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IMPACT — HIGH
The Canadian government recently announced that family members, including spouses and working-age children, of certain temporary foreign workers will be able to apply for work permits in January.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The Canadian government estimates that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers could begin working in Canada, offering a greater opportunity for both foreign workers seeking to work in Canada and for employers addressing their labor needs.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities announced the expansion of work permit eligibility to family members of temporary foreign workers to address labor shortages across the country.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
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IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Canadian government recently launched the 2023 International Experience Canada program, increasing the number of younger foreign nationals who can apply.
Additional Information: IEC program participants’ dependents are not allowed to come to Canada through the IEC program. However, they can apply to visit, study or work in Canada through other visa pathways.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities launched and expanded the 2023 IEC program to help employers fill labor gaps, including for seasonal work opportunities in Canada’s tourism industry.
The Canadian and Italian governments have introduced the bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement, allowing certain Canadian and Italian nationals to live and work in the two countries.
Additional Information: Eligible Italian nationals can find more information regarding the Youth Mobility Agreement through Canada’s International Experience Canada Program website; eligible Canadian nationals can find more information about the program through this website.
BAL Analysis: Canadian and Italian authorities introduced the Youth Mobility Agreement to improve bilateral relations and labor market access for their youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
The Canadian government recently announced that it will soon transition to the 2021 National Occupational Classification system.
Additional Information: The transition to the 2021 NOC system may affect prevailing wages for various occupations; however, Canadian authorities have yet to announce these changes.
BAL Analysis: The 2021 NOC system is expected to affect those applying through permanent residence and temporary work permit programs, including Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Provincial Nominee Program, among others. Those affected by the transition to the 2021 NOC system change should note the updated eligibility requirements to avoid possible complications and/or delays. BAL will provide more information on the transition to the 2021 NOC and the impact it may have on prevailing wages when it becomes available.
The Canadian government announced its immigration projections for the next three years.
BAL Analysis: Employers and foreign nationals should take the projected goals into account when applying for residence permits in Canada.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced that it will accept up to 15,000 applications this year for sponsorship through the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Additional Information: More information on how to apply through the Parents and Grandparents Program is available here.
BAL Analysis: Potential sponsors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible upon receiving an invitation to apply through the Parents and Grandparents Program. Those who did not receive an invitation to apply this year should consider having their parents or grandparents apply for a super visa.
The Canadian government has announced that it will temporarily lift its limit on off-campus work hours for study permit holders.
Additional Information: Canadian authorities are launching a pilot program to automate the processing of study permit extension applications this month. The program will initially be available to a small group of applicants who could see their study permit extension processed more quickly. If the pilot is successful, the program will be made available to more foreign students to reduce application processing times.
BAL Analysis: The Canadian government lifted the limit on off-campus work hours to help address labor market shortages and help foreign students gain work experience in Canada. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Canadian government has announced that it will lift all COVID-related entry requirements for those traveling to the country.
Additional Information: Travelers can continue to use ArriveCAN to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration information before entering the country.
BAL Analysis: COVID-19 entry requirements will no longer apply to those traveling to the Canada after Sept. 30. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Canadian government has announced that it will move its permanent residence application process online.
Additional Information: Foreign nationals who are not able to apply online, must contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for alternative application methods.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities are aiming to modernize their immigration system to improve client services and reduce application processing times by moving to a 100% online application process.
The Canadian government has announced plans to further reduce its visa application backlogs.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities are aiming to reduce backlogs to increase their ability to attract top talent from around the world and help solve labor shortages in key industries, including agriculture, health care, skilled trades, tourism and transportation.