Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

What is the Live-In Caregiver Program?

Essentially, the live-in caregiver program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to hire a foreign national to provide “live-in care.” All this is, is full-time in home care. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you require full-time, round the clock care, then you may be eligible to apply to hire a foreign national to provide this care for you. Though, it is required that you have made a good attempt to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, before you will be permitted to hire a foreign national to do this job. Nonetheless, this is a unique opportunity for a Canadian to benefit from helping a foreign national find work and/ or achieve permanent residency in Canada. Not to mention, the foreign national even has the benefit of having their living situation already all sorted out! This relieves much of the stress about moving to a new country for sure. So, if you think you might be eligible to be a live-in caregiver, or this program is of interest to you, or, if you think you might need to hire a live-in caregiver from overseas… keep reading this article to learn all about how to get involved with this program!

What is a Live-In Caregiver?

A live in caregiver is qualified person that can work without supervision in a private household. He or she is supposed to provide care for the elderly, children and or the disabled. It was once a requirement that the caregiver actually reside with the employer/ patient, though this is no longer the case. Nonetheless, the employer is still responsible for arranging room and board for the caregiver. The Canadian federal government came up with the Live-in caregiver program in order to counter the limited number of live-in caregivers in the country. To begin, the live-in caregiver will enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker.

If I am a Foreign National, How do I Start a Business in Canada?

If you’re thinking about starting a business in Canada, you probably know that anyone who even wishes to work in Canada must have a work permit. This may lead you to understand, you’ll probably need some special documentation if you’re going to start a business in Canada. At the very least you’ll need a work permit, but what else? Canada truly is a land of opportunity. That is why this article will break down the process of starting a business in Canada to ensure you go about this exciting endeavor by following all the regulations set out by the Immigration and Refugees Protections Act (IRPA).

What is a Start-Up Visa?

A start-up visa is exactly what it sounds like; it is a visa which gives you permission to start-up a company. This visa was designed for entrepreneurs. The goal was to help those with creative minds come to Canada if they wish to help the Canadian economy grow. Technically, a start-up visa is not permanent status, though; it does give good, direct opportunity for individuals to become a permanent resident once they have one. Essentially, a start up visa is a method of business immigration. Nevertheless, a startup visa technically authorizes temporary stays.

Applying For a Post-Graduate Work Permit

Are you an international post-graduate student who has recently graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI)? If you are a foreign national who attended a Canadian college or university (DLI), you are likely considering what your next steps are. Perhaps you don’t want to return to your country of origin quite yet, because you would prefer to gain some work experience in Canada first. If this is the case for you, there is good news. The Canadian government recognizes many international students would love to continue to experience the Canadian workforce; after all, they just finished studying at a Canadian institution for quite some time. Therefore, they have given the post-graduate work permit program (PGWP), which specifically allows international post-graduate students who have finished studies in Canada, to apply for an open work permit. This blog aims to tell you all you need to know about applying for a PWGP, and what it means to have an open work permit in Canada.

What is an Open Work Permit?

Having an open work permit means an individual is permitted to work for any employer in Canada, who is not listed as an “ineligible employer.” On a PGWP the maximum length of time you will be permitted to work in Canada is 3 years, depending on your program of study. To be clear, the length of time your PGWP will be valid is dependent on how long your study program is. For example, if your program of study was 1 year long, you will only be granted a PGWP for 1 year. Furthermore, if your program of study was 4 years, you will be granted a 3 year PGWP, as this is the maximum length of time a PGWP can possibly be granted.

Coming to Canada with an Agenda?

Have you been considering coming to Canada for a business trip. Or, more likely, you have a plan in mind to come to Canada in the near future, and you’re not sure whether the activities you’re coming to Canada for, qualify was a “business endeavor” or “working.” Sometimes, it is very difficult to know the difference between activities and something that seems like a simple visit, even if you’re going to take care of a couple of things you had planned on doing while you’re here. Though, it is important to know that the Canadian government considers anyone who enters Canada with the intention participating in business-like activities, a business visitor.

How Can I Work in Canada?

Have you always wished of travelling to Canada for longer than a typical very short vacation, but need to work while you’re here to continue to support yourself? This is not an uncommon situation for individuals who seek entry to Canada, especially because oftentimes individuals have to come to Canada to take care of a sick family member, or to spend more time living with close relatives. In these situations, it is tough to stop working and lose your income for the entire period you’re going to be out of your country of origin for other commitments, and no one likes to be without an income. So, being able to work while you are in Canada is a huge benefit. At the same time, it is often the case the people have a hard time finding work in their country of origin, and can have more success applying to work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker for pre-determined periods of time. If these circumstances sound like the situation you’re facing, it is likely you would want to apply for a Canadian work permit, so that you can work while you are in Canada. This article will aim to help you better understand the various work permits which are available to you.

Am I Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit?

First, you will need to ensure you are eligible to apply for a Canadian work permit. Most importantly, this means you must not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason. In addition to this, you must also meet all other general requirements of an individual requesting permission to work in Canada. This includes proving to an immigration officer you intend to leave when your permit expires, you must be in a position to support yourself financially and you may have to prove you are in good health, and will not place excessive demand on Canadian social services. Then, depending on the type of work permit you intend to apply for, you will also need to meet all the specific requirements for the work permit you’ve applied for.

FAQ – Working in Canada

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for individuals looking to work in Canada and some important information you should consider if you are applying for a work permit application. A work permit application in Canada is created for foreign national workers who would like to come to Canada to work and thus contribute to the Canadian economy. If you feel as though you would want to apply for a work permit in Canada, I suggest you read our article on “Prepare to Work in Canada” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to working in Canada.

Q: What exactly is a valid job offer in Immigration context?

A: This is important to note before seeking employment opportunities in Canada. A valid job offer in Canadian Immigration context is a genuine and honest offer of employment from a valid Canadian employer. A foreign national worker will require a valid job offer prior to applying for a work permit in Canada.

Exceptions to Canadian Work Permits

There are many individuals from all over the world who wish to contribute to an economy that is prosperous and progressive. In a lot of cases, foreign nationals desire to come to Canada to work and contribute to the Canadian economy. Of course, applying for a work permit and meeting the requirements is essential prior to coming to Canada to work. However, there are some exceptions for certain individuals who would like to come to Canada, who do not require a work permit to legally work. Therefore, in this article, I will address what a work permit is, who needs one and who doesn’t, and important information pertaining to work permits in Canada.

What is a Work Permit

A work permit is a permit that is authorized and provided to a foreign national that wishes to work in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy. There are many steps that must be taken prior to applying for a work permit. For instance, the potential employer of the foreign national must first apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Additionally, once and if they receive a positive decision on their LMIA, then this will indicate that the hiring of a foreign worker for the specific company will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. It will also show that the Canadian employer was not able to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the intended job. However, in some circumstances, an LMIA is not required before applying for the work permit.

Steps in Obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada

Many foreign national students who complete their Canadian educational credentials often experience a moment of relief and excitement once they graduate. However, once they finish their studies, they are also often left with the thought “how can I work in Canada?” This is an extremely common question and many students love the idea of extending their stay in Canada to pursue work. In order to work after graduating in Canada, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Therefore, in this article, I will address what a post-graduate work permit is, the eligibility requirements, how to apply for a post-graduate work permit, and more.

What is a Post-Graduate Work Permit

A post-graduate work permit is a work permit that is provided to foreign national students who have graduated from a designated learning institution and would like to stay in Canada to pursue work. However, it is important to note that not all programs offered at a designated learning institution are eligible for a post-graduate work permit. Therefore, it is very important to investigate whether your program is eligible or you may consult with an immigration professional, such as Akrami & Associates, and we will be able to assist you in determining this.

Applying for a Work Permit On and/or Off Campus

As an International student in Canada, experiencing the Canadian education system and observing the Canadian culture, can definitely insight some interest in possibly working and seeing what the Canadian economy has to offer. More international students now want to work while studying and they have two options to choose from on-campus and off-campus. The Canadian economy and workplaces are very unique and can attract many students. Of course in order to work in Canada, you must be authorized to do so. Therefore, in this article, I will explain the eligibility requirements for international students wanting to work while studying in Canada, either on-campus or off-campus, and the difference between the two options.

Working On-Campus

The convenience of working on-campus can appeal to many international students as many are unfamiliar with the surrounding environments and are comfortable being near their school and residence. There are eligibility requirements that one must take into consideration before working on-campus. One must abide by these requirements in order to work at the educational institution without a valid work permit. The eligibility requirements are listed below.

Steps to Hiring a Live-in Caregiver

Do you wish to have someone help you with the basic necessities of someone you care about? For instance, do you need constant assistance for eldercare, individuals with special needs or childcare? If this is the case, then you should hire a live-in caregiver. Live-in caregivers will help and assist you with these specific circumstances. There are certain steps that you must take in order to ultimately hire a live-in caregiver. In this article, I will explain and outline the steps needed from the employer to hire a live-in caregiver as well as the steps that the live-in caregiver needs to take.

How to Find a Live-in Caregiver

As an employer looking to find a live-in caregiver, there are standard requirements that need to be met. Through the live-in caregiver program, the employee must have a valid work permit to proceed with being hired. Therefore, the employer must ensure that this is done before offering employment. The employer must also ensure that they have attempted to hire employees through advertisements, personal or business contacts, and/or hiring agencies. After this is done, then they may be able to go through the application process of the live-in caregiver program in order to hire them.

Can I Work and Travel?

Do you wish to travel and gain Canadian work experience or are you a Canadian citizen and like to gain foreign work experience?? If this is the case the International Experience Canada (IEC) is for you!! This program offers great opportunity to gain work experience while you are travelling and exploring the great cities of Canada and other foreign cities. Working abroad in a foreign country gives you the opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages and meet people from all walks of life. It is a great way to broaden your horizon and learn new things about the world we live in. Individuals that have international experience are less likely to be unemployed because they have attained great skills to apply to their daily lives. Depending where you want to travel you can choose from one of the follow categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op (internship). Working Holiday is a great option for persons that want to travel and see the world but at the same time make some money. If you to gain new skills such as how to do business abroad, experience learning a new language, work in diverse groups then the Young Professional category is for you. If you are currently in school and like to gain work experience in your field of study and complete your co-op or internship abroad then International Co-op (Internship).

International Experience Canada Eligibility

To determine if you are eligible for the International Experience Canada to follow the following steps:

Hiring Temporary Foreign Worker to Canada

Would like to hire a Temporary Foreign Worker in your company but don’t know which route to take? There are many things that employers must determine before attempting to hire a temporary foreign worker. One of those things is the wage you will be paying this temporary foreign worker. For the purposes of this blog I will be talking about the low-wage positions. Let’s take a look at how the wages are determined for low paying jobs.

What to Consider when Hiring Temporary Foreign Worker to Canada

If you wish to hire a temporary foreign worker in your company, you must first determine whether you have a need for a foreign worker or not. Firstly, you have to determine whether or not this position can be taken on by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. There are many ways of doing this as previously explained in the blogs section of our websites. If and when you establish that you have not found anyone in Canada that would carry out the position you are hiring for after doing extensive research, you may be allowed to hire a temporary foreign worker. This has to be determined by applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada. However, determination of labour shortage may not allow you to bring your foreign worker into Canada. You must apply for a work permit given that you receive a positive labour market impact assessment.

Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker in a High Wage Position

Cannot find suitable employees for the position you are hiring within Canada? Would like to hire a Temporary Foreign Worker in your company? There are many things that employers must determine before attempting to hire a temporary foreign worker. One of those things is the wage you will be paying this temporary foreign worker. Let's take a look at how the wages are determined.

Canadians who wish to hire a temporary foreign worker must first establish a shortage of the labour or skill that they are looking for in Canada. There are many ways of doing so that I have discussed in other Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) related blogs. Once the shortage has been established, the employer gets the green signal to apply for a labour market impact assessment or an LMIA formerly known as a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Apart from showing a shortage of skill within Canada, the LMIA application must prove the arrival of the foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian market. One of the most important aspects of hiring a temporary foreign worker is to establish that you, as the employer, will adhere to federal and provincial standards of labour law and pay them with prevailing wages and benefits.

Employer Looking to Hire Foreign Worker to Canada

Thinking of hiring a temporary foreign worker to Canada? Tired of recruiting without success in Canada? Obtaining a Positive LMIA from Service Canada is not an easy process, especially if you do not have experience in submitting immigration applications. Here are a few important aspects/steps of hiring a foreign temporary worker in Canada.

Are you Eligible to Hire a Foreign Worker to Canada?

Employers can hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The TFWP is specifically designed to combat and fill temporary labour and skill shortages in Canada. However, before you start browsing resumes and conducting interviews, make sure you are eligible to hire a temporary foreign worker in the capacity of a caregiver first. One of the most important aspects of eligibility comes from attempting to recruit a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a foreign worker already in Canada for the position of caregiver. Once all recruitment efforts of finding an employee within Canada have been exhausted, then you can proceed to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

What is the National Occupation Code?

The National Occupation Classification also known as the NOC is a system used by the Government of Canada that classifies occupations (jobs). The National Occupation Classification pretty much describes the type of work performed by Canadians in the labour market. These occupations are grouped based on work the performed which are determined by the task, duties and responsibility within the occupation. This information gives employers, job seekers, statisticians, labour market analysts, career counselors to collect information to better understand the nature of work and what type of experience is needed to apply for a program. The NOC tool has a four digit code that helps you classify the occupation based on skill type and skill level. These NOC digits give you important information about the occupation it represents. For example, 3113 Dentist- the “31” tells you that this is a health occupation and it requires university level education.

National Occupational Classification 2016 Update

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) has been updated to help employers and job seekers find the proper NOC without spending too much time and then ending up selecting the incorrect NOC. The NOC 2016 has enlisted new job titles and has simplified the content of the unit groups. Some unit groups have their descriptions and job titles updated, terminology has made changed to reflect the current usage of terminology in occupations. The structure of the NOC remains the same, meaning no major groups or minor have been added or removed or combined. You may find in some groups that their names of been changed or the content is updated. NOC 2016 is based on Skill Type and Skill Level just like NOC 2011.

Can I work in Canada as Foreign Worker

In order to be able to work in Canada you either have to be Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada. If you are not Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada then as the foreign worker you either have to fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or apply for Work Permit and possibly go through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). As the foreign worker you cannot work illegally in Canada and therefore you have to go through application process and get special permission from immigration Canada.

Requirements you need to meet under NAFTA Work Permit

To be eligible to apply under the NAFTA Work Permit you would have to be a citizen of Mexico or United States. If you are business individual and are citizen of Mexico or USA then you are able to enter Canada for temporary basis to trade goods, provide services or invest in Canada. To qualify as a business person you have to fall under either a Business Visitor, Professional, Intra Company Transferee or Traders and Investors.

Open Work Permit

Does your spouse work or study in Canada and you want to accompany them while traveling and living in Canada? Does the distance and time of study or work period in Canada create a barrier in your relationship? Everyone has the right to be with their family and spend quality time no matter what the situation or circumstances are. This blog will discuss what an Open Work Permit is, who qualifies for one and what the conditions and requirements are for you to be able to obtain the Open Work Permit and reunite with your family members in Canada. This permit has categories to allow people belonging to temporary permits in Canada to bring their spouses for a particular period of time if they meet the requirements.

What is Open Work Permit?

Open Work Permit is a work permit that does not restrict the employee to work for one specific employer or do one job in particular. Open Work Permit is exactly like the Post Graduate Work Permit that international students qualify for once they graduate from a Canadian institution. Depending on the time that the student studied in Canada, Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows the student to stay in Canada. For example, if an international student studied in Canada for the duration of 8 months he would qualify for a post graduate work permit with the duration of the same time as he spent in that institution to finish his studies. However, if you studied in a Canadian institution as an international student for 2 years, you will qualify for 3 years of Post-Graduate Work Permit. PGWP does not restrict you to work for a specific employer or do a specific job. Exactly in a same way the open work permit does not restrict you to work for one particular employer. The purpose of this permit is to unite families who have a spouse or common-law partner in Canada.

What is the Significant Benefit Work Permit

The Significant Worker Benefit Program is a special type of work permit that is given if you show how you will socially, culturally, or economically benefit Canada.

There is certain documentation you must show to the officer at a port of entry. This includes:

• Your passport

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

Young individuals from countries that have a bilateral youth mobility arrangement with Canada, who wish to travel and work in Canada, may apply under International Experience Canada.

There are up to three (3) travel and work options available to you, depending on your country of origin:

1. Working Holiday

What is a work Permit?

Work permit is a document issued by the Canadian Government which permits a foreign individual to work at a job under an employer. Any individual who is not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada require a valid Work Permit to work in Canada.

Foreign nationals who wish to work temporarily in Canada are part of the Worker Class of Temporary Residents and are generally requires to have a genuine job offer to obtain a work permit unless exempted.