No More Port of Entry Applications for Post-Graduation Work Permits

/in /by

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) has announced that international student graduates can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (“PGWP”) at a port of entry when entering Canada. This also means an end to applying for PGWP by way of flagpoling – a legal practice of leaving Canada and re-entering in order to have an immigration application processed by the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) at the time and place of entry. This new policy is now in effect and feels too much of a coincidence that it comes within a month of CBSA’s announcement on further curtailing flagpolling hours across various land borders in Southern Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia and the government’s announcement of earlier in the year to limit the number of temporary residents in Canada.

Over the past few years and as recent as last month, CBSA has limited the ability to “flagpole” at certain land border crossings in Québec, southern Ontario, and British Columbia, to certain days and hours of business. This has been done to limit the workload of officers and to increase the perception of fairness as flagpolers are often seen as jumping the queue over online applicants, despite many flagpolers having legitimate and pressing reasons to flagpole given lengthy inland processing times and CBSA having no legal authority to deny processing applicants. Under section 23 of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (“IRPA”), an officer may authorize a person to enter Canada for the purpose of further examination or an admissibility hearing, but there is no authorization to refuse to process an application. Restrictions to flagpoling are, therefore, unlawful.

While this new policy will certainly further limit flagpolling as IRCC and CBSA are now making it a requirement for foreign students to apply for a PGWP online, the announcement certainly has broader implications. The restrictions from applying at a port of entry for PGWP extends to visa exempt individuals as well who would otherwise be eligible to apply at a port of entry for another type of a work permit. Further, there is precedent for requiring certain applications for work permits to be filed online regardless of whether the individual is from a non-visa required country and would normally be able to make their application at a port of entry. For example, International Experience Canada and Seasonal Agricultural Worker work permit applications must be made online and cannot be made at a port of entry, although once approved, if these applicants are in Canada, they could flagpole to have the work permits issued at a port of entry by CBSA.  Based on this, it would seem therefore that this announcement is not simply about restricting flagpolling but more towards international students – a program that has recently undergone significant changes and further changes are expected to be coming in the fall and IRCC’s broader strategy to restrict the number of temporary residents in Canada.

For context, currently most international students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada are eligible for a PGWP. The academic program must have been PGWP-eligible and at least eight (8) months in length. An applicant can only obtain a PGWP once.

Most foreign students do apply online from within Canada for their PGWP, so this announcement will have limited impact. However, there are circumstances, where foreign students may have to or want to travel outside of Canada after completing their studies in Canada, and in the past would have been able to apply for their PGWP on re-entry to Canada.  This announcement will inconvenience these individuals, which again suggests that the announcement may be aimed at making it more difficult to apply for a PGWP to limit the number of temporary residents in Canada, and has less to do with queue jumping, fairness or any integrity issue.

If you or an employee has any questions about this policy of restricting PGWP applications to online-only or have any other questions about PGWP applications or overall eligibility to apply for a work permit at a port of entry, feel free to reach out to us for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Some Major and Minor Updates in May 2024

/in /by

End of the Second-Generation Born Abroad Rule and Lost Canadians

Following the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling in Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, 2023 ONSC 7152 (CanLII), in which the Court deemed unconstitutional the ineligibility to Canadian citizenship of those born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent who had been born outside of Canada themselves, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) has announced several changes with the tabling of Bill C-71.

Anyone born to a Canadian parent who was themselves born abroad will be eligible for Canadian citizenship if the parent has spent at least 1,095 days, or three years, in Canada cumulatively. This new “substantial connection test” is different than the one prior to 2009 which allowed for a “substantial connection” based on working abroad for the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, or the United Nations as a Canadian representative or having adequate knowledge of Canadian civics, English or French, and living in Canada for one year since the age of 14.

All “Lost Canadians”, those born to Canadian citizens who lost their citizenship or never acquired it due to prior citizenship legislation, will have their Canadian citizenship restored or be eligible for citizenship.

Increase in Settlement Funds Requirement

The amount of unencumbered, liquid funds required for permanent resident applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program has now increased. For example, one person will now require $14,690 and a family of four will require $27,297. The funds requirements are set out here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html.

Inspections for Compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program

In the event of a compliance inspection, an employer not keeping records for six years is now considered  a “C” violation, making it a severe offence.

When conducting inspections of employers for compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Service Canada is now providing an Employer Inspection Information Sheet listing the documents required for the inspection.

Manitoba Foreign Workers in the Provincial Nominee Pool to Receive Open Work Permits

To facilitate the transition of foreign workers in Manitoba to permanent residence, IRCC has announced that it will extend the status of potential nominees under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (“MPNP”) whose work permits will expire in 2024. Most of these workers are post-graduation work permit holders in the MPNP Skilled Worker Expression of Interest pool. This policy will facilitate the issuance of 6,700 open work permits while these individuals wait for their MPNP applications to be processed.

Changes to Flagpoling at the Border

“Flagpoling” is a practice where temporary residents leave Canada and re-enter within 24 hours to receive immigration services from the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”). Applicants often use this method to avoid long and fluctuating IRCC processing times within Canada. As of May 30, there are restrictions in effect at certain land border crossings in Québec, Southern Ontario, and British Columbia which limit the days and times at which individuals can flagpole at those locations specifically.

Possible CBSA Strike

Labour action has been initiated by CBSA members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (“PSAC”) after 96% of union members voted in favour of a strike mandate. PSAC and the government will enter mediation on June 3rd, with a strike being possible some time in June. While CBSA border officers are considered essential and must continue providing services during a strike, a strike could still lead to these services being limited, resulting in long lines and the disruption of the flow of people and goods into Canada.

Changes to the International Experience Canada Work Permit Program

The International Experience Canada (“IEC”) program allows young people from certain countries with international agreements with Canada or who are sponsored by a Recognized Organization (“ROs”) to apply for a work permit. We have found that one of these ROs, AIESEC, is not accepting applications from Indian and Brazilian citizens currently, as of the end of May 2024. AIESEC is the only RO for Indian and Brazilian citizens. It is also no longer accepting candidates who are already inside Canada. This policy may extend to other ROs as the government tries to limit the overall number of temporary residents in Canada.

If you, your company, or your employees might be affected by these new updates, reach out to speak with one of our professionals today. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Parent-Grandparent Sponsorship 2024

/in /by

Over the course of two (2) weeks, starting on May 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) will invite 35,700 potential sponsors to apply to sponsor their parents or grandparents. However, only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 are eligible to be invited. The intake for new expressions of interest to sponsor is still closed.

Those who wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada but did not previously submit an interest to sponsor form in 2020 remain unable to do so, and IRCC has not given any timeline as to when they will open interests to sponsor in the future.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to reunite with their parents or grandparents can still apply for Super Visas. While a Super Visa does not allow one to remain in Canada permanently and does not confer the rights and privileges of Canadian permanent resident status, it does allow for a stay in Canada of up to five (5) years on each entry. Super Visas are also valid for up to ten (10) years. For those who did not submit an interest to sponsor form in 2020 or who are not invited to apply in the upcoming 2024 draw, a Super Visa may be the most viable option.

If you are interested in reuniting with your parents or grandparents in Canada or would like further information on the requirements of any of these programs, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Stop Work Order for International Students

/in /by

End of Policy Allowing Work Over 20 Hours Per Week

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government implemented a public policy allowing full-time international students to work off-campus for over 20 hours a week during regular academic sessions. This policy was intended to alleviate labour shortages and facilitate the staffing of many low-wage, low-skilled jobs during the pandemic without corresponding increases in wages. Most of these jobs were considered essential as per Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak, and at the time, the government was seeking ways to keep these positions occupied.

As Canada and the rest of the world were recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian economy continued to face significant labour shortages. To address Canada’s labour market needs temporarily, the Government implemented a public policy in 2022 to allow all eligible study permit holders, to work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. The increase in the number of hours students could work also allowed students to offset rising costs of living. This policy was due to expire on December 31, 2023, but the expiry date was extended until April 30, 2024.

Public sentiment has changed against international students, who are now perceived by some as having contributed to the housing shortage. The government has also indicated that the economy has recovered from the pandemic and labour shortages are not acute.  Consequently, the government is now reverting to some of the pre-pandemic requirements for study permit holders as it considers the primary purpose of the International Student Program to be for students to study in Canada. Considering this, the government has rolled back multiple measures for international students, one of them being that it will not extend the public policy allowing international students to work over 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.

  • As of May 1st, 2024, full-time international students will only be allowed to work 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions.
  • There is no limit to the number of hours an international student can work off-campus during a regularly scheduled break, such as the summer break.
  • Part-time international students cannot work off-campus unless they were studying full-time during all previous semesters but are now studying part-time in their final semester.
  • On-campus work is not affected, and international students can work an unlimited number of hours on the campus of their institution.

24 Hours Per Week in Fall 2024

The government also announced that in fall 2024, full-time international students will be able to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus. The government has settled on this number to strike a balance between allowing students to pay for their studies and living expenses, and to focus on their studies as the purpose of their stay in Canada.

Is this a Good Thing of a Bad Thing?

The policy to allow students to work beyond 20 hours per week was viewed by some as potentially detrimental to international students that might have struggled to keep up their full-time studies and full-time work at the same time. In some instances, international students may have jeopardized their ability to secure a post graduation work permit (“PGWP”) if they were forced to drop courses and were unable to maintain full-time studies. Although this change may not be welcomed by students and businesses that have relied on students working full time while attending school full time, in the end it may be in the students’ best interest to focus on their studies and ensure they are able to be qualify for a PGWP.

In the past this policy has primarily relied on voluntary compliance. There is a risk that some employers and students dependent on the extra hours of work, will chose not to abide by the new policy. This could have consequences for both, since it is an offence to employ someone unauthorized to work in Canada or to work without authorization. There are also potential immigration consequences to students that do not follow the conditions of their study permits. It remains to be seen whether the government intends to or will need to take extra measures to ensure the policy is followed.

If you or any of your employees will be affected or have questions about these announced changes, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Updates – End of Workforce Solutions Road Map Special Measures and Recognized Employer Pilot

/in /by

End of Workforce Solutions Road Map Special Measures

As part of the government’s continuing efforts to limit the number of temporary residents coming to Canada due to increased pressures from the housing and cost-of-living crises, as of May 1, 2024, the following changes will occur:

  • Labour Market Impact Assessments (“LMIAs”) will only be valid for six months; reduced from 12 months. This means that a work permit application will need to be filed or presented at a port of entry within six months of receiving a positive LMIA.
  • Employers previously identified in the 2022 Workforce Solutions Road Map will no longer to be able to have 30% of their total workforce come in through the low wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”). All employers will only be able to have 20% of their workers come in from low wage stream LMIAs. An exception is made for employers in the construction and health care sectors.
  • In addition to regular LMIA job advertising and recruitment requirements, employers will need to recruit asylum seekers in Canada with valid open work permits before they can apply for an LMIA.

These measures are in addition to the requirement for employers to review the wages of foreign workers on LMIA-based work permits on an annual basis to ensure that they continue to reflect the prevailing wage in the region of employment. Prevailing wages are updated annually, and usually increase at the time of the update.

Recognized Employer Pilot

The Recognized Employer Pilot (“REP”) is a three-year pilot project designed to help meet the demand for certain in-demand occupations from employers with a history of compliance with the TFWP, high standards for working conditions and worker protection based on the employer’s history with the TFWP. The employer must have received three positive LMIA decisions in the last five years, or one positive LMIA decision in 2022 or 2023 and two other positive LMIA decisions as far back as 2016. REP eligibility is assessed when an LMIA is submitted. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (“SAWP”) LMIAs cannot be considered for the REP. Importantly, Service Canada will stop accrediting employers to the REP in September 2024, and the REP is scheduled to end in fall 2026.

The REP’s in-demand occupations list includes engineering managers, agricultural labourers, machine fitters, welders, seafood plant workers, loggers, metal fabrication labourers, psychologists, dental assistants, practical nurses, paramedics, medical laboratory technologists, veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, architects, land surveyors, chefs and cooks, butchers, food and beverage servers, carpenters, and welders. The full list can be viewed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/recognized-employer/working-conditions.html#h2.4.

Employers who are part of the REP will receive LMIAs that are valid for up to 36 months, compared to the six month validity of regular LMIAs.  Should an employer be approved for the REP, they will have access to a simplified LMIA application.

If you or your employee will be affected by any of the announced changes, or you are interested in the REP, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

March Immigration Madness – Multiple Immigration Developments

/in /by

Update to Public-Private College Partnerships for Students

The government previously announced that it would cancel the eligibility for post-graduation work permits (“PGWPs”) for students attending programs at private colleges that are subject to public-private curriculum licensing agreements. As part of the its ongoing efforts to limit the number of international students amidst increasing public opposition to more newcomers as a result of the housing and cost-of-living crises, it has now announced an update. Those who start their program at a private college that is part of a public-private curriculum arrangement after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a PGWP. The date has been moved forward from the previously announced date of September 1, 2024.

Temporary Resident Cap

Due to increased pressures from the housing and cost-of-living crises, the government is looking for ways to reduce the number of newcomers to Canada. In addition to students, it is now targeting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”), and in particular, low-wage workers. As of May 1, 2024, the percentage of low-wage foreign workers who can make up a company’s workforce will be 20%; reduced from 30%. The healthcare and construction sectors will be exempt, and they will still be allowed to have foreign workers make up to 30% of their employees. Additionally, the validity of Labour Market Impact Assessments (“LMIAs”) will be 6 months; reduced from 12 months. Employers will also need to consider asylum seekers with valid open work permits before they can consider temporary foreign workers.

Iran – Measures for Temporary Residence

The government has announced the extension of the public policy to February 28, 2025, which exempts Iranian temporary residents (workers, students, visitors) from having to pay application and biometrics fees. Fees are also waived for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran when applying for limited validity Canadian passports, citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents.

Ukraine – Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (“CUAET”)

March 31, 2024, will be the last day that Ukrainians and their family members can enter Canada under the CUAET public policy. This public policy allows for the issuance of open work permits, study permits, or visitor status for up to 3 years to all Ukrainian citizens and their family members. Those in Canada have until March 31, 2024 to extend their status under the CUAET for up to 3 years, and settlement services will be available to them until March 31, 2025. After March 31, 2024, they will need to qualify and apply for temporary resident status under an existing category, and/or transition to permanent residence.

New Immigration Pilots to Support Rural and Francophone Communities

In fall 2024, the government is set to implement the Rural Community Immigration Pilot to bolster local businesses in rural communities and address labour shortages. It will provide a path to permanent residence. Details are yet to be finalized, but it is likely to be based on the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Eventually, the government wishes to establish the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot as a permanent program.

Also in fall 2024, the Francophone Immigration Policy is set to be implemented. The government intends to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers to Francophone minority communities outside of Québec, and to restore the demographic weight of Francophones in Canada. The Francophone Immigration Policy will also provide a path to permanent residence and is yet to be finalized but will likely be based on the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program – Tourism and Hospitality Stream

Alberta’s tourism industry is booming and the province is implementing a new stream to provide a path to permanent residence for workers in its tourism and hospitality industry, including many occupations that are considered “low-skilled” and were not previously eligible for permanent residence. Applicants will need a valid job offer from an employer in the industry with whom they have worked for at least 6 months. Eligible occupations within the tourism and hospitality sector include recreation, sport, and fitness instructions; restaurant managers; food service supervisors; chefs; cooks; food counter attendants and kitchen helpers; bartenders; food and beverage servers; maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses; accommodation service managers; hotel clerks; tour and travel guides; support occupations in accommodation, travel, and facilities set-up; light duty cleaners; specialized cleaners; janitors, caretakers, and heavy-duty cleaners; dry cleaning and laundry occupations; and outdoor sports and recreation guides.

If you or your employee are interested in one of the new programs, or will be affected by any of the announced changes, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

The Pandemic Is Officially Over, or Is It?

/in /by

Today, the Minister of Immigration Refugee Protection Canada (IRCC) announced that the federal government will aim to shrink the number of temporary residents in Canada over the next three years.  Temporary residents make up 6.2 percent of Canada’s population in 2023 and the government will seek to reduce that share to 5 percent by 2027.  IRCC has already announced changes to the foreign student program and now they are targeting the temporary workers.

Starting this fall, the Minister will for the first time include temporary residents in its annual immigration levels plan.  The premise is that the labour market has tightened since the pandemic ended and the Minister announced that Canadians and Permanent Residents are eager to return to work.  There was no mention of an aging work force or persons retiring earlier than in the past.  There was also no mention of temporary workers that do not relocate to Canada but cross the border to work on a regular basis, and whether these workers will be included in this reduction.  Further, it is unclear how future global events and humanitarian situations will factor into the levels plan for foreign workers.  In recent years special programs have been offered to facilitate persons fleeing these global situations to come to Canada.  Today’s announcement did not explain whether the new target will take into consideration existing and future humanitarian programs.

Other announcements included those that are targeting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”) as of May 1, 2024:

  • Reduction of the percentage of foreign workers making up a company’s workforce from 30% to 20%, but health care and construction sectors will be exempted.
  • The LMIA will only be valid for 6 months, not the current 12 months.
  • Employers will have to consider asylum seekers with valid work permits for open positions before they can consider temporary foreign workers.

One must wonder if this announcement was necessary, and isn’t just political to address the growing public anti-immigration sentiments across Canada.  The significant reduction in foreign students announced earlier may be sufficient to meet this reduction in temporary residents. The Minister claims businesses have become addicted to temporary foreign workers and this arrangement seems to target them.  Unfortunately, the announcement did not include any relief for many Post Graduate Work Permit holders that have spent significant resources on a Canadian education and gained Canadian work experience and are running out of time to transition to permanent residence status.

The pandemic may be over, but the hangover from the pandemic persists and at CILF we witness every day real challenges companies are facing in hiring and maintaining skilled workers in many sectors, not just health and construction.

If you have any questions regarding these announcements, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416 368 1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Restrictions on Work Permits for Spouses of Students

/in /by

Recently, the federal government announced significant new limits to the international student program to reduce the intake of international students in Canada amidst increasing pressure during the housing and cost of living crises.

As part of further restrictions, beginning today, March 19th, 2024, the government is restricting the availability of open work permits to spouses of students in one of the following degree programs:

  • a master’s or doctoral degree program in a university or polytechnic institution, or
  • one of the following professional degree programs at a university:
    • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
    • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
    • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
    • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
    • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
    • Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
    • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Previously, spouses of all full-time students at designated learning institutions who were eligible for post-graduation work permits, including college diploma and undergraduate degree students, could apply for open work permits. Spouses who had their open work permits issued under the previous policy will still be eligible to extend their work permits. However, spouses of new international students coming to Canada will only be eligible for an open work permit if the international student is studying for one of the above-listed degrees.

If you or your employee will be affected by this change, reach out to one of our professionals today for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416 368 1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

¡Atención queridos Mexicanos! Visa Requirement Re-Instated for Mexican Citizens

/in /by

As of 11:30 p.m. on February 29, 2024, citizens of Mexico will be required to possess a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada with a few limited exemptions. The government is applying this requirement in response to the high number of asylum claims received from citizens of Mexico. Previously in 2016, the government had lifted the TRV requirement for citizens of Mexico but is now re-instating it.

A TRV is a document affixed to a traveller’s passport which allows them to enter Canada. They are separate from status documents such as work permits, study permits, and visitor records which denote one’s immigration status in Canada. Countries that do not require visas are typically those that are wealthy, have good diplomatic relations with Canada, and whose citizens the Canadian government feels are unlikely to make asylum claims if they travel to Canada.

One limited exemption to the requirement for TRVs for citizens of Mexico requires that the traveller previously held a Canadian TRV in the past 10 years or currently holds a United States non-immigrant visa, and they will be flying into Canada. If they meet the exemption, they can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead. The eTA is typically a quick online application that is approved within minutes, compared to a TRV which can take months to process and requires that the passport be sent to a Canadian visa office. However, given that TRVs have not been required for citizens of Mexico since 2016, this exemption will be very limited indeed.

Another limited exemption is for Mexican citizens who already have a work or study permit. If these individuals already have an eTA (highly likely as most will have flown to Canada), they can continue to use their eTAs for as long as they are valid. Upon the expiry of their eTAs however, they will need to apply for a TRV or, if they meet the exemption listed above regarding holding a TRV in the past 10 years or a U.S. non-immigrant visa, a new eTA.

Those who are in Canada as visitors will have their eTAs cancelled. If they wish to enter Canada again, they will need to apply for a TRV or an eTA if they meet the exemption regarding holding a TRV in the past 10 years or a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

For Mexican citizens or employers with Mexican employees, the re-instatement of the visa requirement will likely affect them. If you have questions related to this requirement and how it will affect you or your employees, our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416 368 1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

Offering a Job to a Refugee or Displaced Person Living Overseas? Consider the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

/in /by

The government has now implemented its Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot which provides a path to permanent residence for refugees and displaced persons living overseas, who have not been integrated permanently into their host country, and who have a job offer from a Canadian employer. While there is a very limited intake for those without job offers (only 150 applications accepted each year) and those who are eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, or Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (only 500 total), there is no cap for those who have a job offer.

Importantly, this program lowers the usual language requirements for Economic Class applicants and allows those with high-basic to low-intermediate English or French skills to apply. It also allows for jobs offers for positions that only require the completion of high school. The pilot requires that the applicant have one year of previous work experience. This presents employers with opportunities to hire refugees or displaced persons in order to fill various labour shortages. Further, application fees are waived, medical examination costs are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program available to refugees, access to the Immigration Loans Program is provided to help with the right of permanent residence fee and travel costs, and settlement assistance is also provided. The government has said it will try to process these applications in 6 months or less.

Given this, employers who are looking to fill labour shortages may want to consider the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. In addition to benefitting their business, they would be providing a humanitarian service to a refugee or displaced person in need and their family. If this is something you’re interested in, reach out to one of our professionals today for a permanent residence consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416 368 1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.