint a picture of opportunities for future expansion for immigrant-serving SPOs, especially in rural areas where there continues to be TFW service “deserts”.
Visit https://www.tfwhub.ca/ for more information on supporting TFWs.
Resources
- Temporary Workers in the Prairie Region Policy Research - English Posted on: November 28, 2022
- Temporary Workers in the Prairie Region Policy Research - French Posted on: November 28, 2022
Guide to Planning a Smooth Transition from Canada
As part of AAISA’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Project, participants and service providers identified a need for information and resources to support Temporary Residents (TRs) who may be preparing to leave Canada due to personal, financial, employment, family, or immigration-related reasons.
In response, AAISA has compiled this Transition Planning Toolkit to provide practical information, trusted resources, and key considerations for individuals preparing to relocate internationally or return to their home countries. The toolkit may also support Settlement Providing Organizations (SPOs), frontline staff, and community partners assisting clients with departure planning and transition-related processes.
Disclaimer: This is intended for informational and resource-sharing purposes only. It does not constitute legal, immigration, financial, or tax advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult qualified professionals and official government sources regarding their specific circumstances.
Travel & Immigration Documents
- Moving Outside Canada Checklist – Government of Canada: This checklist outlines important travel and relocation considerations for individuals moving outside Canada. Topics include:
- Passports and travel documents
- Health insurance and medications
- Banking and finances
- Housing and utilities
- Travelling While in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This fact sheet provides travel-related guidance for individuals participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Note: Please note that this document was last reviewed in 2018, so while the general information has remained mostly unchanged, some policies or requirements may have been updated. We encourage readers to double-check current requirements and confirm how they apply to their individual situation and immigration status. Topics include:
- Work permit validity
- Re-entering Canada
- Required travel documents
- Employer communication
- Risks and travel considerations
- Government of Canada Travel Advice & Advisories: Travel safety information and destination-specific advisories.
Taxes & Financial Obligations
- Leaving Canada (Emigrants) – Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): This Government of Canada resource outlines important tax obligations and residency considerations when leaving Canada. Topics include:
- Departure tax obligations
- Determining residency status
- Filing a final tax return
- Residential ties to Canada
- Canadian-source income after departure
- Departure Checklist: Leaving Canada Permanently – MADAN CPA: A practical checklist outlining financial and tax-related considerations for individuals leaving Canada permanently. Topics include:
- CRA notifications
- Tax residency planning
- Investments and property
- Banking and RRSP considerations
- Departure tax planning
Mental Wellness & Emotional Transition Support
These resources may help temporary foreign workers and temporary residents who are preparing to leave Canada, return home, or navigate emotional and practical transition challenges.
- Government of Canada – This resource provides mental wellness guidance for individuals relocating or living outside Canada, including coping with stress, isolation, uncertainty, and transition-related challenges. Topics include:
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Emotional wellness while abroad
- Mental health considerations during relocation
- Travel-related emotional adjustment
Employment Support
These resources may help temporary residents and temporary foreign workers understand employment-related considerations, workplace rights, and transition supports before leaving employment or departing Canada.
- Government of Alberta – This resource provides support to temporary foreign workers regarding workplace rights, employment concerns, and available supports before leaving employment or Canada. Topics include:
- Workplace rights and responsibilities
- Employment standards information
- Support for workplace concerns
- Resources for temporary foreign workers in Alberta
Note: Getting to know your rights, responsibilities, and available resources can help make your transition out of Canada smoother and more informed.