Are you a Filipino worker who dreams of working in Canada? Do you want to know how to get a work permit in Canada faster and easier? If yes, then this blog post is for you.
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Filipino workers who want to improve their quality of life, earn higher wages, and enjoy a multicultural society. According to the 2021 census, there are over 837,000 Filipinos living in Canada, making them the third-largest Asian group in the country.
What is the pilot program? Work Permit for Filipino Workers
The pilot program is a new initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Department of Labor and Employment of the Philippines (DOLE) to facilitate the recruitment and mobility of Filipino workers to Canada.
The pilot program aims to:
Reduce processing times for work permit applications from the Philippines
Simplify documentation requirements for Filipino workers
Provide pre-departure orientation and support services for Filipino workers
Enhance cooperation and coordination between Canadian and Philippine authorities
The pilot program is part of the Global Skills Strategy (GSS), which is a Canadian immigration program that allows employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills and experience in high-demand occupations.
How does the pilot program work?
The pilot program works as follows:
Canadian employers who want to hire Filipino workers under the GSS must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA is a document that shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job in Canada and that no Canadian worker is available to do it.
Canadian employers must then submit their LMIA and job offer to IRCC through the Employer Portal. IRCC will verify the eligibility of the employer and the job offer and issue an Offer of Employment number.
Canadian employers must then send their Offer of Employment number and a copy of their LMIA to DOLE through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Canada. DOLE will verify the authenticity of the employer and the job offer and issue a Certificate of Endorsement (COE).
Filipino workers who have received a job offer from a Canadian employer under the GSS must then apply for a work permit online through IRCC's website. They must include their COE and other supporting documents in their application.
IRCC will process the work permit application within two weeks or less. If approved, IRCC will issue a Letter of Introduction (LOI) to the Filipino worker.
Filipino workers must then present their LOI and other required documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival in Canada. CBSA will issue the work permit at the port of entry.
What are some common questions about work permits in Canada?
Here are some common questions that you may have about work permits in Canada:
Q: How long can I work in Canada with a work permit?
A: The duration of your work permit depends on the validity of your job offer, your passport, and the LMIA. Generally, you can work in Canada for up to four years with a work permit.
Q: Can I bring my family with me to Canada with a work permit?
A: Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you to Canada with a work permit. They can apply for an open work permit or a study permit, depending on their situation.
Q: Can I change employers or jobs in Canada with a work permit?
A: It depends on the type of your work permit. If you have an employer-specific work permit, you can only work for the employer who offered you the job. If you want to change employers or jobs, you need to apply for a new work permit. If you have an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada.
Q: Can I travel outside Canada with a work permit?
A: Yes, you can travel outside Canada with a work permit. However, you need to have a valid passport, a valid work permit, and a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.
If you are interested in applying for a work permit in Canada under the pilot program, please contact us today. We will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you may have.
You can also visit our website to learn more about our services and other immigration topics such as student visas, study permits, healthcare, PNP, Express Entry, etc.
Don't miss this opportunity to get your work permit in Canada faster and easier than ever before. Apply now and start your journey to a better life in Canada.
Comments