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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.

February 1, 2023

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:

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.