On October 31, 2023, the Canadian government announced a new immigration plan to improve the system and align it with the needs of the labour market. The plan also includes a focus on helping newcomers settle in Canada and creating a comprehensive and coordinated growth strategy.
The new plan is a sign of the government’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and building a strong and diverse society. It includes a number of important initiatives to improve the immigration system, align immigration with the needs of the labour market, and help newcomers settle in Canada.
Main points
Modernize the immigration system with digital platforms. This will include creating a single online window into immigration programs, improving automation, and enabling digital self-service.
Align immigration with labour market requirements. IRCC will identify the essential talents that Canada needs, the newcomers who have these skills, and how to best connect them to available positions. The government will also make it easier for international students and temporary workers with in-demand skills to stay in Canada.
Help newcomers settle in Canada. The government will investigate further alternatives for developing an integrated strategy to manage housing, health care, and infrastructure across federal government departments, as well as in close partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities.
Modernize the Immigration System with Digital Platforms
One of the key goals of the new plan is to modernize the immigration system with digital platforms. This will include creating a single online window into immigration programs, improving automation, and enabling digital self-service.
The government expects that these changes will expedite application processing, increase program integrity, and make the immigration process more transparent and human-centered.
Align Immigration with Labour Market Requirements
The new immigration plan also emphasizes the need to align immigration with Canada’s labour market requirements. To do this, IRCC will identify the essential talents that Canada needs, the newcomers who have these skills, and how to best connect them to available positions.
Help Newcomers Settle in Canada and Create a Comprehensive and Coordinated Growth Strategy
In addition to attracting top talent, the new immigration plan also focuses on helping newcomers settle in Canada and creating a comprehensive and coordinated growth strategy. This includes things like housing and healthcare.
The government recognizes that some newcomers leave Canada due to difficulties with housing and getting their international credentials recognized. To address these issues, IRCC will investigate further alternatives for developing an integrated strategy to manage housing, health care, and infrastructure across federal government departments, as well as in close partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities.
What could this announcement be?
The Canadian government is expected to announce the new immigration levels plan 2024-2026 on November 1. It is possible that the immigration minister could also announce improvements to the Canadian immigration system in response to the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General.
Conclusion
The new Canada immigration plan is a sign of the government’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and building a strong and diverse society. The plan includes a number of important initiatives to improve the immigration system, align immigration with the needs of the labour market, and help newcomers settle in Canada.
How can CanAm help you?
We are a team of experienced immigration consultants who can help you with all aspects of the immigration process. We can help you choose the right immigration program for your needs, prepare your application, and answer any questions you may have.
We understand that the immigration process can be complex and daunting. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll work with you to create a personalized immigration plan and help you achieve your immigration goals.
Here are some of the specific ways we can help you:
Choose the right immigration program: There are many different immigration programs available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. We can assess your eligibility for different programs and help you choose the one that is the best fit for your needs and goals.
Prepare your application: We can help you prepare all of the necessary documentation for your immigration application. We will also review your application carefully to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
Answer your questions: We understand that you may have many questions about the immigration process. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, we encourage you to contact us today. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you get started on your immigration journey.
On October 27, 2023, the IRCC announced new wage requirements for LMIA-based work permits in Canada, effective January 1, 2024. These changes are designed to ensure that temporary foreign workers are paid fairly and that Canadian workers are not disadvantaged.
Key Changes
Employers will be required to check temporary foreign workers’ wages every year to make sure they keep up with wage increases for their job and region of work.
Employers in seven selected sectors will continue to be allowed to hire up to 30% of their workforce in low-wage positions through the TFWP.
The maximum length of work will remain at two years for jobs paying less than the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
The maximum validity time of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will be reduced from 18 months to 12 months.
What are the new wage requirements?
Under the new rules, employers will be required to pay temporary foreign workers the prevailing wage for their job and region of work. The prevailing wage is defined as the median hourly wage paid to Canadian workers in the same occupation and region.
Employers can find the prevailing wage for a particular occupation and region by using the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website.
How often do employers need to check the prevailing wage?
Employers must check the prevailing wage every year and make sure that their temporary foreign workers are being paid at least that amount. If the prevailing wage increases, employers must also increase the wages of their temporary foreign workers.
How employers can comply
Employers can comply with the new wage requirements by:
Reviewing temporary foreign workers’ wages every year and adjusting them as needed to keep up with wage increases for their job and region of work.
Using the Government of Canada’s Job Bank Wage Search tool to determine the prevailing wage for their job and region of work.
Maintaining documentation of their wage review process and the wages paid to temporary foreign workers.
How temporary foreign workers can protect themselves
Temporary foreign workers can protect themselves by:
Knowing their rights and the requirements of the TFWP.
Keeping a record of their wages and hours worked.
Contacting the Employment Standards Branch in their province or territory if they have any concerns about their wages or working conditions.
What are the consequences for employers who do not comply with the new wage requirements?
Employers who do not comply with the new wage requirements may be subject to administrative penalties, such as fines. They may also be denied future LMIAs.
What other changes are being made to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
In addition to the new wage requirements, the government is also making a number of other changes to the TFWP, including:
Continuing to allow employers in seven selected sectors to hire up to 30% of their workforce in low-wage positions through the TFWP.
Keeping the maximum length of work at two years for jobs paying less than the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
Changing the maximum validity time of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from 18 months to 12 months.
Why these changes are important
The new wage requirements are designed to address concerns about wage suppression and ensure that temporary foreign workers are paid at the same rate as Canadian workers for doing the same job. The reduction in the validity time of the LMIA is designed to better reflect the job market and ensure that employers are hiring temporary foreign workers only when necessary.
How can CanAm help you?
Our Canadian immigration firm has extensive experience helping businesses and individuals with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. We can help you to:
If you are an employer who hires temporary foreign workers, or if you are a temporary foreign worker who has questions about the new wage requirements or other changes to the TFWP, we can offer you a free consultation call. We can help you to understand the changes and ensure that you are in compliance with the law.
Canada launches new Express Entry for transport workers under a new category-based selection process to invite skilled newcomers with work experience in the transport sector to apply for permanent residence. This includes occupations such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers.
The IRCC announced that the first round of invitations for transport occupations through category-based selection in Express Entry will occur this week.
The new process will help to address labour shortages in the transport sector and support Canada’s economic growth. Category-based selection will allow Canada to invite candidates with the specific skills and experience that are needed to fill key positions.
Canada’s Express Entry system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields. By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with work experience in transport occupations, Canada aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
Category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general and program-specific invitation rounds.
Quotes:
“As Canada grows its economy, we’re committed to improving transport and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country. Category-based selection helps us invite newcomers with experience in transport occupations to fill significant labour gaps and ensure the future success of the Canadian transport sector. I look forward to welcoming more skilled workers to our country, as their knowledge and expertise are invaluable, to meet our labour market needs.”
– Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The transportation sector is crucial to our economy, and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people that move travellers and transport our goods. With this new initiative, we are helping address a critical skills shortage while also attracting new, talented people to communities across Canada. Truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers and seafarers play a critical role in our economy and Canadians’ lives. Filling vacancies in these professions will boost economic growth and create stronger and more resilient supply chains.”
In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
On May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.
The categories were determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the public, as well as a review of labour market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on the Canada.ca website.
Canada is a popular destination for international students, with over 600,000 foreign students enrolled in the country each year. However, Canada’s international student program has been criticized for its lack of transparency and oversight. In response to these concerns, the Canadian government launched the Trusted Institutions Framework (TIF) in 2023.
The TIF sets out a clear set of standards for institutions that want to be designated as “trusted institutions.” These standards cover three key areas:
Compliance with Canadian laws and regulations: Institutions must have a history of complying with all applicable Canadian laws and regulations, including those governing immigration, education, and labour.
Quality educational offering: Institutions must provide a quality educational offering that meets the standards of Canadian post-secondary education. This includes having qualified faculty, providing a rigorous curriculum, and offering a safe and supportive learning environment.
Commitment to the safety and well-being of international students: Institutions must have a commitment to the safety and well-being of their international students. This includes providing support services such as counseling, translation, and immigration advice.
In addition to the three key requirements mentioned above, the TIF also includes a number of other provisions, such as:
A requirement for institutions to have a risk management plan in place to address potential issues such as fraud and exploitation.
A requirement for institutions to provide regular updates to the government on their compliance with the TIF.
A mechanism for the government to revoke the designation of an institution that fails to meet the requirements of the TIF.
According to IRCC, “Given that these discussions are ongoing, IRCC cannot speculate on future policy decisions. However, any new developments would be communicated publicly.”
DLIs will be tasked with sharing additional data, including retention rates, on-time program completion, revenue from international tuitions, support services expenditure, housing availability, and teacher-student ratios.
Measuring Institutional Performance under the TIF
The Trusted Institutions Framework (TIF) will evaluate the performance of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) based on a number of key indicators, including:
Retention rate: The percentage of international students enrolled in multi-year study programs who choose to continue their studies at the same institution after their first year in Canada.
On-time program completion rate: The percentage of international students who complete their programs within the advertised length of study.
Revenue from international tuition: The percentage of a DLI’s total tuition revenue that is derived from international student tuition fees.
Scholarships for less developed countries: The dollar value and the percentage of total scholarships and grants awarded to international students from countries identified on the United Nations Least Developed Countries list.
Funding for international student support: The value of dedicated support services provided to international students per student and as a percentage of average international student tuition.
DLI-administered housing availability: The total number and percentage of international students who are accommodated in housing administered by their respective institutions.
Teacher-student ratio: The average teacher-student ratio for the ten courses with the highest enrollment of international students.
These indicators will be used to assess the effectiveness and commitment of DLIs to providing a high-quality education and support services to international students.
Benefits of the Trusted Institutions Framework
Institutions that meet these requirements will benefit from a number of advantages, including:
Priority access to Canadian immigration programs
Recognition of their commitment to excellence
Improved reputation
The TIF is still a new initiative, but it has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of international students in Canada. By ensuring that institutions are held accountable to high standards, the TIF can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for international students.
Conclusion
The TIF is a significant step forward in improving the quality and safety of Canada’s international student program. By establishing clear standards for institutions and holding them accountable to those standards, the TIF can help to ensure that international students have a positive experience in Canada.
In a move aimed at simplifying the process of hiring temporary foreign workers, the Canadian federal government is introducing the “Recognized Employer Pilot” program. This initiative seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for employers and provide a streamlined path for bringing in foreign workers. However, as this program unfolds, experts and advocates are raising important questions about the program’s scrutiny measures, potential economic implications, and its impact on Canadian society.
The Recognized Employer Pilot: A Breakdown
Streamlining the Hiring Process
The Recognized Employer Pilot program, set to launch in September, is poised to revolutionize the way Canadian employers engage temporary foreign workers. Initially targeting the agriculture sector, the program will later extend to all industries in January. Eligible employers with a strong history of compliance with program requirements will receive a three-year permit to bring in foreign workers without the need for frequent reapplications.
“The Recognized Employer Pilot will cut red tape for eligible employers, who demonstrate the highest level of protection for workers, and make it easier for them to access the labour they need to fill jobs that are essential to Canada’s economy and doof security”
Addressing Concerns and Enhancing Protections
However, with this shift comes valid concerns about the level of scrutiny these workers will receive and the economic landscape they will enter. As Canada grapples with challenges such as housing affordability, rising interest rates, and high inflation, critics are urging a closer look at the conditions foreign workers will face.
The Current Scenario: Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Presently, employers must undergo a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) each time they hire foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This assessment ensures that a genuine need exists for filling the position. In recent years, the number of approved temporary foreign worker positions has surged, from approximately 89,000 in 2015 to over 221,000 in the last year. This doesn’t account for international students, graduates with open-work permits, and mobility agreements with various countries.
The Shift Towards Recognized Employers
The Recognized Employer Pilot promises to alleviate administrative burdens for qualified employers. These are employers who can demonstrate a robust commitment to worker protection. The program aims to simplify labor access for vital roles within Canada’s economy and food security. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault highlights the program’s budget of $29.3 million over three years and asserts that the application process will be rigorous, targeting employers with exemplary recruitment practices.
Balancing Opportunity with Responsibility
Worker Protections and Social Impact
The growing reliance on foreign workers, though addressing labor shortages, is not without its challenges. Workers in low-skill, low-wage positions have reported abuses and exploitation by employers. Critics argue that without thorough oversight, such abuses could continue to persist, even within the trusted employer framework. The flexible labor force facilitated by these initiatives may strain housing markets, healthcare accessibility, and education systems.
Syed Hussan, executive director of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, emphasizes that the effectiveness of the Recognized Employer Pilot hinges on the scrutiny of employers. He raises concerns about workers’ reluctance to complain due to potential reprisals. While the government has taken steps to protect migrant workers, further vigilance is necessary to ensure their rights and well-being.
Conclusion: Toward a Balanced Approach
In a bid to bolster Canada’s workforce and ensure essential services, the Recognized Employer Pilot program offers a unique pathway for employers to hire temporary foreign workers. While this move is promising, it also calls for a careful balance between streamlining processes and safeguarding worker rights. The success of this program lies in the implementation of stringent scrutiny measures and ongoing efforts to protect the well-being of all workers involved.
Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program Now Accepts Additional English Language Tests. Starting from August 10, 2023, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) will now accept results from Prometric’s Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) and Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General tests for expedited study permits. This update allows international students to choose Canadian-made English language proficiency tests when applying for study permits through SDS.
We are excited about these changes, and Prometric, the provider of the CAEL and CELPIP tests, shares our enthusiasm. Michael Holaday, Vice President of Business Development at Prometric, expressed his support, stating,
“We welcome the changes to the Student Direct Stream and look forward to supporting more students who wish to live, work, and study in Canada with our CAEL and CELPIP – General tests. These products were developed here in Canada and have already been integral to many people’s immigration and study plans.”
What is the CELPIP-General test?
The CELPIP-General test has been recognized as an approved English proficiency test for Canadian permanent resident status applications since 2009, and it has been successfully administered to thousands of test takers each year. Its approval for SDS study permits expands its usefulness to a wider range of applicants. Additionally, CAEL, already accepted by over 180 Canadian academic institutions, provides an alternative choice for prospective SDS applicants. CAEL, developed in 1987 by language assessment and testing experts at Carleton University, is a comprehensive exam that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through computer-based language tasks. It is designed to reflect the Canadian academic context, replicating the first-year classroom experience and demonstrating the abilities required for success in the Canadian post-secondary environment. Prometric, a leading technology-enabled testing and assessment solutions provider, supports over 7 million test takers annually in more than 180 countries. With its global reach and extensive expertise, Prometric is well-positioned to deliver the CAEL and CELPIP tests to international students and leverage its industry-leading experience.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS), launched in 2018, aims to streamline the process of obtaining study permits for international students from eligible countries. By adhering to specific requirements and providing the necessary documents upfront, eligible students can benefit from expedited processing times, ensuring a smooth transition to studying in Canada. The (SDS) program has expanded its eligibility to students from additional countries. These countries include China, Antigua and Barbuda, India, Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Pakistan, Costa Rica, The Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Peru, Vietnam, and Trinidad and Tobago. This expansion, combined with the acceptance of CAEL, CELPIP, and IELTS language exams, offers greater flexibility and convenience for international students.
How to Take Your Language Exam: CAEL, CELPIP, IELTS
If you are planning to study in Canada, it is essential to prepare for a language exam. Whether you choose the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), here is a step-by-step guide on how to take your language exam:
Research and Select the Appropriate Exam: Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your desired institution and determine which language exam is accepted. Evaluate the format, content, and scoring system of CAEL, CELPIP, and IELTS to make an informed decision.
Register for the Exam: Visit the official websites of the respective exams (CAEL, CELPIP, or IELTS) and follow the registration process. Provide the necessary personal information, select a suitable test date, and pay the registration fee.
Prepare for the Exam: Utilize available study materials, practice tests, and resources provided by the exam organizers. Consider enrolling in preparatory courses or engaging in self-study to enhance your language skills and familiarize yourself with the exam structure.
Attend the Exam: On the scheduled date, arrive at the designated test center with your identification documents and any other required materials. Follow the instructions provided by the exam administrators and maintain focus throughout the exam.
Receive Your Exam Results: After completing the exam, your results will be available within a specified timeframe. The exam organizers will provide instructions on accessing and interpreting your scores. Keep your results for future reference, as they are often required during the study permit application process.
Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the exam organizers for a successful and smooth exam experience. Following these steps will help you navigate the process of taking your language exam and take you one step closer to pursuing your educational goals in Canada.
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