Starting February 21, 2015, employers seeking work permits for foreign nationals through the International Mobility Program will face new fees and additional compliance requirements. As part of the work permit application process, employers will be required to submit additional information about their business and pay an additional processing fee of $230. The International Mobility Program includes Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permits for intra-company transferees and permits issued pursuant to free trade agreements.
In addition to these changes, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has also announced that individuals applying for open work permits will be required to pay an additional processing fee of $100. Open work permits mean that an individual may work for any employer in Canada. These permits are used by foreign nationals in the International Experience Canada and Post-Graduate Work Permit programs. International Students as well as spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers will also be affected.
Details of the new employer requirements for LMIA-exempt work permits have not yet been released. Green and Spiegel LLP will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as information is made available.
For further information about these changes, or to discuss the particulars of your case, please contact Green and Spiegel LLP.
