In response to the crisis of the sars coronavirus, the government of canada has announced exceptional measures on certain categories of temporary migrants.

Canada doesn’t hide it : in the context of the health crisis, the country needs more than ever to temporary foreign workers. They are “an integral element of the canadian workforce and Canada’s response to the COVID-19”, said the minister of Employment, the Development of the workforce and Inclusion of people with disabilities. “Immigrants, temporary foreign workers and foreign students make a significant contribution to Canada’s response to the unprecedented challenge posed by the COVID-19,” said the minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship. We recognize and appreciate their efforts and their sacrifices to keep Canadians healthy and to ensure the delivery of vital goods and services.”

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in Order to facilitate the return to employment of a holder of a work permit closed having lost their job – and to meet the needs in manpower, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture and food processing – a new procedure has therefore to be put in place by the authorities. It aims to accelerate the change in the employer of the workers already in Canada who have found a new position : it will now be possible to start working for their new employer, even if their application for a new licence closed work has not yet been approved.

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The process ? After having submitted his application for a work permit online under the temporary foreign worker Program or the Program of international mobility, the candidate must report his situation, via a web form, to the ministry of canadian Immigration (IRCC). He will send by e-mail, within ten days, a confirmation authorising him to work for his new employer (which will avoid the ten weeks or more waiting for the processing of an application for a work permit). Note, however, that he must have received this document before you begin working.

Change of gives for the PVTistes

Since may 8, 2020, the holders of visa international Experience Canada (PVT, Young professionals or international co-op Internship) are also allowed to visit Canada (1), provided, however, to have a letter of introduction and an offer of employment is valid. Caution : this rule applies even to PVTistes who, in crisis, are – temporarily – required to find a job before their arrival in Canada. This change gives important the forced to use their working holiday visa is only for the “work” part (come to Canada for tourism and recreation is not considered a valid reason for entry into the territory during the pandemic).

For categories, Young professionals and co-op, make sure you have a confirmation that your offer of employment is well maintained, your business is ready to accommodate you and that you can start to work once the period of quarantine the past (2).

If you can’t or don’t want to use your permits, international Experience Canada (IEC), due to the context, you have the option to request an extension of your letter of introduction if it expires in 30 days. To do this, use the web form to communicate with IRCC (stating that it is a program EIC). An extension of your letter of introduction to an additional 90 days may be granted (according to the evolution of the situation, other possible extensions may be considered). It should finally be noted that the round of invitation for visas EIC are suspended until further order, although it is still possible to create a profile and submit an application.

(1) with the exception of New Brunswick, which has exceptionally closed its doors to temporary foreign workers

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(2) All new entrants in Canada must self-isolate for up to 14 days, they have or do not have symptoms related to the coronavirus. The non-observance of this measure shall be punished by a fine of up to $ 750,000 or to imprisonment for six months