Canada has announced two major updates regarding work permits and study visas for 2024. These updates are set to impact many professionals and students planning to relocate to Canada.
Closed Work Permit to be Phased Out
The Canadian Senate has proposed the elimination of the Closed Work Permit program within the next three years. This program allows foreign professionals to work in Canada if they have a job offer from a Canadian company and an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
-ADVERTISEMENT-
Background
Introduced in 1973, the Closed Work Permit aimed to assist Canadian employers in hiring foreign professionals when no suitable Canadian workers were available. It required employers to demonstrate that they could not find a Canadian worker for the position.
Issues with the Program
- Employee Exploitation: Employees under this permit can only work for one employer, which may lead to potential exploitation.
- Employer Flexibility: Employers encounter difficulties transferring employees to different locations.
- Impact on Canadian Workforce: The program sometimes bypasses available Canadian workers, affecting local employment.
Recommendation
The Senate’s report recommends phasing out the Closed Work Permit within three years to prioritize job opportunities for Canadians. The government must respond to this report within 150 days.
British Columbia’s New Credential Recognition System
British Columbia has introduced a new system to streamline the recognition of international credentials for professionals in 29 specific occupations.
Simplified Process
This system aims to make it easier and faster for foreign professionals to have their degrees and work experience recognized in British Columbia. This change is particularly advantageous for professions in high demand in the province.
Key Changes
- Eased Experience Requirements: Professionals will no longer need extensive work experience to have their credentials recognized.
- Relaxed Language Proficiency: The province is considering lowering language proficiency requirements for certain professions.
Occupations Included
Here are some of the occupations affected by this update:
| Occupation | Description |
|---|---|
| Registered Music Teacher | Music education professionals |
| Land Surveyor | Professionals in land surveying |
| Early Childhood Educator | Teachers for young children |
| Social Worker | Professionals in social services |
| Lawyer | Legal professionals |
| Clinical Social Worker | Specialized social work |
| Biology Technologist | Experts in biological technology |
| Chartered Accountant | Accounting professionals |
| Real Estate Agent | Property sales professionals |
Impact of the Updates
Closed Work Permit Phase-Out
The phasing out of the Closed Work Permit will require foreign professionals to explore other visa options to work in Canada. This change aims to increase job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
New Credential Recognition System
The new system in British Columbia will benefit foreign professionals seeking employment in the province. It simplifies the credential recognition process, allowing professionals to start working in their field more quickly.
Conclusion
The two major updates from Canada – the phasing out of the Closed Work Permit and the new credential recognition system in British Columbia – represent significant changes in Canadian immigration policies. These updates are designed to protect Canadian workers while facilitating the entry of skilled professionals into Canada. Prospective immigrants should stay informed and adjust their plans as needed.
By understanding these updates, foreign professionals and students can better navigate the process of moving to and working in Canada. The focus remains on ensuring that the Canadian job market is fair and beneficial for both local and international workers.
How to Apply (Alternative)
Use the Search Button below to begin a search, the next page contains offers available just for you and then click on any results shown to Apply.
