Alberta, Ontario, and the Yukon have all recently made the decision to discontinue certain immigration pilot projects, limiting the options in these provinces.
The three pilot projects were initially introduced in Alberta, Ontario, and Yukon to attract certain Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) and their spouses, common-law partners and working-age dependants by providing open work permits without the need for an LMIA or job offer.
In Alberta, those eligible included the working-age dependants (age 18 to 22) of highly skilled TFWs working in Alberta and the spouses and common-law partners of TFWs working in Alberta as long-haul truck drivers. Under this pilot program, TFWs who worked for the province and were certified by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AAIT) could also get two-year job-based work permits as a steamfitter, welder, heavy-duty equipment mechanic, ironworker, industrial mechanic, carpenter and estimator.
In Ontario, the working-age dependants (minimum 14 years of age) of highly skilled TFWs working in Ontario in jobs classified as managerial (NOC 0), professional (NOC A) or skilled trades (NOC B) also could have obtained an open work permit under the pilot project.
In the Yukon, work permits were available to qualified TFWs destined to work for registered employers in Yukon in occupations in the oil, gas, mineral exploration, mining, tourism and hospitality industries.
While these three pilot projects are now discontinued, there are still numerous excellent options available to foreign nationals with skilled work experience in Canada. Foreign nationals with at least one year skilled work experience in Canada and an intermediate level of English are eligible for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Foreign nationals without one year skilled work experience in Canada may be eligible for other provincial programs or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
The FSWP is one of Canada’s most popular immigration programs, allowing foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence in Canada if they meet a points threshold based on their education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
To find out if you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker program or another program, contact FWCanada or fill out our free online assessment form.
FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
