In this 75-minute “quick hits” style session, our team provided practical advice to Canadian in-house counsel and human resources leaders and addressed what to keep top-of-mind for 2024.
Among other topics, we discussed:
Canada’s First-ever Tech Talent Strategy
On June 27, 2023, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship launched Canada’s new Tech Talent Strategy. Through this strategy, Canada hopes to improve on existing measures and introduce new measures for attracting top talent and supporting high-growth STEM industries and occupations. Additionally, on the same day, the Minister announced that study authorization would be extended for certain eligible work permit holders.
What’s Changing: Study Authorization for Work Permit Holders
Starting immediately, this new public policy removes the limit on the length of study programs that a temporary foreign worker can enroll in without a study permit—which previously was limited to programs of six months or less in duration. Now, regardless of the program length, foreign workers will now be able to improve their education, upskill or validate their foreign credentials through certain programs, or receive additional professional training, without needing to first apply for a study permit. It should be noted, however, that any Canadian work experience gained during a period of full-time study may negatively impact a person’s eligibility for permanent residence, as this work experience does not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class, nor for receiving Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry system.Continue Reading Canada’s First-ever Tech Talent Strategy
Addressing labour shortages in Canada through changes to Express Entry
On May 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant change in the Express Entry application management system. They will now conduct category-based selection draws to provide more opportunities to skilled workers in specific occupations who may not otherwise receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This change aims to support individuals working in Canadian industries facing or expected to face labour shortages.
Background
The Express Entry system operates on a points-based system, where applicants earn points for personal characteristics including age, language ability, education, work experience (both inside and outside Canada), and arranged employment in Canada.
However, even with attributes like work experience and strong language skills, some individuals may not have enough points to receive an ITA for permanent residence. Consequently, eligible candidates remain in the candidate pool without the ability to submit an application. To address this, IRCC is introducing targeted draws to assist skilled workers in high-demand occupations who have a lower points score. This change provides more predictability for Canadian businesses in specific industries to invest in foreign talent, while reducing the burden and costs associated with ongoing work permit extensions and compliance administration.
What’s changing
Category-based selection draws will initially focus on industries with the highest demand, such as STEM occupations and healthcare professions, which are already experiencing widespread labour shortages expected to worsen due to increasing retirement rates. Continue Reading Addressing labour shortages in Canada through changes to Express Entry
Geopolitical Changes Impacting Immigration Law in EMEA | What Employers Need to Know Now (Video Chat)
With special thanks to co-presenters Agnes Won, Pamela Mafuz and Tony Haque.
In our latest Global Immigration and Mobility Video chat, our on-the-ground immigration and mobility attorneys explore the impact of geopolitical changes to immigration and mobility of employees in the EMEA region.
Click here to watch the video.
Looking to Immigration to Solve Labor Shortages in a Post-COVID World (Video)
Special thanks to Sarah Adler, Immigration Legal Counsel.
In our latest Global Immigration and Mobility Video chat, our immigration and mobility attorneys explore the most recent changes in Canadian immigration law introduced in 2022; as well as some updates and anticipated changes to consider as we look ahead towards 2023. The 10-minute video covers
Updated Version Now Available: The Global Employer: Focus on Global Immigration and Mobility 2022
We’re thrilled to announce the release of a new edition of The Global Employer: Focus on Global Immigration & Mobility.
In this 2022 edition, you’ll find:
An introduction providing “hot topic” information employers need to know now related to the movement of employees, focusing on large-scale global immigration, employment, compensation and tax issues.
Over
Canada and US Governments Close Border to Non-Essential Travel
UPDATE: March 18, 2020
On March 18, 2020, the Canadian and US governments announced that the Canada-US border will be closing to all non-essential travel between Canada and the USA, such as travel for tourism or recreation. These border restrictions will take effect within “hours or days”. Both governments have indicated that today’s announcement is not intended to restrict commerce and trade. Cross-border entry will continue to be permitted to maintain essential services and supply chain processes. This includes workers who are traveling to provide essential goods and services, such as truck drivers and healthcare workers.
Continue Reading Canada and US Governments Close Border to Non-Essential Travel
Restrictions on Travel to Canada Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 16, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that travel restrictions will be implemented on those entering Canada via international flights, beginning on March 18, 2020 at 12:00pm EST (noon). These restrictions are the latest ones in a series of measures taken by the Canadian government to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Canada. Below is a summary of what has been confirmed so far. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we anticipate further changes and clarifications in the coming days. We are monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to communicate updates as soon as they become available.
Continue Reading Restrictions on Travel to Canada Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
4 Month Check-Up: Is Your Business Ready for an Immigration Inspection?
The federal government recently implemented a more stringent compliance regime which directly affects employers using a work permit stream to hire foreign talent in Canada. New compliance and enforcement regulations are here to stay, including the most recent introduction of Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) which took effect on December 1, 2015.
Continue Reading 4 Month Check-Up: Is Your Business Ready for an Immigration Inspection?
Canadian Immigration Update: Top 4 Developments Employers Need to Know
The Liberal Government recently introduced new immigration programs and initiatives in support of their stated mandate of promoting multilateralism. The Government has also highlighted the need to bolster security efforts within Canada and has introduced a new security requirement for certain foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air.
Canadian employers should be aware of the following developments:Continue Reading Canadian Immigration Update: Top 4 Developments Employers Need to Know