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6 Key Reasons Employers Should Partner With Immigration Professionals

Great West Media I Presented by Foothills Immigration Inc. • April 27, 2023

We spoke with an immigration expert to break down the benefits of working with professionals if you’re an employer.

If you're an employer who has hired or is considering hiring a temporary foreign worker, you may have noticed some serious hoops to jump through.

Regardless of your reasoning, there is a lot to know about foreign workers. If you hope to keep this person long-term, you're likely considering the LMIA route. While it may be intimidating, we've got good news. You can hire experts to support you through this exact process. To give you a glimpse into the benefits of working with an immigration expert, we spoke with Leann, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant at Foothills Immigration, to give you some professional perspective. Here are some benefits of partnering with an immigration expert:

Get Familiar With Your Options

A key part of working with immigration professionals is they should begin by giving you a complete picture of what you're up against and your all option available. That means getting to know your situation, your employee's situation, and what you're eligible for. "First, we'll determine what you're actually eligible to do when it comes to an LMIA," said Leann, noting that LMIAs are the primary component for employers when hiring international employees.

This first step may sound simple, but ensuring you don't waste any time or money going down paths that aren't suitable for you is hugely impactful. Once you understand where you stand, an expert can help you know where you need to go and how to get there.

Figure Out What You Really Need

"When you're working with somebody who has done numerous LMIA applications before, they're quite versed in understanding what is needed and what isn't needed," Leann told us. "So when documents are submitted to the government, you know that they're the correct ones."

She told us that the end goal is to put together a complete and accurate application for a LMIA. Therefore a professional "can help you understand the correct supporting documents you need and firmly establish all of the requirements to eliminate any guesswork." Leann and her team ensure that you'll have a full checklist for what you need to put together so you're not missing anything and wasting time on additional pieces you don't need. For example, submitting incorrect documents can derail you and ultimately risk a refusal. So, a huge piece of working with a professional is the original assessment because you'll walk away understanding what you need, why you need it, and how to make that happen. Of course, no one can guarantee the success of your application. Still, experts can ensure you've got everything you need for a successful application and eliminate the risk of unnecessary mistakes.

Interview Prep & Support

Another thing you might not know about applying for an LMIA is that you, as the employer, will need to do an interview with a Service Canada representative. "There's a very, very specific format that they follow. If you say the wrong thing, or if you say something that is not in kept in line with the submission, it could derail your entire application," said Leann.

For this reason, Leann accompanies you on this interview and supports you through it, answering questions on your behalf and ensuring nothing is misunderstood or misrepresented. For someone that has never been through an interview like this, it's impossible to understand what types of questions you'll be asked, what answers are appropriate, and what information could work in your favor or against you. You don't want any curveballs this far along in the process, so support in this interview is key.

An Advocate In Your Corner

There are tons of moving parts to this type of application, so immigration professionals can support you in so many ways. For example, "just really what making sure that the application runs smoothly," said Leann. "Being able to track with the government where different elements are, is key," she continued. "It's a huge benefit to have somebody on your team that knows the appropriate timelines and can advocate for you if things are taking longer or going differently than they should." Beyond that, immigration experts know what kind of timeline you'll need on your end, and they can help ensure you have everything set up for success and progressing in accordance with deadlines and priorities.

"On top of all else is your peace of mind," said Leann. "It's huge to have someone on your team to help you maneuver through that course of foreign workers. It's not easy, there are hundreds of different elements, and it's not easy to get in touch with government personnel to support you along the way if you're doing it alone."

Save Time & Money

While hiring an immigration professional may seem unnecessary to some, it's more beneficial than wasting money submitting incorrect applications or facing rejection after a lengthy and costly process (government fees are not refunded for refusals). Experts can point you in the right direction and take a whole bunch of tasks off your shoulders to ensure you're using your time and money wisely and have the best possible chance for success.

Look Out For Your Employees

While these experts are here to support you, they're also here to help your employees and staff. "When it comes to the employees, it's even more serious for them. This is their lives and their futures. An error on the employer's part can lead to a lot of stress and headaches if your worker ends up in a bad situation," Leann told us. "Not only will you lose an employee you love, but you'll be letting them down in a really big way."

Beyond that single employee, Foothills Immigration offers a detailed snapshot of where all of your foreign workers are at. "We keep a detailed list of when their visas expire, where their active applications are at, what your timelines look like, what the long-term goals are and what you need to do to make that happen, and just keeping you and your team on track and looked after," Leann shared.

Even if you're not qualified or ready to start an application process, gaining that clarity alone is a massive benefit of talking to an expert. From helping you better understand your situation to help you and your employees move ahead with accuracy, efficiency, and critical knowledge every step of the way, it seems like a no-brainer.

Originally Posted On https://www.rmoutlook.com/immigration-in-the-bow-valley/6-key-reasons-employers-should-partner-with-immigration-professionals-6879766

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Spousal & Dependant Child Open Work Permit Changes Effective Jan 21, 2025

By Leann Sousa • January 14, 2025

Starting January 21, 2025, eligibility for family open work permits (OWPs) will be restricted to the spouses of specific international students and foreign workers.

Who Can Apply at the Port of Entry?

By Leann Sousa • January 8, 2025

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP): Persons who may apply at a Port of Entry *Information directly republished from IRCC; Canada.ca. Updated Dec 24, 2024. Effective immediately, most foreign nationals inside of Canada are no longer eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry. The following work permit applications are exempt from the above restrictions and may still be accepted for processing at a port of entry: Applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America Professionals and Technicians under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Professional under the free trade agreement with the United States of America and Mexico (T36); Professional under the free trade agreement with Chile (F22); Contractual service suppliers or independent professionals under the free trade agreement with South Korea (F32); Professional under the free trade agreement with Panama (F42); Professional or technician under the free trade agreement with Colombia (F12); Professional or technician under the free trade agreement with Peru (F52). Spouses or common-law partners of applicants under FTAs with South Korea (F32), Panama (F42), and Colombia (F12). Truck Drivers- who are required to depart Canada for the purpose of their employment and prior to their departure from Canada held a work permit or maintained status as a result of a pending application for work permit renewal. This does not include truck drivers operating solely within Canada. Applicants with Pre-Scheduled CBSA Appointments Most foreign workers must apply for a work permit from outside of Canada. A foreign national may apply for a work permit at any time before entering Canada as per section 197 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) . As per ministerial instructions (MI) 62 , all applications for a work permit submitted for foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means—meaning they must apply online . Some workers can apply at the time of their entry to Canada. When seeking to enter Canada, some foreign nationals may make an application for their work permit at the port of entry per subsection R198(1) if they are exempt from the requirement for a temporary resident visa (TRV) under section R190 and their job falls within the International Mobility Program (IMP) (that is, they are not required to obtain a labour market impact assessment [LMIA]) are exempt from the requirement for a TRV under section R190 and their job falls within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (that is, they are required to obtain an LMIA), and a positive or neutral LMIA has been issued by the time they arrive are a national or permanent resident of the United States (U.S.), Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, regardless of whether their job falls within the TFWP or the IMP are not seeking a work permit in a category not permitted to apply at a port of entry (for example, as a live-in caregiver or as a seasonal agricultural worker) are seeking entry into Canada and meet the requirements of sections R198 and R200 Note: In addition to the above, before they arrive, the foreign national must have passed their immigration medical examination (IME), if required, and provide the valid results. The following persons cannot apply on entry to Canada [R198(2)]: all persons applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) all persons who require a TRV all persons who require an IME, whether TRV-required or visa-exempt, unless valid IME results are available at the time of entry international youth exchange program participants other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents (exemption code C21) (consult International Experience Canada ) seasonal agricultural workers foreign nationals from electronic travel authorization (eTA) expansion countries , as they are not TRV-exempt as per section R190 Persons who hold a valid work permit or who wish to change their conditions or renew their work permit should apply in Canada, pursuant to section R199 . Persons whose work permits expire while they are outside of Canada may apply at the port of entry if they are eligible to apply there pursuant to section R198. They must provide the officer at a port of entry with sufficient documentation to satisfy the officer that the client meets the requirements for the category to which they are applying. Note: Although foreign nationals who are exempt from the requirement of a TRV may apply for a work permit at a port of entry, if they are travelling to Canada by air, they will need to apply for and obtain an eTA before entry to board their flight to Canada. At the air port of entry, when their work permit is issued, they will also be automatically issued a new eTA with a new validity date.

Caregiver Pilot Program COMING 2025

By Leann Sousa • January 6, 2025

Details expected soon (January 2025) from IRCC for the new Caregiver Pilot Programs (both childcare and home support workers). We will posted updates here. On June 3, 2024, IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced significant updates to the Caregiver Pilot Programs. These changes aim to streamline pathways for caregivers and address the evolving home care needs of Canada’s population. Key updates include: 1. Permanent Residence on Arrival: Caregivers will now be granted permanent resident (PR) status upon their arrival in Canada. 2. Lower Language Requirement: The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) has been reduced to 4, down from 5. 3. Simplified Education Requirement: Caregivers must hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, replacing the previous requirement of a one-year post-secondary credential. 4. Expanded Work Settings: In addition to home care, caregivers can now work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from injuries or illnesses. 5. Pathway Permanency: IRCC is working toward making the caregiver pilot programs a permanent part of its immigration strategy. Eligibility Criteria for Caregivers: CLB level 4 in language proficiency. A Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent. Recent, relevant caregiving work experience. A full-time home care job offer. Anticipated Benefits: These updates provide caregivers with more flexible employment opportunities and immediate PR status, creating a clearer and more secure pathway to settle in Canada. Pending Details: IRCC plans to release additional information on the pilot programs, including comprehensive eligibility criteria and application processes early 2025. While awaiting these details, stakeholders hope for effective solutions to address issues experienced in past caregiver programs. These changes represent a significant step forward in meeting Canada’s home care demands while providing greater support to caregivers entering the workforce. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/06/canada-announces-new-pilot-programs-to-support-caregivers-and-canadian-families.html If you need assistance with this program, don’t hesitate to contact Foothills Immigration. We provide professional immigration advice and guidance to support you every step of the way.

LMIA points to vanish Spring 2025

By Leann Sousa • January 4, 2025

Spring 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement a significant change to the Express Entry system: candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer. Candidates who have already received an ITA or have an application in progress by spring 2025 will not be impacted. However, once the policy is implemented, it will apply universally to all candidates with LMIA-backed job offers in the pool. Current System: Presently, Express Entry candidates can earn an extra 50 or 200 CRS points if they have a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These additional points have often been crucial in securing an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Upcoming Changes: Once the new policy takes effect in spring 2025, candidates with valid job offers will no longer receive these additional CRS points. This adjustment will apply to all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including those currently working in Canada temporarily. However, individuals who have already received an ITA or have submitted their permanent residence applications before the implementation will not be affected. Reasons for the Change: The primary motivation behind this policy shift is to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by reducing fraud and misuse associated with LMIAs. By eliminating the incentive to obtain LMIAs solely for the purpose of gaining extra CRS points, IRCC aims to ensure a fairer and more transparent selection process. Implications for Candidates: Without the advantage of additional points for job offers, candidates will need to focus on other factors to improve their CRS scores, such as: Language Proficiency: Achieving higher scores in English or French language tests can significantly boost CRS points. Education: Obtaining higher educational qualifications or Canadian educational credentials can enhance scores. Work Experience: Accumulating more skilled work experience, particularly within Canada, can contribute to a higher CRS score. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Securing a provincial nomination can add 600 points to a candidate's CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an ITA. Candidates are encouraged to assess their profiles and consider these factors to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool once the changes are implemented. We will announce an exact date when it is officially presented.