Quebec’s Facilitated Processing Stream of Work Permits
Quebec’s Facilitated Processing Stream allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers under certain targeted occupations. The Facilitated Processing Stream waives some of the requirements often required by the Labour Impact Assessment Process (LMIA). These may include advertising the vacant position and other recruitment efforts by the employer.
However, while the employer isn’t obligated to advertise the position for which they are looking to hire a foreign worker, they must prove the following:
- The foreign worker must meet the educational and experience requirements for the job position and those of the National Occupational Classification.
- The hourly wage offered by the temporary foreign worker must be consistent with the wage rate offered to Canadian and permanent residents in the same work position and geographic area.
- Employers must have a transition plan for all high-wage LMIA applicants for the second or subsequent applications for an LMIA.
Quebec’s Facilitated Processing Stream allows its employers to capitalize on its facilitated occupations list, including all eligible occupation categories for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Many of these occupations are STEM professions.
New H1-B Open Work Permit Program
The IRCC announced it would launch the New H1-B open work permit program starting July 16th, 2023. This new immigration and work permit opportunity is still in the early phase, and program eligibility criteria and other critical details are still being finalized.
However, as of now, we know that certain United States H1-B specialty occupation visa holders should be eligible for a streamlined work permit in the country. Workers who are eligible and are approved for the program should receive an open work permit to work in Canada for up to three years. These immigrants should be able to work for almost any employer in the country.
According to the IRCC, this new immigration and work permit opportunity should expand the country’s reach for skilled workers pursuing high-tech careers. The new H1-B open work permit program makes this possible while allowing these high-tech skilled workers to contribute to the economic growth of North America.
The new H1-B open work permit program also allows temporary resident visa applications for spouses and dependents of successful applicants, but with a study or work permit, as needed.
IRCC also announced it would leave applications open and remain in effect for one year or until the body receives 10,000 applications. This number should constitute only principal applicants, not their spouses, dependents, or accompanying family members will count to this application cap.
