July 14th, 2024 at 05:59 am
Latest Canadian Updates: Canada Work Permit & Study Visa Updates 2024
Two significant changes to work permits and student visas for 2024 have been announced by Canada. Numerous professionals and students who intend to relocate to Canada will be impacted by these adjustments.
Closed Work Permit to Be Phased Out
The Closed Work Permit program should be discontinued over the next three years, according to the Canadian Senate. If a foreign professional has a job offer from a Canadian company and their Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) has been authorized, they can work in Canada under this program.
Context
To assist Canadian firms in hiring foreign experts when there were no qualified Canadian workers available, the Closed Work Permit was developed in 1973. For this permission, companies had to demonstrate that they were unable to locate a worker who was Canadian.
Problems with the Scheme
- Employee Exploitation: Since many workers under this permit are limited to working for a single company, there is a risk of employee exploitation.
- Employer Flexibility: Employers find it challenging to move staff members between different locations.
- Effect on Canadian Workforce: Occasionally, the program chooses not to use available Canadian labor, which has an impact on local employment.
Suggestion
The Senate study suggests giving Canadians’ employment prospects priority by gradually eliminating the Closed Work Permit within three years. Within 150 days, the government must reply to this report.
British Columbia’s New Credential Recognition System
A new mechanism to make it easier for professionals in 29 particular occupations to recognize overseas credentials has been introduced by British Columbia.
Streamlined Procedure
With this new method, international professionals will hopefully find it easier and faster to get their degrees and work experience accepted in British Columbia. This is especially advantageous for occupations that are in high demand in the province.
Important Modifications
- Relaxed Experience Requirements: For professionals to have their qualifications accepted, they will no longer require a lot of experience in the workplace.
- Loosened Language Requirements: The province is thinking of reducing the language competency standards for specific occupations.
Occupations Included
The 29 professions impacted by this update are listed below:
Occupation | Description |
Registered Music Teacher | Music education professionals |
Land Surveyor | Professionals in land surveying |
Early Childhood Educator | Teachers for young children |
Social Worker | Professionals in social services |
Lawyer | Legal professionals |
Clinical Social Worker | Specialized social work |
Biology Technologist | Experts in biological technology |
Chartered Accountant | Accounting professionals |
Real Estate Agent | Property sales professionals |
Effects of the Updates
It is anticipated that these revisions will have a major effect on international students and workers who wish to live and work in Canada.
Phase-Out of Closed Work Permits
Foreign professionals who wish to work in Canada may need to look into alternative visa alternatives due to the Closed Work Permit’s phase-out. The goal of this modification is to give permanent residents and citizens of Canada greater employment options.
A Novel System for Recognizing Credentials
Professionals from other countries who wish to work in British Columbia will find the new method advantageous. Professionals can begin working in their area more quickly because it streamlines the process of recognizing international credentials.
Conclusion
The two main announcements from Canada represent important shifts in Canadian immigration policy: the new credential recognition system in British Columbia and the phase-out of the Closed Work Permit. These adjustments are intended to safeguard Canadian workers while simultaneously facilitating the entry of necessary specialists into the country.
Prospective immigrants should stay informed as these adjustments take effect and modify their plans as necessary.