Canada has introduced two new policies benefitting employers and foreign workers with valid Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) permits whose jobs have been impacted by COVID that will expedite the hiring process:
- Foreign workers already in Canada can change jobs more quickly
- Employers can more quickly hire foreign workers to fill labour shortages in agriculture, food processing and food supply industries
1. Exemptions for Work Permits When Changing Employment
Effective May 12, IRCC enacted temporary TFW exemptions from certain requirements, including providing biometrics, when an authorized temporary worker is changing employment due to a COVID-related loss layoff of employment, while protecting the employers under IRCC compliance regulations.
Exemption Eligibility Requirements:
- The temporary worker must be in Canada with valid status. This applies to workers who are in Canada with an employer-specific work permit, those in Canada under a work permit exemption and those on implied status.
- The temporary worker must have a valid job offer from another employer.
- The temporary worker must have applied for a work permit for the new job.
IRCC expects a short processing period of 10 days or less.
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2. LMIA Advertising Waiver
Effective March 20 through October 31, 2020, employers in 10 agriculture, food processing and trucking do not have to follow the requirement to advertise on the national Job Bank and at least two additional methods of recruitment for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to applying for a pending or future LMIA. Previously, employers were required to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment to demonstrate there are no Canadians available to fill the position.
How Can Ackah Law Help Your Business Thrive?
If you have questions about your immigration application during the coronavirus restrictions or for post-COVID business, contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email contact@ackahlaw.com.
