Canada has announced two major updates for 2024 regarding work permits and study visas, impacting professionals and students planning to move to the country. These changes focus on phasing out the Closed Work Permit program and introducing a new credential recognition system in British Columbia. The updates aim to improve job opportunities for Canadians while simplifying the process for foreign professionals to work in Canada.
The Canadian Senate has proposed ending the Closed Work Permit program within three years. This program, introduced in 1973, allowed foreign professionals to work in Canada if they had a job offer from a Canadian company and an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, the program has faced criticism for potential employee exploitation, limited employer flexibility, and bypassing the Canadian workforce. The Senate’s report recommends phasing out this program to prioritize job opportunities for Canadians, with the government required to respond within 150 days.
British Columbia has announced a new system to simplify recognizing international credentials for professionals in 29 specific occupations. This system aims to make it easier and faster for foreign professionals to have their degrees and work experience recognized in the province, particularly in high-demand professions. Key changes include easing experience requirements and potentially lowering language proficiency requirements for certain professions, making it more accessible for foreign professionals to start working in their field in British Columbia.
The phase-out of the Closed Work Permit will require foreign professionals to seek other visa options to work in Canada, aiming to create more job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This change addresses concerns about employee exploitation and employer flexibility while ensuring that Canadian workers are given priority for job opportunities. The new credential recognition system in British Columbia will benefit foreign professionals by simplifying the process of having their credentials recognized, allowing them to enter the workforce more quickly and efficiently.
These updates represent significant changes in Canadian immigration policies. The phasing out of the Closed Work Permit and the new credential recognition system in British Columbia aim to protect Canadian workers while facilitating the integration of needed professionals into the Canadian workforce. Prospective immigrants need to stay informed about these changes and adjust their plans accordingly to navigate the process of moving to and working in Canada. By understanding these updates, foreign professionals and students can better prepare for their transition, ensuring a fair and beneficial job market for both local and international workers.
Source: TUC News