Work in Canada

new Recognized Employer Pilot

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers

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The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers. In early 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant farm workers caused produce sections of Canadian grocery stores to become increasingly empty. The workers are hired through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has been accused of abuse due to unsafe workplaces and living conditions.  The program will be altered in September with a new initiative, Recognized Employer Pilot, to reduce the administrative burden on employers with the highest worker protection level.  The pilot will last three years and help prevent workplace and living conditions from deteriorating. The power imbalance between employers and workers is the root of the problem, which is caused by employer-specific work permits and the tenuous immigration status of workers. What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot? On August 8, 2023, the Canadian Government announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to make it easier for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) employers to hire foreign workers.  Employers with at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the same occupation over the past five years can participate in REP.  It will be rolled out in two stages: with the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and  the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.  When hiring new workers through the LMIA Online Portal, recognized businesses can benefit from validity periods of up to 36 months and access to a quicker LMIA application. The REP, which is intended to improve administrative efficiency, will include the following features: Employers will have faster and more predictable access to labour stronger workers protection, and more flexibility for the Canadian labour market.   What are the Eligibility Requirements for the new Recognized Employer Pilot? When an employer applies for the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), Service Canada will perform an initial, comprehensive assessment of your LMIA application to evaluate your eligibility for the REP. You may be eligible for the REP if you meet the following criteria: In the last five years, you’ve received at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions to hire temporary foreign workers (TFWs) for positions on the REP occupations list. You meet the highest standards for working conditions, living settings, and worker protection, as demonstrated by your history with the TFW Program (TFWP), and  you commit to follow the regular TFWP requirements. To apply for the REP, you are not required to provide additional information. You can apply for REP at the same time that you submit your LMIA. Service Canada will decide whether you’re eligible depending on your TFWP history. Even if you are not approved for the REP, you will receive an LMIA decision. If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates   The REP is divided into two stages REP is rolled out in two stages: the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers for five specific occupations and  the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.  Occupations list for the first stage of REP Applications for positions on Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Phase 1 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in September 2023. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour. Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Annual wage levels are offered only for illustration purposes. Occupations in the first REP stage are:  NOC code 2011 NOC code 2021 Occupations 8431 85100 Livestock labourers 8431, 8611 85101 Harvesting labourers 8431 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators 8432 85103 Nursery and greenhouse labourers Occupations list for the Second stage of REP Applications for positions on ESDC’s Phase 2 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in January 2024. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour. Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Occupations in the second REP stage   What are the updated LMIA applications  processing times for 2023? Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, Agricultural stream, and In-home caregivers.  Global Talent Stream – 10 business days (-3 days) Agricultural stream – 16 business days (+5 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 60 business days (+6 days) In-home caregivers – 24 business days (+1 day) High-wage Stream – 37 business days (-3 days) Low-wage Stream – 44 business days (-6 days) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

LMIA application processing times for 2023

ESDC updated LMIA application processing times for 2023

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On August 16, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the LMIA application processing times for 2023 under various streams. Service Canada is dedicated to giving all Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) applicants excellent client service and recognizes the importance of the program in addressing Canada’s labor shortages and serving the needs of Canadian businesses. Depending on how many applications the TFWP receives, processing times for LMIA applications can change. Service Canada is committed to processing all LMIA applications as quickly as possible. What are the updated LMIA application processing times for 2023? Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, Agricultural stream, and In-home caregivers.  Global Talent Stream – 10 business days (-3 days) Agricultural stream – 16 business days (+5 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 60 business days (+6 days) In-home caregivers – 24 business days (+1 day) High-wage Stream – 37 business days (-3 days) Low-wage Stream – 44 business days (-6 days) If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates   What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment? Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may require to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA. The worker can submit a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA. Applicants for work permits must meet the following requirements: a job offer letter,  a contract,  a copy of the LMIA, and  the LMIA number Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “ESDC updated LMIA applications processing times for 2023” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Canadian Government implemented new changes in Agri-Food Pilot Program

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On August 18, 2023, the Government of Canada implemented two changes to the Agri-Food Pilot Program(AFP), providing more opportunities for workers and their families to apply for permanent residency.  First, family members of all AFP participants can now apply for open work permits.  Second, Canada started accepting union reference letters instead of employer reference letters to confirm an applicant’s work experience.  How to qualify for Agri-Food Pilot? The AFP launched as a 3-year pilot in 2020, was extended until May 14, 2025. To qualify for permanent residency, applicants need Canadian work experience in eligible industries and occupations, a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible sector and occupation (outside Quebec), language and educational requirements, and settlement funds (if applicable).   What is the Agri-Food Pilot Program? The Agri-Food Pilot assists in meeting the labor requirements of the Canadian agri-food sector. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program intends to help the agricultural industry fill labor shortages. The pilot program offers experienced, non-seasonal workers in particular industries and occupations a path to permanent residence. What are the Eligible occupations under the Agri-Food Pilot? The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is used to classify occupations. Each eligible industry’s eligible occupations are: NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The Canadian Government implemented new changes in Agri-Food Pilot” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Construction Industry in Canada

Construction Industry in Canada needs more construction workers

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Despite exceeding immigration targets and expecting an influx of skilled tradespeople, Construction Industry in Canada continues to lose thousands of jobs. In July, the sector saw a 2.8% drop, with 45,000 jobs lost. This trend is increasing, with construction experiencing more job losses than other major sectors. The problem is worsened by an upcoming wave of retirements and a housing shortage of millions.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp forecast 3.5 million more homes to be built by 2030, but the number of new homes is declining. Immigration Minister Marc Miller believes new immigrants are necessary to solve the housing crisis and intends to maintain or increase immigration targets.   Construction Industry in Canada and needs of construction workers The construction industry in Canada plays a vital role in the economy of Canada. For example, the construction of new housing and commercial sectors is critical to meeting the demands of an ever-increasing urban population. The construction industry is a key economic driver for Canada and a measure of the country’s economic prosperity.  In 2022, the Canadian construction industry was worth $355.9 billion. During the period 2024-2027, the market is expected to grow at a rate greater than 1%. The construction industry’s output will be strengthened by developments in the industrial, energy, and transportation sectors throughout the projection period.  The construction industry is short of tens of thousands of workers, and analysts predict that a wave of retirements could worsen the situation. Meanwhile, Canada is millions of homes short of reaching housing affordability this decade. According to CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal in a recent report, the construction job vacancy rate is at an all-time high, with over 80,000 vacancies in the industry. These vacancies, which hike building costs and limit productivity, occur at a time when the residential construction industry is under pressure to satisfy the needs of an expanding population.  According to a spokesperson for newly-appointed Immigration Minister Marc Miller, one of his top goals and a primary purpose of the government’s immigration targets is to address Canada’s labor shortages. “Strategies such as Express Entry and the historic Immigration Levels Plan, which largely comprises economic migrants, are a great asset to our nation because they will directly contribute to addressing the ongoing labor shortage.” This is especially true in the housing sector,” Bahoz Dara Aziz, the immigration minister’s press secretary, told Global News. “With provinces like Ontario needing 100,000 workers to meet their housing demands,” the spokesperson continued, “it is clear that immigration will play a strong role in creating more homes for Canadians.” Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Construction Industry in Canada needs more construction workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

the Start-Up Visa program

Immigrant entrepreneurs increased by 6.3% under the Start-Up Visa program in the first half of 2023

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the Start-Up Visa program (SUV) has seen a 6.3% increase in new permanent residents arriving as entrepreneurs during the first half of this year compared to last year. Although the number of new permanent residents coming under the SUV slipped slightly in June, the trend is still upward.  The government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023 to 2025 allows for a significant increase, with 3,500 newcomers in the federal business category in 2023, rising to 6,000 by 2025.  The SUV program is expected to account for most of this allocation. British Columbia and Ontario have been the most popular destinations for immigrant entrepreneurs arriving under the SUV this year. Canada’s Start-Up Visa program Guide 2023 The start-up visa program may make it possible for entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada. Canada is on a search for bright entrepreneurs who are eager to start businesses that will boost its economy and offer job opportunities to its citizens. The Start-up Visa Program in Canada encourages immigrant business owners who have the skills and ability to start successful businesses in Canada: are innovative can create jobs for Canadians can compete on a global scale How can I qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program? You must fulfill all 4 eligibility requirements for the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program in addition to the requirements for entry into Canada in order to be eligible. You must: have a qualifying business have a letter of support from a designated organization meet the language requirements, and have enough money to settle and live in Canada   What is 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan? On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan was introduced, defining the path for raising immigration levels to support Canada’s economic growth and meet labor market needs. The 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan will help Canada maintain its position as one of the top talent destinations in the world while reuniting families and fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian obligations, including the resettlement of Afghans who are in need of assistance. With a stronger emphasis on regional immigration to spread the advantages of immigration across Canada, the Levels Plan gives economic immigration priority in order to support the development of a strong economy. More than half of all expected admissions are for the economic class. On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan (Levels Plan) was introduced in Parliament. It included the following targets for admitting new permanent residents: 465,000 in 2023 (range: 410,000-505,000) 485,000 in 2024 (range: 430,000-542,500) 500,000 in 2025 (range: 442,500-550,000) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Immigrant entrepreneurs increased by 6.3% under the Start-Up Visa program in the first half of 2023” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP

Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP

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On August 8, 2023, the Canadian Government announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to make it easier for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) employers to hire foreign workers.  Employers with at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the same occupation over the past five years can participate in REP.  It will be rolled out in two stages: with the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and  the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.  Employers can apply for REP and LMIA at the same time through the LMIA Online Portal. What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot program? A program called the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) makes it simpler for businesses that frequently employ foreign workers to do so. These are workers who travel to Canada temporarily to find employment. These firms benefit from the REP program since it reduces paperwork and streamlines the hiring process. Businesses typically need to show that they truly need foreign workers and that there aren’t enough Canadian workers available before they may hire them. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) helps employers to do so.  Businesses that have demonstrated their need for foreign labor at least three times in the last five years are eligible for the REP program. There aren’t enough local workers since there aren’t enough of these jobs in Canada. How to apply for an LMIA and Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)? Employers who are anticipated to meet Recognized Employer Pilot REP eligibility requirements will be proactively urged to submit an application using a dual-purpose LMIA, which is different from the standard LMIA. Employers can request that the application be used to mutually submit applications for the LMIA and recognized status under REP. Using the employer’s prior experience with the TFW Program, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will decide if the applicant qualifies for the REP. In case an employer is not granted recognized status, they would still be able to participate in the TFW Program, and the Department would still assess their LMIA.  There are two ways to submit Recognized Employer Pilot REP or an LMIA application: Employers can submit online applications to ESDC using the LMIA Online Portal, an established and secure platform, or, if they have a valid exemption to the LMIA Online Portal, they can email a PDF application form to ESDC. An employer’s past compliance with the TFW Program and how frequently they use the Program to fill in-demand positions will be taken into account when evaluating a REP application. Applications will be accepted until September 2024 for both streams.   What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment? Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may require to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA. The worker can submit a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA. Applicants for work permits must meet the following requirements: a job offer letter,  a contract,  a copy of the LMIA, and  the LMIA number If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA and hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates What are the Update processing times for LMIA applications for 2023 Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, In-home caregivers, and Low-wage Stream.  Global Talent Stream – 13 business days (-7 days) Agricultural stream – 11 business days (-3 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 54 business days (+8 days) In-home caregivers – 23 business days (+2 days) High-wage Stream – 40 business days (-1 day) Low-wage Stream – 50 business days (+1 day) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

immigrant selection approach

Will Canada’s new immigrant selection approach fix labor markets or create more gaps?

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The Canadian Federal Government has recently shifted its immigration policy to recruit thousands of foreign nationals for permanent residency in Canada to fill specific high-demand jobs, primarily in healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, transportation, and STEM fields. The government has invited almost 9,000 people to apply for permanent residency since late June, using the Express Entry system for economic immigration. The government, for instance, is looking for immigrants with experience in 35 occupations within the healthcare sector, including dentists, massage therapists, and registered nurses. While this approach is meant to ease the hiring challenges of the country, it has raised concerns among economists and policy experts who warn that today’s labor needs can change quickly, leaving the country with a surplus of workers in some fields. According to the government, the change to category-based immigrant selection, which took effect on June 28, aims to relieve the hiring challenges that have plagued many sectors over the past few years. Continue reading about category-based immigration selections.   Despite this, the government continues prioritizing certain groups and has invited 8,600 people to apply for permanent residency over five rounds. There seems to be a continually significant demand for labor in some sectors. More than 150,000 vacant positions in the health care and social assistance sectors existed as of April, a record number and about one-fifth of all open positions in Canada. These labor gaps “are just going to get worse as the population ages,” predicted Rupa Banerjee, a Canada Research Chair in immigration and economics at Toronto Metropolitan University. “Targeting those kinds of occupations has the potential to improve this mismatch” between the supply and demand of workers. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Will Canada’s new immigrant selection approach fix labor markets or create more gaps” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

tech workers

Canada welcomed More than 32,000 tech workers last year

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Canada’s technology sector is experiencing significant growth, as evidenced by the 32,115 tech workers who immigrated in the past year. The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN) report on Tech Workforce Trends shows that this is partly due to the country’s immigration policies and cost advantages, which attract highly-skilled workers from across the globe.  Ontario saw the most significant increase in tech workers, while smaller provinces such as Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, and Labrador experienced the most rapid growth. Understanding migration trends is crucial to supporting the tech ecosystem and filling the gap in Tech Workforce for available jobs. The largest increase in Tech Workforce over the past year has been in Windsor, ON (28%), followed by Timmins, ON, and Cape Breton, NS. The report states that this “is reflective of broader workforce trends, with largely remote Tech Workforce moving away from major metropolitan areas toward more rural locations.” As the report also adds that, businesses with 1,000 or more employees require a large number of workers in the technology sector, and prior to the pandemic, Tech Workforce had relocated geographically to work for those employers. That dynamic was changed when the COVID-19 epidemic started. Due to the shift in the way the tech workforce operates from an office setting to more remote work, people are leaving major tech centers while companies are increasingly recruiting workers in the other direction. There has been much speculation regarding where these workers have gone, but no solid data is available as of yet.   Immigration Minister announced Canada’s new Tech Talent Strategy 2023 On June 27, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), launched Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023. The strategy aims to help businesses in Canada compete by attracting highly skilled workers in in-demand occupations and promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads. The strategy includes:  creating an open work permit stream for H-1B visa holders,  expanding the Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program,  improving the Start-up Visa Program, and increasing spots for applicants  a return to the Global Skills Strategy’s 14-day service requirement for work permits,  promoting Canada as a place for digital nomads to live,  the establishment of a STEM-specific draw as part of category-based selection to send out more invitations to apply through the Express Entry program The government will prioritize applications supported by venture capital, angel investor groups, and business incubators. The goal is to attract the skills and business talent needed to create jobs for the future. Click here to read more about Canada’s new tech talent strategy details   Top Net Migration of Tech Workers by Country India (15,097 workers) Nigeria (1,808 workers) Brazil (1,675 workers) Ukraine (1,207 workers) Philippines (1,129 workers) Iran (1,046 workers) France (935 workers) UAE (744 workers) Hong Kong SAR (715 workers) Pakistan (588 workers) Workers in the Tech Sector in Canada, by Province and Territories Saskatchewan (16.3%) Newfoundland and Labrador (16.3%) Manitoba (15.4%) Nova Scotia (14.3%) Alberta (14.3%) Ontario (13.7%) New Brunswick (12.9%) British Columbia (12.3%) Yukon (12.2%) Prince Edward Island (11.7%) Quebec (11.7%) Northwest Territories (9.4%) Nunavut (6.5%) Workers in the Tech Sector in Canada by Cities Mississauga, Ontario (1,900 tech workers) Montreal, Quebec (959 tech workers) Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (633 tech workers) Windsor, Ontario, Canada (557 tech workers) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (525 tech workers) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (456 tech workers) Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (437 tech workers) London, Ontario, Canada (418 tech workers) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (363 tech workers) Calgary, Alberta, Canada (331 tech workers) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada welcomed More than 32,000 tech workers last year” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Youth Mobility Arrangement

New Canada & UK Youth Mobility Arrangement announced

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On July 14, 2023, Canada and the United Kingdom signed a new Youth Mobility Arrangement to expand reciprocal work opportunities for their youth. The arrangement builds on an existing partnership that began in 2008 and includes improvements such as:  expanding the age eligibility from 18 to 30 to 18 to 35,  adding two new streams (International Co-op and Young Professionals) to complement the existing Working Holiday category for UK nationals visiting Canada, and  increasing the total stay period from 2 to 3 years.  The new arrangement is expected to be implemented in 2024.   What is Canada & UK Youth Mobility Arrangement? The new Canada-United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement was officially signed on July 14, 2023, according to the honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, and the right honorable Robert Jenrick, UK Minister of State for Immigration. Both Minister Fraser and Her Excellency Susannah Goshko, the British High Commissioner to Canada, signed the agreement. The youth mobility pact, which was first introduced in 2008, intends to encourage reciprocal work opportunities in each country.  Canada has youth mobility agreements with 37 countries. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program of the Canadian government oversees youth mobility agreements. IEC provides three sections: Open work permits are available to Working Holiday participants, enabling them to work for any employer in Canada. Participants in international Co-op (internships) may be eligible for an employer-specific work visa that enables students to gain experience related to their studies. Young Professional participants can obtain a work permit that corresponds to their workplace in order to earn specific work experience related to their course of study or intended profession. Canada is going to offer IEC for approximately 90,000 youth worldwide in 2023. IEC represents a way the Canadian government is using to address the labor shortages in the country. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “New Canada & UK Youth Mobility Arrangement announced” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

open work permit issuance under the IMP

Ottawa announced an update for open work permit issuance under the IMP

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On July 13, 2023, the Government of Canada published a new program delivery update for work permit issuance under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Starting July 13, 2023, family members of students working on campus under the authority of R186(f) or with a co-op work permit (code C32 or C33) will not be eligible for a spousal open work permit.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers will issue open work permits under administrative code C49 to only family members of principal applicants who applied for permanent residence. Depending on the principal applicants’ employment, family members who are potential permanent resident applicants can apply for an open work permit under C41/C46 or C46/C49.   What is an open work permit? A work permit that is open is one that is not position-specific. You won’t need the following when you apply for your work visa because it is not job-specific: an Employment and Social Development Canada assessment of the impact of the labor market evidence that an employer has used the Employer Portal to make an offer of employment and paid the employer compliance fee The open work permit holder charge is usually paid at the same time as the work permit fee. What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)? Without submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a business may hire a temporary employee under the International Mobility Program. Employers must typically submit an offer of employment via the Employer Portal. The temporary foreign worker must apply for a work permit after the employers submit the job offer via the employer portal. All workers’ rights in Canada, including those of temporary foreign workers, are lawfully guaranteed. You have the same rights and workplace protections as Canadians and permanent residents if you are a temporary foreign worker. What are the eligibility requirements for the co-op work permit? Work experience is required as part of the curriculum in some study programs. If you meet all of the following requirements, you can apply for a co-op or intern work permit: You have a current study permit. In order to complete your study program in Canada, you must work. You have a letter from your institution confirming that all students in your program must complete work placements in order to get a degree. Your co-op or internship should account for 50% or less of your overall academic time. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Ottawa announced an update for open work permit issuance under the IMP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates