Canada is beginning a new work permit option under the international mobility program. This stream aims to make hiring francophone skilled workers more straight forward for employers in certain regions of Canada.
According to this new stream Canadian employers do not have to apply for LMIA when hiring French-speaking foreign workers in managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trades occupations (NOC skill level 0, A or B), and hiring such workers to work in francophone minority communities outside the province of Quebec.
A LMIA is a document that serves as proof that there will be a positive or neutral impact to the Canadian labour market if an employer hires a foreign national in certain situations. A major benefit of any LMIA-exempt stream is the increased efficiency in the application process, as the exemption eliminates the need to advertise the job opening online to ensure that there is no qualified Canadian available to fill the position.
The government plans to encourage these newcomers to apply for permanent residence once in Canada, according to the department’s Minister John McCallum.
"We want francophone minority communities in Canada to continue to be vibrant and growing. That’s why we’re going to encourage skilled francophone workers to come to Canada and settle in communities outside of Quebec, and we’re going to encourage them to apply for permanent residence if they would like to stay," said Mr. McCallum.
