In a recent development, Canada’s immigration system has made significant strides by extending short-term high-skilled work exemptions, aiming to further attract global talent and enhance the nation’s workforce.
Starting from June 12, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) collaborated with Employment and Social Development Canada to launch the Global Skills Strategy. This introduced an exceptional provision allowing certain high-skilled foreign workers to come to Canada for either 15 or 30 days without the traditional work permit.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest changes and what they mean for potential applicants:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must be entering Canada for a job classified under TEER category 0 or 1 in the National Occupational Classification.
- The timeframes: Either up to 15 consecutive days (provided they haven’t used this exemption in the previous 6 months) or up to 30 consecutive days (provided they haven’t used this exemption in the previous year).
- Depending on nationality, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) might also be required.
- Documentation:
- Proof of eligibility, such as a job offer or employment contract, should be presented. This should detail the nature of the work, the job title, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and the employment duration.
- Multiple Employers? No Problem:
- The exemption focuses on the foreign national, not the employer. If a candidate intends to work for multiple employers within the exemption period, evidence for each employer’s job offer and the specific job’s details must be showcased.
- Revisiting the Exemption:
- Those who’ve benefited from the 15-day exemption can reapply after 6 months or opt for the 30-day exemption after 12 months.
- For individuals who have previously utilized the 30-day exemption, they can reapply after a year or choose the 15-day exemption after 6 months.
- Departure and Re-entry:
- Exiting and re-entering Canada is allowed within the approved work exemption timeframe. However, it’s essential to note that the count of days remains consecutive, even if the individual isn’t in Canada.
- Record-Keeping:
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will record entries and exits, vital for assessing residency and checking for potential overstays. As of June 2021, comprehensive air exit data has been made available, further strengthening the system’s robustness.
- Visitor Record Issuance:
- On entry, border officers will issue a visitor record [IMM 1097] for exempted foreign nationals. This is critical for the individual to get a social insurance number (SIN) and ensures hassle-free payment processes with their employer.
Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, signaling its commitment to attracting global talent. The country’s willingness to adapt its rules ensures it remains a top destination for skilled professionals from around the world. For anyone considering Canada as a short-term work destination, these changes open new, flexible pathways.
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