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Tag: local immigration attorneys

  • The International Mobility Program Explained: Benefits, Eligibility & Process

    The International Mobility Program Explained: Benefits, Eligibility & Process

    Canada is one of the most sought-after countries around the globe for highly skilled foreign workers to work. The main reason behind its popularity is the International Mobility Program, which is a type of immigration program run by the Government of Canada. The program is designed for Canadian employers who wish to hire foreign citizens without having to conduct the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Both foreign professionals interested in gaining employment in Canada and employers hiring foreign talent must be aware of the International Mobility Program.

    Understanding the International Mobility Program

    The International Mobility Program (IMP) is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It facilitates eligible foreign workers in obtaining Canadian work permits, which is based on the fact that the entry of the workers will be beneficial to Canada either under an international agreement or in any other way, such as economically, culturally, or socially – and not on the premise that there are no Canadians suitable for the job.

    Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires an LMIA, the International Mobility Program does not require an LMIA.

    Primary Workers in Canada’s International Mobility Program

    Canada’s International Mobility Program covers a broad spectrum of worker types. The major ones are:

    1. Intra-Company Transferees

    International corporations can bring in executives, managers or skilled knowledge workers to their Canadian branch. This comes under the “significant benefit to Canada” category and is one of the most popular categories of the global mobility program.

    2. International Agreements

    Free trade agreements like the Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with other European countries allow professionals to work in Canada with less bureaucracy.

    3. Reciprocal Employment

    This includes International Experience Canada (IEC), including Working Holiday, Young Professional, and International Co-op programs, based on bilateral youth mobility programs.

    4. Significant to Canada

    This wide-ranging category includes entrepreneurs, academics, artists, athletes and others whose presence in Canada will benefit the country in some social, cultural or economic way.

    5. Charitable or Religious Work

    Thanks to the International Mobility Program, foreign nationals who work for free or for a reasonable salary in charitable or religious occupations may also be eligible to work in Canada.

    Benefits of the International Mobility Program

    The International Mobility Program possesses several distinct benefits for employees as well as employers:

    • LMIA-free: Employers can easily eliminate time-consuming and expensive processing involved in an LMIA.
    • Fast Processing: Due to the simplified nature of the procedure, work permits issued as part of the immigration work program are likely to be processed quickly.
    • Wide Range of Categories: The immigration work program covers a broad spectrum of professions, industries, and nationalities.
    • Open Work Permits: In some cases, certain employees, including spouses of highly qualified foreign workers and international students, can obtain open work permits.
    • Pathway to Permanent Residency: For many immigrants participating in the program, employment within Canada as part of the global mobility program provides the opportunity to obtain PR status via such programs as the Canadian Experience Class.

    Eligibility Requirements

    The IMO eligibility criteria varies according to the category you fall under. There are some general requirements :

    • An offer of employment (unless applying under some open work permit categories)
    • Evidence of the position being exempt from an LMIA
    • Valid passports and admissible to Canada (criminal inadmissible / medically inadmissible)
    • Education, training or experience in the occupation
    • Meeting any Canadian licensing requirements of the profession

    For the employer or Canadian entity that wants to employ a foreign worker under the International Mobility Program, they must provide an Offer of Employment (OE) to the employer portal, paying the compliance fee, prior to the applicant receiving a work permit. This helps to promote compliance and protect the rights of international workers.

    Applying for the International Mobility Program

    The International Mobility Program (IMP) process can be complicated without an appropriate lawyer’s assistance. Below is an outline of the process:

    Step 1 – Determine Eligibility

    Determine which IMP category applies to you. This involves consulting the free trade agreements, corporate structures, or other arrangements.

    Step 2 – Employer Offers Job

    The first step for the worker is for the Canadian employer to enter the IRCC Employer Portal and enter the job offer details and the employer compliance fee.

    Step 3 – Worker applies for Work Permit

    Next, the foreign worker applies for a work permit (either online or at a port of entry, depending on their country). The job offer letter, passport, relevant educational credentials and fees are usually required.

    Step 4 – Biometrics and Medicals

    Depending on the worker’s country of residence and planned length of stay, biometric information and/or medical exams may be required for immigration.

    Step 5 – Conclusion and Entry

    If accepted, the foreign worker is issued a work permit detailing the name of the employer, the site and length of work in Canada.

    Final Thoughts

    Canada’s International Mobility Program is a highly adaptable means for moving talent across borders. For foreign workers, it provides opportunities to work in Canada. For Canadian employers, it offers access to international talent without undue red tape.

    However, because of the program’s complexity – from identifying the right category of work (LMIA-exempt) to ensuring that the employer is fully compliant – it is best not to navigate the immigration work program on your own. A mistake with the application can result in a denial, delay, or inadmissibility. An immigration lawyer can guide you through the immigration work program process to ensure that you take all of the right steps and have your best interests represented.

    If you’re interested in reflecting under the International Mobility Program or need legal help with your work permit application in Canada then Luka Vukelic is there to assist you the right way.

    FAQs

    Q1. Who qualifies for the International Mobility Program in Canada?

    This varies based on your job position, such as intra-company transfers, international trade agreements such as CUSMA, youth exchange programs, or substantial benefits to Canada. Consult an experienced immigration lawyer to find out if you qualify.

    Q2. Do I need a job offer to apply under the International Mobility Program?

    Yes, usually. You need a valid job offer from Canada, which should be submitted by your employer via the IRCC Employer Portal before you can apply. Some open work permit streams are not subject to this requirement.

    Q3. How long does it take to get a work permit under the IMP? 

    The processing time varies depending on your country and job position. However, IMP applications are usually processed more quickly than LMIA applications. Some online applications might even process in a matter of weeks.

    Q4. Can the International Mobility Program lead to permanent residency? 

    Yes, work done in Canada under the IMP can help you qualify for other permanent resident programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.

    Q5. What happens if my employer doesn’t follow IMP compliance rules? 

    An employer that is not in compliance with compliance requirements such as submitting job offer information accurately or ensuring appropriate working conditions at their workplace can be banned from recruiting foreign workers under this program.

  • What Are Canadian Citizenship Privileges? Key Benefits Explained

    What Are Canadian Citizenship Privileges? Key Benefits Explained

    Canadian citizenship privileges are among the most generous of any country in the world, offering open borders, outstanding health care and social benefits and programs.

    Canada is consistently ranked among the best countries to live in, and it’s not hard to see why. Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants go through the naturalization process with one goal in mind — to unlock the full spectrum of Canadian citizenship privileges. But what exactly does holding a Canadian passport entitle you to? This blog breaks down every key benefit so you know exactly what you’re working toward. 

    Here are the Key Canadian Citizenship Privileges 

    A strong sense of citizenship rights and privileges awaits those who make Canada their home. Here are a few Canadian citizenship privileges that make becoming a Canadian so attractive. 

    1. Freedom to Travel with a Canadian Passport

    The ability to obtain a Canadian passport – one of the most powerful and widely recognised in the world – is one of the most visible and thrilling Canadian citizenship privileges. If you hold a Canadian passport, you can travel to more than 185 countries without needing to apply for a visa, or after obtaining a visa on arrival: the United States, United Kingdom, all countries in the Schengen Area, Japan, Australia and many more.

    Such ease of travel is a boon for international professionals, entrepreneurs and families. This is something permanent residents cannot do; they require visas for many of these countries.

    2. Voting and Standing for Election

    One of the core rights of citizenship is the right to participate in the democratic process. With Canadian citizenship, you acquire the right to vote in federal, provincial and local elections and you are also eligible to hold public office at any level of government.

    It’s a responsibility but it’s not mandatory as such that impacts the country. Even permanent residents, no matter how long they have lived in Canada, have no right to vote – a key difference between residency and citizenship.

    3. Social Services and Healthcare

    Canadian citizenship is entwined into the broader social context of life. Canadian citizens have access to the publicly funded medical system that provides coverage for medically necessary hospital services, doctor visits and more – all free at the time of service.

    4. Right of Residence

    This is one of the least appreciated benefits of Canadian citizenship. With citizenship, you can say that you are living in Canada forever. Residents, on the other hand, have to satisfy residency requirements and can, in some circumstances, lose their residency and face expulsion.

    When you become a citizen, you can stay away from Canada for as long as you want without losing citizenship. You can never be extradited to a country where you risk persecution.

    5. Dual Citizenship

    Canada confirms dual citizenship and one of the most freeing Canadian citizenship rights is the right not to give up your citizenship in order to become a Canadian (subject to the laws of your country of origin). It ensures you can retain your cultural, family and professional connections to your country of origin, while enjoying the benefits of Canadian citizenship.

    6. Sponsoring Family Members

    Perhaps one of the most cherished citizenship benefits is the opportunity to sponsor relatives for permanent resident status. Permanent residents can sponsor some family members, but citizens can sponsor more, including dependent children born outside Canada, have access to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and Super Visas for extended family visits.

    Canadian immigration policy emphasises family reunification and citizenship facilitates it.

    7. First Access to Some Government Positions

    Certain jobs in the federal public service and security departments require Canadian citizenship.iThis is a somewhat job-focused Canadian citizenship benefit – it allows for access to work in national security and intelligence, border security, and in high positions within the federal government that remain off the table for non-citizens.

    This is a major incentive for ambitious people seeking to pursue a career in public service to naturalize.

    8. Benefits to Children Born Outside of Canada

    When a child is born abroad to one or both Canadian citizen parents, that child will usually become a Canadian citizen as soon as they’re born.This ancestral citizenship of Canadian citizens reinforces the rights of your children (even if they are born overseas while you are living there) to enjoy all the benefits, rights, and privileges of citizenship from birth.

    Final Thoughts

    The Canada citizenship perks highlighted above are more than just administrative formality, they are the basis of the good life, with its security, liberty and opportunity. From the unbeatable power of the Canadian passport to the golden safety net of universal health care, from political rights to the priceless peace of mind afforded by permanent security of tenure, the Canada citizenship benefits make all the difference.

    Maybe you’re just starting the immigration process or you’re only one step away from the citizenship test, but knowing what lies ahead is a great motivator.

    Residence in Canada is more than a place to live – it is also a place to call home. And for those fortunate enough to receive them, Canadian citizenship privileges are a collection of lifelong benefits. 

    FAQs

    Q1. What are the benefits of becoming a citizen of Canada? 

    The most important are a strong passport (with visa-free entry to 185+ countries), the right to vote, access to health care and social benefits, and immunity from deportation, and recognition of dual citizenship.

    Q2. Can a Canadian citizen be deported? 

    No. Canadian citizens can’t be deported. They have unconditional residency rights and are protected no matter how long they have left the country.

    Q3. Can I have dual citizenship? 

    Dual citizenship is permitted in Canada. Canadian citizenship allows you to be a dual citizen, and obtain a Canadian passport, provided your other country allows this as well.

    Q4. Are the rights for citizens different to permanent residents? 

    Citizens become eligible to vote, hold a “first-class” Canadian passport, have the right to stay, work for the Canadian government, are able to sponsor a greater number of family members, and don’t have to meet the residency requirements to maintain status.

    Q5. Do the children of citizens get citizenship? 

    In most cases, yes. Children of Canadians born outside of Canada are automatically given citizenship and therefore have all of the rights and benefits from the time of their birth.