Immigration Alert: Canada’s Global Skills Strategy to Launch June 12, 2017

Immigration Alert: Canada’s Global Skills Strategy to Launch June 12, 2017

Recently, the Government of Canada announced a new Global Skills Strategy that is aimed at helping high-growth Canadian companies and global companies that are making a significant investment in Canada attract the specialized global talent they need to innovate and grow by providing faster and more predictable immigration service for foreign workers.

The Government intends to launch the new strategy, including a new Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, on June 12, 2017. The Government continues to consult with the provinces and territories, businesses and industry stakeholders on the details of the implementation of the new strategy.

At present, the following is known about the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program:

1. There will be a “Global Talent List” comprised of in-demand occupations where there is a gap in the Canadian labour market. This list is expected to be publicized in advance of the June 12 launch and Canada’s tech sector is expected to benefit significantly.
2. There will be a new streamlined application process for jobs on the Global Talent List, including (a) an exemption from the current recruitment/advertising requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessment applications; (b) 10 day processing of Labour Market Impact Assessment applications and work permits applications; and (c) a new dedicated service channel for companies to guide employer’s through the process.
3. Employers will be required to complete a new “Labour Market Benefit Plan” with metrics to assist in tracking job creation, knowledge transfer, and skills and training benefits for Canadians.

As part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government also plans to remove the current requirement to obtain a work permit for short-term (less than 30 days in a 12 month period) highly skilled work and brief academic stays.

We anticipate that the Government will release further information about its Global Skills Strategy initiatives shortly. We will issue a follow-up alert as soon as more information is available.

by Stefanie Di Francesco

A Cautionary Note

The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2017