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IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Canadian government and its largest public sector union, Public Service Alliance of Canada, have reached a tentative labor agreement, ending the national strike for the vast majority of public service workers.
Key Points:
BAL Analysis: While the strike has ended, some immigration services may still be delayed. Employers and employees should work to submit immigration applications as soon as possible to minimize delays and the negative impacts of the labor strike.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
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The Canadian government has announced special measures for Sudanese temporary residents affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities plan to provide more details on the special immigration measures in the coming weeks and may provide additional support to Sudanese nationals if determined necessary.
Canada’s largest public sector union, Public Service Alliance of Canada, began a labor strike Wednesday, causing disruptions in many government-provided services.
Additional Information: More information regarding what services are specifically impacted is available here.
BAL Analysis: While immigration services are still available at this time, employers and employees should work to submit immigration applications as soon as possible to minimize delays and the negative impacts of the labor strike. Those who are traveling to Canada should expect delays when entering the country. BAL will continue to monitor the labor strike and will provide more information as it is made available.
The Canadian government has extended the temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Information: Beginning in April, individuals should submit LMIAs for the TFWP through this online portal. National average processing times for LMIAs have improved by over 10 days in fiscal year 2022-23, Canadian authorities report. Average LMIA processing times have continued to improve and are now at 29 days, down from 40 days at the beginning of this fiscal year.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities extended the temporary measures under the TFWP to address labor market shortages across the country and enable qualifying foreign nationals to continue to live and work in the country.
Canadian authorities have doubled the number of nominations under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Additional Information: The OINP recognizes and nominates foreign nationals for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs, and the Canadian government makes the final decision to approve applications for permanent residence. More information regarding the OINP is available here.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities doubled the number of nominations under the OINP as Ontario is experiencing severe labor shortages, with more than 300,000 jobs remaining available in December 2022.
The Canadian government has extended the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel pathway for Ukrainian nationals.
Additional Information: Canadian authorities waived most application fees under the CUAET program, including visa fees. Settlement services will remain available to Ukrainians and their family members after they arrive so that they can fully participate in Canadian communities while they are here. Ukrainians and their family members will also continue to benefit from the one-time transitional financial support, as well as from access to emergency accommodations for up to two weeks upon arrival in Canada. More information regarding the CUAET program is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Canadian government extended the CUAET program as the war in Ukraine continues. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency announced that they will reopen eight NEXUS enrollment centers in Canada.
Additional Information: NEXUS applicants have three options for completing their interviews after being conditionally approved for NEXUS. Applicants can complete a(n):
BAL Analysis: U.S. and Canadian authorities reopened the NEXUS enrollment centers in Canada to reduce wait times and expand the program. The reopened centers will help reduce the backlog of applications and help more individuals get NEXUS cards.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced special measures for Syrian and Turkish temporary residents affected by the earthquake.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities plan to provide more details on the special immigration measures in the coming weeks and may provide additional support to Syrian and Turkish nationals if determined necessary.
The Canadian government announced that it is extending post-graduation work permits for 18 months.
BAL Analysis: The Canadian government announced the new work measures to address labor shortages and help post-graduate work permit holders retain their right to work in Canada. Canadian authorities have said they will provide application instructions on IRCC’s website in the coming weeks.
The Canadian government recently extended a temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits while in Canada until Feb. 28, 2025.
BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities extended the temporary work permit application policy to further address labor market shortages and give more visitors the option of staying and working in the country.