Ontario rules
How to check the Ontario THA public registry (and what clients see about you)
Ontario publishes every temporary help agency's licence status on the THA and recruiter public registry at tha.labour.gov.on.ca. Clients search it to verify your agency is licensed before signing a contract; they are legally prohibited from knowingly using an unlicensed agency.
Your listing shows your name, status (licensed, pending, refused, or revoked), and your terms and conditions. A refused or revoked status means you cannot operate as a temporary help agency until it is lifted.
Reviewed with the owner of the Ontario light-industrial staffing agency Kordis was built inside.
What is the Ontario THA public registry?
The Ontario Temporary Help Agency & Recruiter Public Registry is a searchable database run by the Ministry of Labour that shows the name and licence status of every temporary help agency and recruiter in Ontario. It is not optional: all applicants, licensed, refused, and revoked agencies appear on it.
The registry exists so clients can verify your agency is licensed before they hire workers from you. Since July 1, 2024, Ontario law prohibits clients from knowingly using an unlicensed agency, so procurement teams, hiring managers, and your competitors can (and do) check it before signing contracts.
Where is the registry and how do you search it?
The registry is at https://www.tha.labour.gov.on.ca/portal/s/public-facing-status-page. It is free and requires no login.
To search for an agency, follow these steps:
- Go to https://www.tha.labour.gov.on.ca/portal/s/public-facing-status-page.
- Enter the agency name in the search box. You can also search by business number or the name of the person responsible.
- Click Search. The registry returns all matching entries, showing the name, status, and terms and conditions.
- Click on an entry to view its full details, including the effective date of the licence and any conditions attached to it.
What statuses appear on the registry and what do they mean?
| Status | What it means for clients | What it means for the agency |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed | The agency holds a valid licence and can legally assign workers. Clients can contract with you. | You are authorized to operate as a temporary help agency in Ontario. Your licence was issued on a specific date and is valid as long as you meet renewal requirements. |
| Pending | The application is under review. Clients cannot yet contract with you; doing so would violate Ontario law. | Your application has been submitted and is being processed. You cannot legally assign workers until you receive a licence. |
| Refused | The application was rejected by the ministry. The agency cannot operate as a temporary help agency in Ontario. | Your application was denied. You cannot operate as a temporary help agency unless you reapply and are approved. The reason for refusal is part of the ministry's decision. |
| Revoked | The licence was withdrawn by the ministry, usually due to non-compliance. The agency cannot legally operate as a temporary help agency. | Your licence has been cancelled, typically for violating the act or regulations. You cannot assign workers unless and until the revocation is overturned. You may reapply after a specified period. |
What does it mean if your licence is refused or revoked?
A refused or revoked status means you cannot legally operate as a temporary help agency in Ontario. Any contract to assign workers is void, and clients who knowingly use you face regulatory action.
If your application is refused, the ministry will explain why. Common reasons include failure to provide required documents, unpaid debts, or concern about compliance. You can reapply once the issue is resolved.
If your licence is revoked, it means the ministry withdrew your authorization due to non-compliance (e.g. unpaid wages to workers, failure to maintain required security). A revocation typically comes with a set period before you can reapply. Contact the ministry for the specific terms.
How do you keep your registry listing clean?
- Renew on time: Submit your renewal application before your licence expires. A lapsed licence flips to refused or revoked and appears on the registry.
- Keep your security valid: Your $25,000 letter of credit or surety bond must auto-renew or be manually renewed 90 days before expiry. A lapsed security can result in licence revocation.
- Pay workers on time: Unpaid wages are the main reason for revocation. Track hours carefully and remit wages within the required timeframe.
- Report accurate information: Keep your contact details, business structure, and any terms and conditions current with the ministry.
- Respond to ministry requests: If the ministry asks for documents or information, provide them within the deadline. Ignored requests can end in refusal or revocation.
Do you have terms and conditions on your licence?
When the ministry issues your licence, it may attach terms and conditions, such as a requirement to post a larger security deposit, limits on the types of work you can assign, or a requirement to submit compliance reports. These conditions appear on the registry and must be met to keep your licence.
If a term or condition is not met, the ministry can take enforcement action, up to and including revocation. Review your licence's terms carefully and ensure your payroll, hiring, and assignment practices comply.
Common questions
Can clients see your agency on the Ontario THA registry?
Yes. Every temporary help agency, whether licensed, pending, refused, or revoked, appears on the public registry. Clients search it before hiring workers from your agency to verify your licence status is 'licensed'.
What happens if a client contracts with an unlicensed agency?
The client violates Ontario law. They are prohibited from knowingly using an unlicensed agency. The ministry can order them to stop, issue a penalty, or prosecute. This is why clients check the registry first.
How often do you need to renew your THA licence?
Ontario does not publish a fixed renewal date; renewal happens by submitting a new application before your current licence expires. No separate renewal fee is published; budget the application fee again. Check the registry for your licence's effective date or contact the ministry.
What if your agency name changes?
If your business name changes, you must update your information with the ministry and the registry will reflect the new name. A mismatch between your legal business name and the registry can cause client confusion or rejection.
Can you reapply if your licence is refused or revoked?
Yes. If your licence is refused, you can reapply once the reason for refusal is addressed. If revoked, you typically must wait for a specified period before reapplying. Contact the ministry for details.
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