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Category Archives: Work Permit

March 20, 2023

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.

February 10, 2023

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 1er 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 :

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.

 

 

 

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:

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.

March 17, 2022
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.