Blog – Quadro Law

Certain visitors in Canada to apply for a specific work permit

March 20, 2023

Public Policy Allowing Certain Visitors in Canada to Apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit Extended to February 28, 2025

By Darren Penner Blog, Business Visa, Immigration Visa, Program, Work Permit

The advantage to in-Canada processing is that IRCC will send the work permit to the applicant in the mail. The applicant will not need to leave and re-enter Canada in order to receive their work permit.

On March 1, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended the public policy allowing certain visitors in Canada to apply for an employer-specific work permit until February 28, 2025.

The wording of the announcement, as well as the wording that is sometimes used to report the announcement on social media, has led to some confusion. We have had questions from visitors over the past few weeks who have wondered if they now qualify for a work permit, since they are visitors and have received a casual job offer.

To clarify, this public policy is concerned only with place of application requirements. It does not ease work permit eligibility requirements. As before, a foreign national must receive a job offer backed by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit through the International Mobility Program, in order to be eligible for a work permit.

So, what does this public policy actually do? It amends the place of application requirements. Before the public policy came into force, a visitor in Canada would have to submit an application for a work permit outside Canada or, in the case of visa-exempt applicants, at a port of entry. A visitor in Canada submitting their application outside Canada could do so online and, assuming they have valid visitor status until a decision is made, could remain in Canada during processing. Once the application is approved though, the applicant would need to leave and re-enter Canada in order to have their work permit printed by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. Through the public policy, a visitor in Canada may now submit their application for a work permit online and have it processed from within Canada. The advantage to in-Canada processing is that IRCC will send the work permit to the applicant in the mail. The applicant will not need to leave and re-enter Canada in order to receive their work permit.

Whether or not this public policy is actually helpful to an applicant is highly dependent upon their situation and priorities. The estimated processing time for a work permit submitted inside Canada is currently 154 days. If the applicant holds the passport of a country that enjoys a significantly shorter processing time through a visa office abroad, it may be faster to submit the application from outside Canada. However, if the applicant wants to avoid an examination by a CBSA officer or if their visitor status will likely expire during processing of an outside application, it may be preferable to submit the application from inside of Canada, regardless of the longer processing times.

Are you a visitor in Canada who would like to remain here, but you are unsure of your options? We would be happy to arrange a consultation, during which we would discuss your possible pathways to a work permit or permanent resident status. Contact our office for details, including consultation fees and availability.

March 10, 2023

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry

By James Hayes Blog, Business Visa, Express Entry, Immigration Visa, Program

Express Entry is an economic-driven immigration program by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you qualify, you can be chosen to apply for permanent residency – and you may not even need a job offer!

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an economic-driven immigration program by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you qualify, you can be chosen to apply for permanent residency – and you may not even need a job offer!

The three main federal economic programs are:

In addition to these, you may also qualify and be selected for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where a specific province or territory nominates you to settle in their province or territory and contribute to their unique economic needs. Your background and qualifications will direct you to the most suited program for your application. To compare, each is addressed below.

Please note: The Federal Express Entry program does not apply to the province of Québec. For those seeking to immigrate to Québec, please look into the Québec-Selected Skilled Workers program for more details.

Federal Skilled Worker

This program is designed for skilled workers with at least one continuous year (1,560 hours) of foreign work experience.

The minimum requirements are:

Skilled work experience,
Language ability, and
Education.

Also, the foreign work experience must fall within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Federal Skilled Trades

This program is designed for workers qualified in a skilled trade.

The minimum requirements are:

Two years full-time work experience in a qualified NOC TEER category,
Language ability, and
A valid job offer or certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

A job offer is considered “valid” if it is full-time, non-seasonal, for at least one year, and in a skilled TEER category (0, 1, 2, or 3). The job offer should be in writing and set out your salary, job duties, conditions of employment, weekly hours, etc.

Please note: FSW and FST applicants must show sufficient funds to settle in Canada, unless there is a valid Canadian job offer.

Canadian Experience Class

This program is designed for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience.

The minimum requirements are:

One year of skilled work experience in Canada, and
Language ability.

Please note: You are not eligible for CEC if you are seeking a refugee claim, working without authorization, or your work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program

This is designed for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. Given that each province or territory determines how one applies and is nominated, the PNP “streams” can vary widely. There are also frequent pilot programs that offer individuals skilled in certain sectors to receive provincial nomination. Importantly, a PNP nomination significantly increases your likelihood of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Click here if you would like to learn more about applying for PNP directly through the province or territory.

Who can apply?

There are many potential Express Entry candidates. By design, an area of strength can overcome an area of weakness and balance out an applicant’s profile. That being said, those most suited to fit the program’s intent often have at least one university degree, some skilled work experience, and proficiency in English, French, or both.

Language Ability

Your language ability is a key factor in your application. To qualify, you need to be proficient in English, French, or both. If you are proficient in both, you can be awarded additional points.

IRCC currently accepts four language tests.

The two English exams are:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).

The two French exams are:

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), and
Test de connaissance du français (TCF).

Your performance will be assessed according to either the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Generally, the better the performance, the more points you are awarded in Express Entry.

Please note: Your language results are only valid for two years, and you must take a language exam even if your native language is English or French.

How are applicants selected?

Once you submit your Express Entry profile and join the pool, IRCC will periodically select individuals to apply for permanent residency based on their ranking. This is known as an “Express Entry draw.” On average, a draw occurs every two or three weeks. The draw number serves as a threshold point, where those with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores above are invited, and those below are not. Thus, the lower the draw number, the more people invited, and the better for all applicants. For example, if your CRS score is 451, you will only be invited to apply for permanent residency if the draw is 450 or below.

Once selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You are then given a 60-day window to submit your application for permanent residency. Once submitted, IRCC begins processing your permanent residency file.

Please note: Your Express Entry profile is only valid for 12 months. If you are not invited to apply for permanent residency, you need to re-enter the pool.

How are CRS points calculated?

CRS points are based on your qualifications and the applicable factors of the program you select. The total of all your awarded points is your CRS score. Below is a breakdown of each factor and the current maximum number of CRS points an applicant can receive from IRCC.

	With Spouse/Partner	Without Spouse/Partner
Applicant Factors
Age	100	110
Education	140	150
Official Language Proficiency	32	34
Second Official Language Proficiency	6	6
French and English Bonus	50	50
Canadian Work Experience	70	80
Spousal Factors
Education	10	–
Official Language Proficiency	5	–
Canadian Work Experience	10	–
Skills Transferability Factors
Education and Language	50	50
Education and Canadian Work Experience	50	50
Foreign Work Experience and Language	50	50
Foreign Work and Canadian Work Experience	50	50
Certificate of Qualification and Language	50	50
Provincial or Territorial Nomination
Provincial or Territorial Nominee Certificate	600	600
Offer of Employment
Offer of Employment from Canadian Company	200	200
Additional Points
Post-Secondary Education in Canada	30	30
Sibling Living in Canada	15	15

Just as there is no perfect candidate, it is not uncommon for applicants to receive less than maximum points for each factor. So, instead of worrying that you may not have the maximum CRS points for a given factor, you should focus on ways to balance your profile. This will give you the best chance of being selected to apply for permanent residency. Let’s consider the factor of age. After 30 years old, an applicant no longer qualifies for maximum CRS points for that factor – with five points being deducted every year. So, a 40-year-old, married applicant will only receive 45 of the 100 CRS points for age. However, a reduction of age may result in a corresponding increase in education, work experience, or language – as it takes time to develop those factors. Keep in mind, often balance is the key.

How can I increase my CRS Score?

There are a few ways you may be able to increase your CRS score.

Did you score as high as you wanted to on your language exam?

You can retake any language exam as many times as you want to potentially increase your CRS score. Retaking exams will not negatively affect your profile.

Did you select the correct NOC code?

Some applicants only consider the title or duties of a NOC code and inadvertently select a lower TEER category than for which they qualify. This means your application may not be properly evaluated with the highest number of possible CRS points. While waiting to be selected, double-check that both the title and duties match your level of experience and skill, and that no other NOC code better suits you.

Do you have a Canadian job offer?

It can be difficult to receive outside of Canada, but it is possible. A valid job offer can boost your application by up to 200 points. If you have not started looking, perhaps consider sending out some application materials and see if you can get a job offer in your corresponding NOC TEER category.

Have you considered a one-year post-secondary degree or certificate?

A short educational program can pay dividends in raising your overall CRS score. You may also be able to gain some Canadian work experience while in Canada.

Are you proficient in French and English?

If you are proficient in both languages, even if not at the highest tier, it is a good idea to take both language exams to increase your score. For example, you can use the highest language score as your primary exam and the lower language score as your secondary. Together, you may be awarded additional points for proficiency in both languages.

Did you include your spouse?

Depending on your spouse’s qualifications, it may be beneficial to your application to include your spouse to immigrate with you to Canada.

Have you considered making your spouse the principal applicant? If your spouse has better education, work experience, language abilities, or is younger than you, consider calculating both CRS scores separately and comparing them. In some cases, making your spouse the principal applicant can improve your overall candidacy.

Trends in the Express Entry draws?

The Express Entry draws can be program specific, such as PNP, FSW, FST, or CEC, or it can be “No Program Specified.” Depending on which program you apply under, it will determine which is relevant for you. Having said that, if you are not applying under PNP, do not be discouraged if PNP draws tend to be higher. PNP draws are often 700 CRS points or more because qualifying candidates are awarded 600 points for their nomination, on top of their underlying CRS score. For this reason, non-PNP applicants with CRS scores over 500 points are generally considered to be competitive applications.

To demonstrate, from July 2022 to February 2023 there were 13 draws – 8 were over 501 points, 5 were under 501 points. The lowest draw was 490 points, and the highest was 557 points.

Please note: This is only to illustrate a recent trend and may not be indicative of future draws.

Can I calculate my own CRS Score?

If you would like to calculate your own score, click here.

How much does it cost to apply for Express Entry?

There are no government fees to submit your Express Entry profile. Once invited, several fees apply.

Some fees include:

Principal Application – $1,365*
Application for Spouse or Partner – $1,365*
To Include a Dependent Child – $230*

*Fees current as of March 8, 2023.

Please note: In addition to IRCC processing fees, you may also have to pay provincial immigration fees if you apply through a PNP.

Need additional help?

At Quadro Law, we are ready and experienced to help you with your immigration needs. We routinely handle applications for permanent residency through Express Entry and are proud to contribute to the growing French communities across Canada. Should you prefer French, both Celine Wlasichuk and James Hayes offer their legal services in French.

Disclaimer:

This written article is solely for informational purposes. It is not legal advice and does not make any guarantees or conclusions. Each case is examined individually. Please contact our office for additional information and tailored legal advice.

Immigrer au Canada par Entrée express

Qu’est-ce qu’Entrée express ?

Entrée express est un programme d’immigration basé sur l’économie par Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) qui permet les travailleurs qualifiés d’immigrer au Canada. Si vous êtes admissible, vous pouvez être invité à présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente – et c’est possible que vous n’ayez pas besoin d’une offre d’emploi !

Les trois principaux programmes économiques fédéraux sont :

Programme des travailleurs qualifiés (fédéral) (PTQF)
Programme des travailleurs de métiers spécialisés (fédéral) (PTMSF), et
Catégorie de l’expérience canadienne (CEC).

En plus, vous pouvez également vous qualifier et être sélectionné pour un Programme des candidats des provinces (PCP), dans lequel une province ou un territoire spécifique vous nomme pour vous installer dans sa province ou son territoire et de contribuer à ses besoins économiques uniques. Votre expérience et vos qualifications détermineront le programme le plus adapté à votre candidature. Pour comparer, chacun est décrit ci-dessous.

Remarque : Le programme fédéral Entrée express ne s’applique pas à la province de Québec. Pour ceux qui voudraient immigrer au Québec, veuillez consulter le programme des travailleurs qualifiés sélectionnés par le Québec pour plus de détails.

Programme des travailleurs qualifié (fédéral)

Ce programme est pour les travailleurs qualifiés qui ont au moins d’une année (1 560 heures) d’expérience de travail étrangère.

Les exigences minimales sont :

Expérience professionnelle qualifiée,
Capacité linguistique, et
Scolarité.

De plus, l’expérience de travail étrangère doit appartenir à la catégorie 0, 1, 2 ou 3 de la formation, des études, de l’expérience et des responsabilités (FEER) de la Classification nationale des professions (CNP).

Programme des travailleurs de métiers spécialisés (fédéral)

Ce programme est pour les travailleurs qualifiés dans un métier spécialisé.

Les exigences minimales sont :

Deux ans d’expérience de travail à temps plein dans une catégorie FEER du CNP qualifiée,
Capacité linguistique, et
Une offre d’emploi valide ou un certificat de qualification émis par une province, un territoire ou le gouvernement fédéral canadien.

Une offre d’emploi est « valide » si elle est à temps plein, non saisonnière, depuis au moins d’un an et dans une catégorie FEER qualifiée (0, 1, 2 ou 3). L’offre d’emploi doit être écrite et indiquer votre salaire, vos fonctions, vos conditions d’emploi, vos heures de travailler, etc.

Remarque : Si les candidats PTQF et PTMSF n’ont pas une offre d’emploi canadienne valide, ils doivent montrer des fonds suffisants pour s’installer au Canada.

Catégorie de l’expérience canadienne

Ce programme est pour les travailleurs qualifiés qui ont l’expérience de travail au Canada.

Les exigences minimales sont :

Un an d’expérience de travail qualifiée au Canada, et
Capacité linguistique.

Remarque : Vous n’êtes pas admissible sous CEC si vous demandez le statut de réfugié, si vous travaillez sans autorisation ou si votre expérience de travail a été acquise sans le statut de résident temporaire au Canada.

Programme des candidats des provinces

Ceci est conçu pour les travailleurs qui ont les compétences, la scolarité et l’expérience de travail nécessaires pour contribuer à l’économie d’une province ou d’un territoire spécifique. Le fait que chaque province ou territoire détermine la façon qu’on soumet leur demande et qu’on est nommé, les « volets » du PCP peuvent varier considérablement. Aussi, il y a de fréquents programmes pilotes qui proposent à des personnes qualifiées dans certains secteurs de recevoir une nomination provinciale. Surtout, une nomination PCP augmente considérablement vos chances d’être invité à présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente.

Cliquez ici si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur la demande de PCP directement par la province ou le territoire.

Qui peut soumettre un profil ?

Il y a de nombreux candidats potentiels d’Entrée express. Intentionnellement, un attribut fort peut surmonter un attribut faible et équilibrer le profil d’un candidat. Cela étant dit, les personnes les plus aptes pour être invitées ont souvent au moins un diplôme universitaire, l’expérience de travail qualifiée et une maîtrise de l’anglais, du français ou des deux.

La capacité de la langue

Votre maîtrise de la langue est un facteur important dans votre candidature. Pour se qualifier, vous devez maîtriser l’anglais, le français ou les deux. Si vous maîtrisez les deux, vous pouvez obtenir des points supplémentaires.

IRCC accepte actuellement quatre examens de langue.

Les deux examens d’anglais sont :

Système international de test de langue anglaise (IELTS), et
Programme canadien d’index de compétence linguistique en anglais (CELPIP).

Les deux examens de français sont :

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), et
Test de connaissance du français (TCF).

Votre performance sera évaluée selon le Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) ou les Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). En générale, plus vos performances sont fortes, plus vous recevrez de points dans l’Entrée express.

Remarque : Vos résultats linguistiques sont valables pour deux ans après l’examen, et vous devez prendre un examen de langue même si votre langue maternelle est l’anglais ou le français.

Comment sont sélectionnés les candidats ?

Après que vous soumettez votre profil d’Entrée express et rejoint le bassin, IRCC invitera périodiquement des personnes pour présenter une demande de la résidence permanente en fonction de leur classement et pointage. C’est ce qu’on appelle une « ronde d’invitations ». Typiquement, il y a une ronde d’invitations chaque deux ou trois semaines. La note de la ronde d’invitations sert comme un seuil, et donc ceux qui ont un pointage du Système de classement global (SCG) dessus de la ronde d’invitations sont invités, et ceux qui ne l’ont pas ne sont pas. Alors, quand la note de la ronde d’invitations est bas, il y a plus de personnes invitées, et c’est mieux pour tous les candidats. Par exemple, si votre pointage du SCG est de 451, vous ne serez invité à présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente que si la ronde d’invitations est de 450 ou moins.

Quand vous êtes sélectionné, vous recevrez une invitation à présenter une demande (ITA) pour la résidence permanente et vous avez 60 jours pour présenter votre demande. Après que votre demande est présentée, IRCC commencera le traitement de votre dossier de résidence permanente.

Remarque : Votre profil Entrée Express n’est valide que pour 12 mois. Si vous n’êtes pas invité à présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente en 12 mois, vous devez réintégrer le bassin.

Comment sont calculés les points SCG ?

Les points SCG sont basés sur vos qualifications et les facteurs applicables du programme que vous choisissez. Le total de tous vos points reçus constitue votre pointage du SCG. Vous trouverez ci-dessous une table qui explique chaque facteur et les points maximum SCG qu’un candidat peut recevoir d’IRCC.

	Avec Époux/Partenaire	Sans Époux/Partenaire
Facteurs du Demandeur
Âge	100	110
Scolarité	140	150
Maîtrise d’une Langue Officielle	32	34
Maîtrise d’une Deuxième Langue Officielle	6	6
Français et Anglais Bonus	50	50
Expérience de Travail au Canada	70	80
Facteurs Liés à l’Époux/Partenaire de Fait
Scolarité	10	–
Maîtrise d’une Langue Officielle	5	–
Expérience de Travail au Canada	10	–
Facteurs Liés à la Transférabilité des Compétences
Scolarité et Langue	50	50
Scolarité et Expérience de Travail au Canada	50	50
Expérience de Travail Étrangère	50	50
Expérience de Travail Étrangère et au Canada	50	50
Certificat de Qualification et Langue	50	50
Nomination Provinciale
Désignation comme Candidat d’une Province ou d’un Territoire	600	600
Offre d’Emploi
Offre d’Emploi d’une Entreprise Canadienne	200	200
Points Supplémentaires
Études Postsecondaire Effectuées au Canada	30	30
Frère/Sœur Vivant au Canada	15	15

Comme il n’y a pas de candidat parfait, il n’est pas rare que les candidats reçoivent moins que le maximum de points pour chaque facteur. Alors, au lieu de vous inquiéter de ne pas avoir le maximum de points SCG pour un facteur, il vaut mieux de vous concentrer sur l’équilibrage de votre profil entier. Cela vous donnera les meilleures chances d’être sélectionné pour présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente. Par exemple, on évalue le facteur de l’âge. Après 30 ans, un candidat ne recevra plus le maximum de points SCG pour ce facteur – en fait, chaque année cinq points sera déduits de son pointage du SCG. Donc, un candidat marié de 40 ans ne recevra que 45 des 100 points SCG pour le facteur de l’âge. Mais, une réduction de l’âge peut signifier une augmentation correspondante de la scolarité, de l’expérience de travail ou de la langue – car il prend du temps pour développer ces facteurs. Gardez à l’esprit que souvent l’équilibre est la chose la plus importante.

Comment puis-je augmenter mon pointage du SCG ?

Il existe plusieurs façons d’augmenter votre pointage SCG.

Avez-vous obtenu le résultat que vous souhaitiez à votre examen de langue ?

Vous pouvez reprendre n’importe quel examen de langue autant de fois que vous le souhaitez pour potentiellement augmenter votre pointage du SCG. La reprise des examens n’affectera pas négativement votre profil.

Avez-vous sélectionné correctement la classification du CNP ?

Certains candidats ne considèrent que le titre ou les fonctions d’une classification du CNP et sélectionnent par inadvertance une catégorie FEER inférieure à celle pour laquelle ils se qualifient. Cela signifie que votre candidature peut ne pas être correctement évaluée avec le plus grand points SCG possibles. En attendant d’être sélectionné, vérifiez que le titre et les fonctions correspondent à votre niveau d’expérience et de compétence, et qu’aucune autre classification du CNP ne vous convient mieux.

Avez-vous une offre d’emploi d’entreprise canadienne ?

Il peut être difficile de recevoir une offre d’emploi d’une entreprise canadienne hors du Canada, mais c’est possible. Une offre d’emploi valide peut augmenter votre candidature jusqu’à 200 points. Si vous n’avez pas commencé à chercher, considérez d’envoyer des demandes d’emplois aux entreprises canadiennes et voyez si vous pouvez obtenir une offre d’emploi dans votre catégorie FEER du CNP correspondante.

Avez-vous considéré un diplôme ou un certificat postsecondaire d’un an ?

Un programme éducatif court peut augmenter votre pointage du SCG. Pendant votre programme éducatif, vous pourriez également acquérir l’expérience de travail au Canada.

Vous maîtrisez le français et l’anglais ?

Si vous maîtrisez les deux langues, même si vous n’êtes pas au niveau le plus élevé, c’est une bonne idée de prendre les deux examens de langue pour augmenter votre pointage du SCG. Par exemple, vous pouvez utiliser le résultat de l’examen plus élevé comme votre examen principal et l’autre comme votre examen secondaire. Ensemble, vous pouvez recevoir des points supplémentaires pour votre maîtrise des deux langues.

Avez-vous inclus votre époux/partenaire ?

Selon les qualifications de votre époux/partenaire, il peut être avantageux pour votre demande d’inclure votre époux/partenaire pour immigrer avec vous au Canada.

Avez-vous pensé à faire de votre époux/partenaire le demandeur principal ? Si votre époux/partenaire a une meilleure scolarité, une meilleure expérience de travail, des capacités linguistiques ou est plus jeune que vous, considérez de calculer les deux pointages du SCG séparément et de les comparer. Dans certains cas, faire de votre époux/partenaire le demandeur principal peut améliorer votre candidature.

Tendances dans la ronde d’invitations d’Entrée express ?

La ronde d’invitations d’Entrée express peuvent être spécifiques à un programme, tel que PCP, PTQF, PTMSF, CEC ou « Aucun programme spécifié ». Selon le programme auquel vous demandez, il déterminera celui qui vous convient. Cela dit, si vous ne demandez pas sous PCP, ne vous découragez pas si les rondes d’invitations du PCP ont tendance à être plus élevés. Les rondes d’invitations du PCP sont souvent de 700 points SCG ou plus, car les candidats qualifiés reçoivent 600 points pour leur nomination, en plus de leur pointage du SCG sous-jacent. Pour cette raison, les candidats non-PCP avec des pointages du SCG supérieurs à 500 points sont généralement considérés comme des candidatures compétitives.

Pour démontrer, de juillet 2022 à février 2023, il y a eu 13 rondes d’invitations – 8 étaient supérieures à 501 points, 5 étaient inférieures à 501 points. La ronde d’invitation la plus basse était de 490 points et la plus élevée de 557 points.

Remarque : Ceci est uniquement pour illustrer une tendance récente et peut ne pas être indicatif des rondes d’invitations à l’avenir.

Puis-je calculer mon propre pointage du SCG ?

Si vous souhaitez calculer votre propre pointage du SCG, cliquez ici.

Combien cela coûte-t-il de soumettre un profil d’Entrée Express et présenter une demande pour la résidence permanente ?

Il n’y a pas de frais gouvernementaux pour soumettre votre profil Entrée Express. Après que vous êtes invité, plusieurs frais s’appliquent.

Certains frais incluent :

Demande Principale – 1 365 $*
Demande pour Époux/Partenaire – 1 365 $*
Pour Inclure un Enfant à Charge – 230 $*

*Ces frais sont à jour au 8 Mars 2023.

Remarque : En plus des frais de traitement d’IRCC, vous devrez peut-être également payer des frais d’immigration provinciaux si vous présentez une demande sous PCP.

Besoin d’aide supplémentaire ?

Chez Quadro Law, nous sommes prêts pour vous aider avec vos besoins en matière d’immigrations. Nous traitons régulièrement les demandes de la résidence permanente sous Entrée Express et sommes fiers de contribuer à la croissance des communautés francophones à travers le Canada. Si vous préférez le français, Celine Wlasichuk et James Hayes offrent leurs services juridiques en français.

Clause de non-responsabilité :

Cet article écrit est uniquement à des fins d’information. Il ne s’agit pas d’un avis juridique et ne fait aucune garantie ou conclusion. Chaque cas est examiné individuellement. Veuillez contacter notre bureau pour des informations supplémentaires et des conseils juridiques personnalisés.

February 10, 2023

Francophone Mobility Program

By James Hayes Blog, Immigration Visa, Program, Student Visa, Work Permit

A great option for French speakers.

French speakers can now apply for LMIA-exempt work permits. This is great news because LMIA-based work permits can be costly, inefficient, and unattractive to many employers.

Mobilité Francophone

Saviez-vous que si vous parlez français, vous pourriez vivre et travailler au Canada ?

Comme partie de l’initiative du Canada à promouvoir l’immigration francophone et à élargir les communautés francophones en situation minoritaire à l’extérieur du Québec, les francophones peuvent présenter une demande des permis de travail dispensés d’une étude d’impact sur le marché du travail (EIMT). C’est une bonne nouvelle, comme un permis de travail EIMT peut être cher, inefficace, et peu attrayant pour de nombreux employeurs. De plus, ce permis de travail n’est lié à aucune nationalité, citoyenneté ou âge. Il est plutôt basé uniquement sur les compétences linguistiques du demandeur. Avec plus de 300 millions de francophones dans le monde à l’extérieur du Canada, cela signifie que potentiellement des millions de personnes peuvent présenter une demande !

Qui peut présenter une demande ?

Vous êtes éligible si :

Votre langue d’usage quotidienne est le français*,
Vous travaillerez dans une province ou un territoire hors Québec, et
On vous a offert un poste qualifié au Canada (catégorie de FEER 0, 1, 2, ou 3 du CNP).

*Remarque : Si votre langue maternelle ou lange d’usage quotidienne n’est pas le français, vous pouvez toujours être éligible. Vous devrez montrer au moins un niveau avancé intermédiaire ou supérieur en langue française (niveau 7 ou supérieur au Test d’Evaluation Du Français (TEF) ou niveau B2 ou supérieur au Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)).

Quels types d’emplois sont éligibles ?

En général, les catégories de FEER du CNP sont les suivants :

0 – emplois de direction,
1 – emplois professionnels, et
2, 3 – emplois techniques et métiers spécialisés.

Même qu’il n’y ait que quatre catégories de FEER du CNP, de nombreux postes sont admissibles. Par exemple, les postes comprennent un chef, un cuisinier, un boulanger, un assistant administratif, un planificateur d’événements, un instructeur de loisirs/sport/conditionnement physique et une personne de ménage exécutive. Et bien que de nombreux candidats soient diplômés d’un collège ou d’une université, cela n’est pas toujours nécessaire.

Comment présenter une demande ?

Tout d’abord, votre employeur doit soumettre une offre d’emploi. Après, vous pouvez demander le permis de travail et payer les frais requis. Souvent, les agents délivrent le permis de travail pour la durée de l’offre d’emploi ou jusqu’à l’expiration de vos documents de voyage ou de vos données biométriques. Notez que vous pouvez présenter une demande de l’extérieur ou de l’intérieur du Canada.

De plus, en gros le permis de travail Mobilité Francophone est renouvelable. Les renouvellements sont plus faciles que la demande initiale et peuvent vous donner, à vous et à votre famille, plus de temps au Canada.

Frais

Frais de conformité de l’employer – 230 $*

Frais de traitement du permis de travail – 155 $*

*Ces frais sont à jour au 1^er février 2023.

Pourquoi les employeurs voudraient-ils m’embaucher ?

Les employeurs préfèrent les permis de travails dispensés de l’EIMT pour plusieurs raisons. Ils sont mois chers, plus rapides, et nécessitent mois de paperasse que les permis de travails de L’EIMT. Et pour le programme de Mobilité Francophone en particulier, il n’y a aucune exigence que l’offre d’emploi exige ou inclue la langue française. Gardez en tête que ce programme n’existe pas seulement pour amener des travailleurs francophones au Canada, mais aussi à bâtir des communautés francophones. Les employeurs apprécieront également que votre permis de travail soit spécifique à l’employeur, ce qui signifie que vous ne pouvez travailler que pour cet employeur.

Et ma famille ?

Vote conjoint de fait/époux et vos enfants à charge peuvent bénéficier de votre permis de travail Mobilité Francophone. Par exemple, votre conjoint de fait/époux est éligible pour un permis de travail ouvert tant que votre offre d’emploi dure plus de six mois. Cela signifie que votre conjoint de fait/époux peut travailler à n’importe emploi au Canada. Et vos enfants à charge sont éligibles pour des permis d’études.

De plus, ce programme est un tremplin important pour ceux qui souhaitent obtenir la résidence permanente à l’avenir. D’une part, votre expérience de travail au Canada vous donnera des points supplémentaires pour les programmes Entrée express et candidats des provinces (PCP). Mais aussi, vous établissez des liens canadiens qui vous permettront, à vous et à votre famille, de vous installer dans une communauté canadienne que vous pourriez un jour appeler la vôtre.

Quels pays et territoires parlent français ?

Comme mentionné, vous n’avez pas besoin de parler le français comme votre langue maternelle ou de venir d’une région francophone pour présenter une demande, tant que vous pouvez démontrer votre maîtrise du français. Cela dit, vous trouverez ci-dessous une liste de la plupart des pays et territoires connus pour parler français, par région.

L’Afrique

Algérie, Bénin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, République centrafricaine, Tchad, Comores, République démocratique du Congo (RDC), République du Congo (ROC), Djibouti, Guinée équatoriale, Gabon, Guinée, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritanie, Maurice, Maroc, Niger, Réunion, Rwanda, Sénégal, Seychelles, Togo, Tunisie

Le Moyen-Orient

Liban

L’Europe

Andorre, Belgique, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, Suisse

L’Amérique du Nord

Guadeloupe, Haïti, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre et Miquelon

L’Océanie

Polynésie française, Nouvelle-Calédonie, Vanuatu, Wallis et Futuna

L’Amérique du Sud

Guyane Française

Besoin d’aide supplémentaire ?

Chez Quadro Law, nous sommes prêts pour vous aider avec vos besoins en matière d’immigrations. Nous traitons régulièrement les permis de travails dispensés de l’EIMT et sommes fiers de contribuer à la croissance des communautés francophones à travers le Canada. Si vous préférez le français, Celine Wlasichuk et James Hayes offrent leurs services juridiques en français.

Clause de non-responsabilité :

Francophone Mobility Program

Did you know that if you speak French, you may be eligible to live and work in Canada?

As part of Canada’s initiative to promote Francophone immigration and expand Francophone minority communities outside of Québec, French speakers can now apply for LMIA-exempt work permits. This is great news because LMIA-based work permits can be costly, inefficient, and unattractive to many employers. Also, this work permit opportunity is not tied to any nationality, citizenship, or age. Rather, it is based solely on the language abilities of the applicant. With upwards of 300 million French speakers in the world outside of Canada, this means potentially millions can apply!

Who can apply?

You are eligible if:

Your language of daily use is French*,
You will work in a province or territory outside of Québec, and
You have been offered a skilled position in Canada (NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3).

*Note: If you are not a native French speaker or French is not currently your language of daily use, you may still be eligible. You will need to show at least an advanced intermediate or high level in the French language (level 7 or higher on the Test d’Evaluation Du Français (TEF) or level B2 or higher on the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)).

What type of jobs qualify?

In general, the NOC TEER categories are as follows:

0 – management jobs,
1 – professional jobs, and
2, 3 – technical jobs and skilled trades.

Though only four NOC TEER categories, there are many positions that qualify. For example, positions include chef, cook, baker, administrative assistant, event planner, recreation/sport/fitness instructor, and executive housekeeper. And while many applicants are college or university graduates, it may not always be required.

How do I apply?

First, your employer must submit an Offer of Employment. Once that is done, you can apply for the work permit and pay the required fees. Officers generally issue the work permit for the duration of the Offer of Employment or until the expiry of your travel documents or biometrics. Note, you may apply from outside of, or within, Canada.

In addition, most Francophone Mobility work permits are renewable. The renewals require less work than the initial application and can give you and your family more time in Canada.

Fees

Employer compliance Fee – $230*

Work Permit Processing Fee – $155*

*These fees are current as of February 1, 2023.

Why would employers want to hire me?

Employers are attracted to LMIA-exempt work permits for several reasons. It is less expensive, quicker, and requires less paperwork than typical work permits. And for the Francophone Mobility program specifically, there is no requirement that the Offer of Employment require or include the French language. Remember, this program is not only to bring French-speaking workers to Canada, but to build French-speaking communities. Employers will also appreciate that your work permit is employer-specific, meaning you can only work for that employer.

What about my family?

Both your common law partner/spouse and dependent children can benefit from your Francophone Mobility work permit. For example, your common law partner/spouse is eligible for an open work permit as long as your offer of employment is more than six months in duration. This means your common law partner/spouse can work at any job within Canada. And your dependent children are eligible for study permits.

Further, this program is a significant stepping-stone for those seeking permanent residency in the future. For one, your Canadian work experience will give you additional points for the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee programs. But also, you will build Canadian connections that will allow you and your family to settle into a Canadian community that you may one day call home.

Which countries and territories speak French?

As mentioned, you do not have to be a native French speaker or come from a French-speaking area to apply, as long as you can show proficiency in French. That being said, below is a list of most countries and territories known to speak French, categorized by region.

Africa

Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (ROC), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Togo, Tunisia

Middle East

Lebanon

Europe

Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland

North America

Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Oceania

French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna

South America

French Guiana

Need additional help?

At Quadro Law, we are ready and experienced to help you with your immigration needs. We routinely handle LMIA-exempt work permits and are proud to contribute to the growing French communities across Canada. Should you prefer French, both Celine Wlasichuk and James Hayes offer their legal services in French.

Disclaimer:

February 1, 2023

Can I Visit the United States with a Criminal Record?

By James Hayes Blog, Program, Tourism Visa, USA

What is my criminal record?

For immigration purposes, your criminal record is a list of all your contact(s) with the criminal justice system. This means even if you are not convicted, it was expunged, or if it took place outside of Canada, it is still relevant to immigration.

Did you know that your criminal record may prevent you from entering the United States (US)? At Quadro Law we know that crossing the border can be stressful, but it does not have to be.

Now at this point, you may be wondering:

What is a criminal record?
Should I be concerned?
How far back does it go?
What about summary, expunged, or cannabis offences?

Let’s take a look at each of these below.

What is my criminal record?

For immigration purposes, your criminal record is a list of all your contact(s) with the criminal justice system. This means even if you are not convicted, it was expunged, or if it took place outside of Canada, it is still relevant to immigration.

What can the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Officers access?

CBP has had access to both the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Canadian Police information Centre (CPIC) since 2010. APIS contains most information found on your passport, and CPIC is the criminal database maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Keep this in mind when crossing a Port of Entry (POE).

Will any crime make me inadmissible?

No, not all crimes are equally weighted under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for immigration purposes. Instead, under the INA the principal concern is Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs) and any controlled substance violations (see INA Sect. 212(a)(2)). And while there are many CIMTs, each generally involves either an element of fraud, violence, or property damage.

For example, here are some CIMTs:

Crimes Involving Fraud/Dishonesty
- Bribery, Counterfeiting, Embezzlement, Forgery, Fraud, Gross Indecency, Perjury, and Tax Evasion.
Crimes Involving Violence/Criminal Activity
- Arson, Assault with Intent to Kill/Rape/Robber, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Blackmail, Burglary, Extortion, Kidnapping, Manslaughter, Mayhem, Murder, Prostitution, Rape, and Robbery.
Crimes Involving Property Damage
- Larceny (Grand or Petty), Mail Fraud, Malicious Destruction of Property, Knowingly Receiving Stolen Goods, Theft, and Transporting Stolen Property.

Please note, these are not usually considered CIMTs:

Breach of the Peace, Breaking and Entering (without Intent of CMT), Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Damaging Private Property (without Intent to Damage), Disorderly Conduct, Driving while License Suspended/Revoked, DUI/Reckless Driving, Escape from Prison, False Statements (not Perjury/involving Fraud), Firearm Violations, Gambling Violations, Immigration Violations, Juvenile Delinquency, Minor Traffic Violations, Possessing Stolen Property (without Guilty Knowledge), Smuggling (without Intent to Commit Fraud), Tax Evasion (without Intent), and Trespassing.

Will a DUI make me inadmissible?

A single DUI or summary offence is unlikely to deny you entry to the US. However, you may be denied entry if you have multiple summary offences, DUIs, or a DUI and a summary offence.

Do I need to worry about cannabis?

Possibly. Before October 2018, Canadians who admitted to consuming, investing in, or being involved in the cannabis industry were often denied entry. This is mainly because cannabis is a schedule one controlled substance under US federal law, which controls all POEs and border crossings. After October 2018, CBP announced it will shift its focus from all cannabis involvement to those specifically travelling to the US for cannabis-related reasons. We advise all people to exercise caution and to carefully weigh this policy change. Cannabis policy remains a changing area of law and is further complicated by the growing number of states that continue to legalize recreational and medical cannabis.

For reference, as of February 2023, cannabis has been legalized in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MT, NJ, NM, NY, NV, OR, RI, VA, VT, and WA.

If I have a criminal record, what are my options to visit the US?

For most cases of criminal inadmissibility as a nonimmigrant, you will need an INA Sect. 212(d)(3) waiver, or “Hranka Waiver.” First, you will need to show you qualify for the underlying nonimmigrant visa you seek. Fortunately, for most Canadians this is a non-issue due to the Visa Waiver program. However, if you are either non-Canadian, or seek temporary entry that requires a nonimmigrant visa, like for work or study, you will have to show you qualify for that visa before being granted a waiver. Next, your waiver request is prepared for filing. You can file at either the US Consulate or the POE/US-Canada border.

In addition to the $585 (USD) filing fee, the request should include:

Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant (form I-192),
Documents proving your citizenship,
Fingerprint Chart (FD-257 form) to be completed by a CBP Officer,
A completed G-325A (Biographic Information form),
An RCMP or police certificate,
Official police and court records,
A personal statement signed by you explaining the circumstances of each arrest, conviction, and sentence or fine imposed, as well as any evidence of reformation or rehabilitation, and
Any character references or rehabilitation documents you have.

How long does a waiver take to be issued?

There is no set number of days that your waiver must be processed by, but you can generally expect between three and six months. Your initial waiver is usually good for one year and may be good for five years upon renewal. For this reason, you should try to make your waiver request as early as possible to ensure your US travel plans are not delayed.

If you need urgent processing, you may apply for humanitarian parole. If granted, this will give you temporary permission to enter the US for humanitarian reasons during the pendency of your waiver application.

Are there any exceptions to the waiver requirement?

Yes, even though you have a CIMT, you may still be allowed entry without a waiver under the petty offence exception (see INA Sect. 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II)). To qualify for this waiver, you need to show:

The maximum penalty is no more than one year,
The sentence is no more than six months imprisonment,
It is not a controlled substance violation, and
It must be your first CIMT.

Need additional help?

At Quadro Law, we know that waivers for criminal inadmissibility can be complex, stressful, and difficult to navigate. But we are trained on these matters and can help you. If you need further advice or have questions regarding US immigration law, contact James Hayes today. As a dual-licensed US and Canadian lawyer, he can help you with your many immigration questions on both sides of the border.

Disclaimer:

Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians - A blog by Darren Penner

November 8, 2022

Purchase of Residential Real Estate Restricted on January 1st 2023

By Darren Penner Blog, Business Visa, Immigration Visa, Program, Uncategorized

A non-Canadian who enters into a contract for the purchase of residential property and becomes liable to complete the purchase before January 1 is also exempted from the ban, whether the sale actually completes before or after January 1.

Purchase of Residential Real Estate Restricted on January 1, 2023

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (the “Act”) comes into effect on January 1, 2023. The Act, which will remain in force for two years, bans most non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada while it is in force.

To understand the scope of the Act, it is important to understand the term “non-Canadian” as the Act defines it. A non-Canadian is a person who is neither a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, nor a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. Foreign corporations, as well as Canadian (and provincial) corporations controlled by non-Canadians, are also defined as non-Canadian. Residential property includes detached homes, condos, townhouses, and all other structures constructed for the purpose of residential housing. A non-Canadian who purchases residential property while the Act is in force will be subject to penalties, which include a fine of up to $10,000 on conviction, and a forced sale of the property. Lawyers and real estate professionals who aid in the purchase of property in contravention of the Act are also subject to a fine of up to $10,000 on conviction.

The Act does contain some exemptions. The ban will not apply to a person who purchases residential property with their spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or who is otherwise not prohibited from purchasing residentialproperty under the Act. The ban will also not apply to refugees or to certain temporary residents. A non-Canadian who enters into a contract for the purchase of residential property and becomes liable to complete the purchase before January 1 is also exempted from the ban, whether the sale actually completes before or after January 1.

The Government of Canada has not yet published the regulations to the Act as of November 8, 2022. The regulations, when published, will specify the types of temporary residents who are exempted from the ban. The regulations may also limit the ban to certain geographical areas, such as the metropolitan areas of major cities. Notably, the Act does not affect the validity of contracts or purchases made by non-Canadians. A non-Canadian may therefore be able to enter into and complete a sale while the ban is in force, only to be convicted after completion. If you are considering a purchase of residential property and you are caught within the definition of non-Canadian, it is vital that you be aware of the Act and the ways in which it will impact you.

March 17, 2022

New Temporary Residence Program for Ukrainians

By Darren Penner Blog, Immigration Visa, Program, Work Permit

This new program will benefit Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada now, as well as those already in Canada who wish to extend their stay. Ukrainians may also include their immediate family members of any nationality on their application.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new temporary residence program for Ukrainians today, called the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This new program will benefit Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada now, as well as those already in Canada who wish to extend their stay. Ukrainians may also include their immediate family members of any nationality on their application. IRCC defines an immediate family member as a spouse, a common-law partner, or a dependent child. The definition also includes dependent step-children, as well as the children of dependent children (grandchildren).

Under the CUAET, applicants outside of Canada may apply for a visitor visa and a three-year open work permit. IRCC is waiving processing fees and vaccination requirements for these applicants, and most applications will be processed within 14 days. IRCC will issue a single journey document to any applicant who does not have a passport. Applicants already in Canada may now apply to extend their status for up to three years.

It should be noted that the CUAET is a temporary residence program which does not, in itself, lead to permanent residence. However, IRCC has a number of permanent residence streams under which individuals may qualify, either now or after gaining Canadian work experience. If applicants wish to remain in Canada permanently, they should review their options for permanent residence soon after arriving in Canada, in order to choose the best stream and work towards an application.

Disclaimer:

No information in this blog should be construed as legal advice. Should you have any questions about Canadian immigration law, please contact the Author.

November 11, 2021

International Students: Can poor academic performance affect a study permit and its renewal in Canada?

By Tina Tsanava Blog, Education Visa, Student Visa

For immigration purposes, academic success is not about being a straight-A student but rather maintaining satisfactory progress towards the completion of the program in a timely manner.

Many international students, when faced with disappointing academic results, are concerned about the status of their study permit and the chances of its renewal. Understandably, there are various factors that can affect a student’s academic success. Learning in times of the COVID pandemic can be difficult. However, as an international student, you may encounter additional challenges such as adapting to cultural differences, communication barriers, isolation from family, and mental health struggles, to name a few. All these factors may likely influence your academic performance.

For immigration purposes, academic success is not about being a straight-A student but rather maintaining satisfactory progress towards the completion of the program in a timely manner. But what if you do not have satisfactory academic standing or you are even under academic probation or suspension? What if you have failed a course or you simply need to take a leave from studies? Does your poor academic performance affect your study permit or renewal application?

Keep in mind that an international student who holds a study permit is under the obligation to “actively pursue their course or program of study” at the designated learning institution (section 220.1(1)(b) of Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (“Regulations”)). This means that international students should be making reasonable progress towards the completion of their studies within the timeframe of that specific program. This obligation is ongoing from the beginning of studies to the point of completion of your program as per the study permit. According to the policy guidance used by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (the “IRCC”) staff on assessing study permit conditions, this means that an international student must, at a minimum, be enrolled as a part-time student at their institution.

You also need to be aware of crucial deadlines affecting study permits. If an international student has to take an authorized leave from studies or a designated learning institution has placed a student under academic suspension, then the international student should resume studies within 150 days from the day the leave commenced or ceased studies. Failure to comply with this requirement either means that the student has to change the status to visitor or worker, or leave Canada.

When applying to renew your study permit at a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada, you need to submit, among other things, university transcripts from your last two periods of study demonstrating your academic standing at the post-secondary degree program, along with the Letter of Enrolment/Registration from your university. The purpose of submitting the university transcripts is to satisfy the IRCC officer that you are a so-called “bona fide” student (or, in other words, a genuine student) and intend to complete your program as indicated in the Letter of Enrolment/Registration.

Neither the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act nor its Regulations set limits on how many times you can apply to renew your study permit. However, if you keep applying to renew your study permit for the purposes of trying to complete the program and maintain status as a student, it may eventually raise questions whether you are in fact a “bona fide” student and whether you intend to leave Canada by the end of your authorized stay.

How to address your poor academic performance in a renewal application for a study permit?

Consider submitting a detailed Letter of Explanation in your renewal application explaining the circumstances that affected your poor academic performance or inability to complete the program within the timeframe. If your marks improved as time went by, consider emphasizing this in your Letter of Explanation as well as adding information on what steps you have already taken or will take to improve your academic success. Additionally, consider submitting reference letters from your instructors or other people who may be aware of your personal circumstances surrounding academic performance. This is your chance to show the IRCC officer that your intention is to complete your studies and leave Canada by the end of your authorized stay. You should carefully prepare and include any supporting documents that help show this. If you are looking for professional advice, we’re here to help at Quadro Law.

Disclaimer:

No information in this blog should be construed as legal advice. Should you have any questions about Canadian immigration law, please contact the Author.

September 30, 2021

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

By Darren Penner Blog

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which as of 2021 is a federal holiday in Canada..

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which as of 2021 is a federal holiday in Canada. Although the day has not been designated as a holiday in British Columbia, we have decided to close our office on September 30 in order to solemnly contemplate the horrendous treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Specifically, we encourage you to learn about, or learn some more about, the role that the Government of Canada and various Christian churches played in the establishment and operation of residential schools across the country. The residential school system operated from the 1800s until the late 1990s, and attendance was mandatory for Indigenous children between 1894 and 1947. The requirement to attend these schools resulted in the abuse and murder of countless children by school officials, as well as the loss of family, language and culture for the children who did survive.

Please join us on September 30 in reflecting upon the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the tragedy that is the residential school system.

December 1, 2020

COVID-19 and the Holidays: What does it mean for me?

By Celine Wlasichuk Blog

If you are the extended family member of a Canadian, you are admissible to Canada if you plan to stay for 15 days or more . . .

Whichever holiday you celebrate, or even if you’re just taking advantage of a few days off work, it’s that time of year: everyone seems to want to make travel plans. Which begs the question: am I even allowed to travel right now? Where? Under what conditions?

Here are a few things you should know.

Am I allowed to come to Canada from abroad?

If you’re a Canadian citizen (including a dual citizen) or a permanent resident of Canada, you are automatically admissible to Canada, wherever you are right now. This also applies to those registered under the Indian Act, and to protected persons. Otherwise, it’s worth taking a closer look at the specifics of your situation.

If you are the immediate family member of a Canadian (including a permanent resident or a person registered under the Indian Act), you are likewise admissible to Canada, if and only if you plan to stay for 15 days or more. If you plan to stay for a shorter period of time, you must prove that you will be travelling for a non-discretionary purpose. (Sadly, visiting family for the holidays is considered discretionary. If you were hoping to zip in and out within the space of a week, it might be time to re-evaluate.)

If you are the extended family member of a Canadian, you are admissible to Canada if you plan to stay for 15 days or more – as with an immediate family member – and you have written authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will not be allowed into Canada without this written authorization. At Quadro Law, we are happy to help obtain this authorization on your behalf.

IRCC recently updated its definition of extended family members to include those in an exclusive dating relationship, if you have been in the relationship for at least one year and have met your partner in person at some point during your relationship. Other extended family members, as defined by IRCC, include siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and adult children (over 22 years old). In contrast, a common-law partner is classified as an immediate family member. Two people are common-law partners if they have been living together for at least one year without breaks, in a marriage-like relationship.

Whether you are the immediate or the extended family member of a Canadian, you will require appropriate documentation to prove the existence of your relationship, as well as your family member’s status in Canada.

Certain other individuals are also currently admissible to Canada despite the pandemic. Discrete categories of others who are still admissible include temporary workers coming for a non-discretionary purpose, certain work permit-exempt workers, and some international students. The ins and outs of these categories tend to be nuanced, so please let us know if you need any help navigating the system.

Okay, so I’m allowed in. What does am an acceptable quarantine look like?

If you plan to come to Canada from abroad, you will generally be required to self-isolate and to monitor for symptoms for 14 days. This requires advance planning, as you must submit a plan through the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app before travelling to Canada. (ArriveCAN is also available in website format if the app isn’t accessible to you.)

Here are a few details you should have ready when submitting your plan through ArriveCAN:

1. Your contact information and travel document details.

2. Your travel details, including date of arrival, flight number, and airline (or your port of entry, if you don’t plan to travel by air).

3. Where you will be spending your quarantine period (exact address).

4. Whether you will be able to have food, medication, and other necessities delivered to you at this address while in quarantine. It is important that you avoid coming into contact with the general public during this 14-day period.

5. Any symptoms you have been experiencing.

Are you travelling to Alberta directly from another country through Calgary International Airport or the Coutts land border crossing? In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Alberta COVID-19 Border Testing Pilot Program still requires you to submit a full quarantine plan through ArriveCAN. However, you may be eligible to quarantine for fewer than 14 days if you undergo a COVID-19 test immediately upon arrival in Canada. You must quarantine until you have received your test results. If your results come back negative and you plan to remain in Alberta for at least 14 days after coming from abroad, you will not be required to quarantine. However, you must still follow all required preventative measures, including completing daily check-ins (online or by phone) and a second test on either your sixth or your seventh day after arrival. See the International Border Testing Pilot Program website for more information.

Can I get around the quarantine requirement?

In select circumstances – for example, if you will be providing an essential service in Canada, or for compassionate reasons (including supporting a critically ill loved one or attending a funeral) – you may be able to forego the 14-day quarantine requirement.

However, the general rule is that you are required to quarantine even if you show no symptoms of COVID-19 and have not recently been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the disease. It is also worth noting that, if you have previously recovered from COVID-19, you must still quarantine, due to the potential risk of reinfection.

If you were hoping to dodge the quarantine requirement without fitting into one of the officially exempt categories, the consequences probably aren’t worth it. Possible penalties include a fine of up to $750,000, up to 6 months of jail time, and being found inadmissible to Canada for a period of one year (including forced removal). That’s one way to put a damper on the holidays.

What about interprovincial travel?

As each province and territory is continually updating its travel guidelines to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we recommend checking the most recent provincial/territorial policy.

In B.C., for example, the official guidelines currently direct that nonessential interprovincial travel is inadvisable, but not absolutely prohibited.

“Travelling home to see my family for the holidays is obviously essential. Right?” Wrong. Just as with coming from outside of Canada, travelling between provinces or territories to visit family counts as discretionary travel. It might be up to you to make this call, and to evaluate the risks and rewards of holiday travel. Of course, before travelling, check back with the appropriate provinces/territories for the latest updates.

Maybe the travel restrictions provide a good opportunity to start some new traditions this season. Bond over copious amounts of home-cooked food with your roommates or coworkers. Check out the local ski and snowboard slopes (trust us, there are plenty of hidden gems out there). It could be worse.

Before you go…

One final piece of advice: check with your airline before boarding a flight to Canada this holiday season. While the Government of Canada requires you to submit your quarantine plan before travelling and to have certain other documents to enter the country, many airlines are imposing additional restrictions. This is an extra precautionary measure to cover their own bases, so that they can avoid transporting anyone who may later turn out to be inadmissible. Be prepared and reach out to your airline beforehand to see what documents you will require.

Questions?

As always, we’re here to help at Quadro Law. If you’re at all in doubt, schedule a (virtual) consultation with us.

September 27, 2020

CANADA GRANTS PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO ASYLUM CLAIMANTS

By Ty Campbell Blog, Program

Through the temporary measure, asylum seekers can get an early chance at permanent residency.

The three words that stand out from the ongoing pandemic are ‘front-line workers’. Those three words have not been heard or read as much before. Amongst other things, the pandemic has made everyone view the challenges faced and roles played them in our society in a different light, a more vociferous light, and rightly so. Before the pandemic, we all knew of them and some even watched TV shows based on their lives, but we still did not see them. Their role in our society before the pandemic was similar to The Dark Knight- a silent guardian, a watchful protector. The pandemic changed that. We now see their efforts, feel their fatigue and hear the cheer to celebrate them. To put it bluntly, we are more mindful of their existence.

An abstract of a policy paper authored by Francesco Fasani and Jacopo Mazza in May 2020 on behalf of the European Commission, notes that on an average 13% of key workers are immigrants in the EU.[1] The conclusion of the paper reads ‘The overarching picture that this note paints is that of a migrant workforce that acts as an integral part in keeping basic and necessary functions of European societies working amidst periods of forced closure. It is worth stressing how, among migrants, the low skilled workers are especially over-represented in a number of key occupations that are vital in the fight against COVID-19, underscoring their often neglected value within European economies.’[2]

In the United States, six million immigrant workers are at the frontlines working for the safety of U.S. residents. Collectively 12 million immigrant workers are at the leading edge of the response to and impacts from the pandemic. In the Unites States, 30% of doctors and 27% of farm workers are foreign born.[3]

Should then, the efforts of frontline workers turn into policy change?

Portugal has temporarily granted all migrants and asylum-seekers citizenship rights; in Italy, the regularization only applies to some sectors. Still, these are all steps in the right direction.[4] Spain and Ireland are considering similar moves.[5]

Canada too took the first step in that direction when the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on August 14 announced a temporary measure, in recognition of their exceptional service, to provide a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in the health-care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the temporary measure, asylum seekers can get an early chance at permanent residency.

To apply for residency now, they must have claimed asylum in Canada prior to March 13 and have spent no less than 120 hours working as an orderly, nurse or another designated occupation between the date of their claim and Aug. 14. Applicants must also demonstrate they have six months of experience in the profession before they can receive permanent residency and have until the end of Aug. 2021 to meet that requirement. Quebec will select those qualifying for this special measure who wish to reside in Quebec. In- Canada family members of the principal applicant would be included in the application and granted permanent residency, if the application is approved. Those who have been found ineligible to make an asylum claim, or who have withdrawn or abandoned their claims, would be excluded from applying.[6]

Applauding Canada’s move for the temporary measure, Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR’s Representative in Canada said “This is an exemplary act of solidarity which recognises the service and dedication of some of the most marginalized and vulnerable members in society. It is a reminder of the exceptional contributions refugees and asylum-seekers make to the communities that welcome them”.[7]

Some have also criticized the move saying it is discriminatory to other front-line workers not working in the health sector such as farm workers, security guards and cooks and janitors working in long-term care centres[8]. Mendicino said the emphasis of the special program was on “those who put themselves at greatest risk by working in hospitals, by working in retirement homes where COVID-19 was ravaging through like a wildfire.”[9]

Whether the government will expand the temporary measure to include other front-line workers is something only time will tell but for now, it seems like it is a step by the government to acknowledge the efforts of asylum claimants and have them viewed more as a boon than a burden on the system.

[1] Fasani, F and J Mazza (2020) “Immigrant Key Workers: Their Contribution to Europe’s COVID-19 Response” IZA Policy Paper No. 155, May 23, 2020- https://ec.europa.eu/knowledge4policy/sites/know4pol/files/key_workers_covid_0423.pdf [2] Ibid at Pg. 11 [3] Julia Gelatt, Migration Policy Institute, March 2020- https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/immigrant-workers-us-covid-19-response [4] Marta Foresti, May 22- https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2020/05/22/less-gratitude-please-how-covid-19-reveals-the-need-for-migration-reform/ [5] Helen Dempster, July 28, 2020- https://www.cgdev.org/blog/regularizing-migrant-workers-response-covid-19 [6] Government of Canada, August 14, 2020-https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/08/pathway-to-permanent-residency-recognizes-exceptional-service-of-asylum-claimants-on-front-lines-of-covid-19-pandemic.html [7] UNHCR, August 14, 2020- https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/8/5f3708f44/unhcr-applauds-canadas-commitment-grant-permanent-residency-asylum-seekers.html [8] Stephanie Levitz and Jillian Kestler-d’Amours, August 14, 2020- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-asylum-seekers-working-on-front-lines-of-covid-19-pandemic-to-have/ [9] Alex Ballingall, August 14, 2020- https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/14/ottawa-offers-permanent-residency-to-asylum-claimants-working-in-health-care-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

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Canadian & US Immigration Law Firm

Category Archives: Blog

Public Policy Allowing Certain Visitors in Canada to Apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit Extended to February 28, 2025

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry

Francophone Mobility Program

Can I Visit the United States with a Criminal Record?

Purchase of Residential Real Estate Restricted on January 1st 2023

New Temporary Residence Program for Ukrainians

International Students: Can poor academic performance affect a study permit and its renewal in Canada?

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

COVID-19 and the Holidays: What does it mean for me?

CANADA GRANTS PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO ASYLUM CLAIMANTS