Canada 2 BIG News: Canada Work Permit & Study Visa Updates 2024
Canada has announced two major updates regarding work permits and study visas for 2024.
These updates will affect many professionals and students who are planning to move to Canada.
Closed Work Permit to be Phased Out
The Canadian Senate has suggested ending the Closed Work Permit program within the next three years. This program allows professionals from outside Canada to work in the country if they have a job offer from a Canadian company and an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Background
The Closed Work Permit was introduced in 1973 to help Canadian employers hire foreign professionals when there were no suitable Canadian workers available. This permit required employers to prove that they could not find a Canadian worker for the job.
Issues with the Program
- Employee Exploitation: Many employees under this permit can only work for one employer, leading to potential exploitation.
- Employer Flexibility: Employers face difficulties transferring employees within different locations.
- Impact on Canadian Workforce: The program sometimes bypasses available Canadian workers, affecting local employment.
Recommendation
The Senate’s report recommends phasing out the Closed Work Permit within three years to prioritize job opportunities for Canadians. The government must respond to this report within 150 days.
British Columbia’s New Credential Recognition System
British Columbia has announced a new system to simplify recognizing international credentials for professionals in 29 specific occupations.
Simplified Process
This new system aims to make it easier and faster for foreign professionals to have their degrees and work experience recognized in British Columbia. This is particularly beneficial for professions with high demand in the province.
Key Changes
- Eased Experience Requirements: Professionals will no longer need extensive work experience to have their credentials recognized.
- Relaxed Language Proficiency: The province is considering lowering language proficiency requirements for certain professions.
Occupations Included
Here are the 29 occupations affected by this update:
| 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 |
| … | … |
Impact of the Updates
These updates are expected to significantly impact foreign workers and students aiming to live and work in Canada.
Closed Work Permit Phase-Out
The phasing out of the Closed Work Permit means that foreign professionals will need to look for other visa options to work in Canada. This change is intended to create more job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
New Credential Recognition System
The new system in British Columbia will benefit foreign professionals looking to work in the province. It simplifies the process for recognizing foreign credentials, making it easier for professionals to start working in their field more quickly.
Conclusion
The two major updates from Canada – the phasing out of the Closed Work Permit and the new credential recognition system in British Columbia – are significant changes in Canadian immigration policies. These changes aim to protect Canadian workers while also making it easier for needed professionals to work in Canada. As these updates take effect, it will be important for prospective immigrants to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly.
By understanding these updates, foreign professionals and students can better navigate the process of moving to and working in Canada. The focus remains on ensuring that the Canadian job market is fair and beneficial for both local and international workers.
