From Far & Wide Immigration Inc.

The Canadian government's policy to limit both permanent and temporary residence admissions to Canada results in additional restrictions for hiring temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in low-wage positions. If you are an employer or a TFW applicant, understanding these regulations is crucial to a successful Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. Foreign nationals, who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Canada, require a valid work permit to legally work in Canada. There are generally two options to obtain a work permit: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), wherein the Canadian employer applies for an LMIA in order to hire a foreign worker, and the International Mobility Program (IMP) , which covers various exemptions that let employers hire a foreign worker without an LMIA. Since September 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is refusing to process certain low-wage LMIA applications. This measure targets jobs in Census Me...

For many international students , the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is the crucial bridge between an academic journey and building a career in Canada. The PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can be instrumental in supporting a future application for permanent residence in Canada, as many immigration programs value Canadian work experience. Type of Work Permit The PGWP is an open work permit . This means a PGWP holder is not tied to a specific employer and can work for almost any employer in Canada. The PGWP is also exempt from the requirement of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under LMIA exemption code C43. A PGWP can only be issued once in a lifetime. Timing and Validity An application for the PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion (e.g., offici...

Canada remains committed to promoting its bilingual heritage and increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants, particularly outside Quebec. To support this goal, various immigration pathways have been designed specifically for Francophone applicants. Read on to learn about the key Francophone immigration programs, their eligibility criteria, and how French proficiency can boost your chances across several streams.   1. Francophone Mobility Program The Francophone Mobility Program allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign nationals for temporary work without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program is an attractive option for employers and skilled workers alike. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must prove that their French speaking and listening skills are at an intermediate level, equivalent to Niveaux decompétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5 or higher. Applicants must have a job offer classified under...

Canada's temporary residence landscape is as diverse as its population, encompassing students, workers, visitors, and individuals with unique circumstances. As the government announces plans to introduce targets for temporary residents, understanding the various categories becomes paramount. Categories of Temporary Residents Temporary residents in Canada are broadly classified into three primary categories: Visitors Individuals entering Canada for tourism, family visits , or other non-work or study-related purposes fall under this category.  Visitors typically either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport, depending on their citizenship. Visitors only need one or the other, not both.  Whether they hold visitor visas or eTAs, visitors contribute to Canada's cultural tapestry through their experiences and interactions. Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)  These visas, also known as visitor visas, are ess...

In a world increasingly challenged by natural disasters, Canada's robust disaster relief measures not only cater to its citizens but also extend crucial assistance to immigrants impacted by such crises. The recent initiatives launched by the Canadian government underline their commitment to assisting those in need. Tailored Relief for Immigrants Canada has a long-standing history of battling wildfires, a force of nature that can leave behind devastation and displacement. In response to the escalating situation, the government announced a series of specialized measures to support people affected by severe wildfires, including those navigating the immigration process. Recognizing the challenges faced by citizens and immigrants in the wake of disasters, Canada has designed targeted measures offering assistance to those affected by wildfires. Those directly affected by a natural disaster in Canada from April 1, 2026 to November 30, 2028 who had valid temporary resident status as a stud...