New Business Immigration Measures: What Your Foreign Workers Need to Know

Express Entry System: Canada Targets Foreign Workers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Canada has launched Express Entry invitations targeting qualified newcomers with experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Express Entry system allows eligible candidates with STEM backgrounds to receive invitations to apply for permanent residency, facilitating their integration into the Canadian job market.

Canada Extends Express Entry Invitation to French-speaking Newcomers for Permanent Residence for all Provinces Except Quebec

Canada has announced for the first time that Express Entry invitations specifically targeting French-speaking newcomers will be issued. This is part of the government's commitment to promote Francophone immigration and support the development of Francophone communities across Canada, outside Québec.

Certain Foreign Workers with a Job Offer Outside Quebec and a Moderate Knowledge of French are now Included in the Francophone Mobility Program

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a two-year expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program. The program now allows Canadian employers to extend job offers to eligible candidates with moderate French proficiency within various national occupational classifications, except for roles in primary agriculture. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for French-speaking immigrants to gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency.

Canada and the United Kingdom Enhance Youth Mobility Opportunities with New Agreement

Canada and the UK have signed a new agreement on youth mobility. The arrangement expands employment opportunities for young Canadians and Britons through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK's Youth Mobility Scheme. Key improvements include raising the eligibility age range from 18-30 to 18-35, adding two new components (International Cooperative and Young Professionals) and increasing the total period of stay from 2 to 3 years. Implementation is scheduled for 2024.

Temporary Foreign Workers Now Allowed to Study without a Study Permit

IRCC has announced a new temporary measure eliminating the time limit on study programs for temporary foreign workers without a study permit. As of June 27, 2023, foreign workers may pursue additional training and study to improve their career prospects.

Regulatory Proposals would Make French Mandatory for Economic Immigration Programs

On May 25, 2023, Québec Premier François Legault and Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, announced major regulatory changes to the immigration system to promote French-speaking economic immigration. These measures are in line with the Québec government's desire to make immigration a solution in the fight against the decline of the French language.

Program Offering Open Work Permits to H-1B Visa Holders in the U.S. Reaches Ceiling of 10,000 Applications in 48 Hours

The initiative to retain highly skilled workers in North America began on July 16. The program offered people with valid H-1B work visas residing in the United States the opportunity to obtain open work permits. H-1B visas are issued to workers in specialty professional positions. Due to high demand, the program reached its application cap on July 18, closing the opportunity at least temporarily. Eligible applicants were given the chance to obtain an open work permit for up to 3 years.

Restrictions on the Visa Waiver Program for Cuba, Hungary and Israel

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued additional guidance regarding the Visa Waiver Program for Cuba, Hungary and Israel. These countries have long been excluded from the Visa Waiver Program due to their inability to meet the Visa Waiver Program criteria. 

It is important to note that for Cuba, the restrictions apply to citizens of any country who have traveled to Cuba.

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