Job Orders for Canada as of June 4, 2019

This morning, we posted at our Facebook Page a news article about struggle of Banff hotels to fill its staffing vacancies. As a result, we were flooded with inquiries about how to apply for job in Canada.  So this post is basically to clarify a couple of things:

Can you apply for a work permit or study permit while in Canada as a tourist / visitor?

To legally work or study in Canada, generally, you need a permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Your visit visa does not allow you to work or study.  But can you apply for a work permit or study permit while in Canada as a tourist/visitor?

Open Work Permit for FSW Backlog Reduction Pilot Applicant

If you are one of those invited to apply under Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) Program Backlog Reduction Pilot program and got a positive assessment from the province, you can now enter Canada earlier with an Open Work Permit.

Information about this option is availble  in Operational Bulletin 470 (Open Work Permit Requests from Provincial Nominees Identified Through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Backlog Reduction Pilot) 

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:      

1. The applicant must be a participant in the FSW Backlog Reduction Pilot.     
2. The WP application must be accompanied by a letter of support from the nominating province that:         

- confirms the applicant is being nominated under the FSW Backlog Reduction Pilot; and        
- indicates the WP will only be valid for work in the nominating province. 

A Labor Market Opinion (LMO) is not required for this program. 

Employers' Guide | Hiring Foreign Workers

Citizenship and Immigration Canada website was finally updated to include a section for employers who are planning to hire foreign workers. Through this employer section, though still a work-in-progress, employers can learn the steps involved in hiring temporary foreign workers, helping to bring a worker to Canada permanently and hiring international students studying in Canada.

Visit the employer section of CIC website here.

For employers planning to hire Filipino temporary foreign workers, here's an Employer's Guide in Hiring Filipino Workers.

LMO waived for Haitians in Canada | Work Permit Application

When Haiti was hit by a killer quake last year, Canadian Government launch several programs to support Haitians. Here are some of the programs to support earthquake victims.

Special immigration measures in response to the earthquake in Haiti

Quebec to take in 3,000 more Haitian immigrants

Transit visa waived for aid workers to and from Haiti transiting through Canadian airports

And now, Citizenship and Immigration Canada even makes it easier for Haitiians in Canada to get a work permit. Labor Market Opinion (LMO) will no longer be required.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations generally require work permit applications to be accompanied by a determination by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada that there is no adverse impact on the labour market. This is known as a labour market opinion, or an LMO. By removing this requirement, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is making it easier for Haitians who are here to work and maintain their immigration status.

Haitian nationals applying to extend their work permit will also receive continued coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). New applicants who are eligible for these measures will now also benefit from the IFHP.

More information about this program: Minister Kenney makes it easier for Haitians in Canada to work.

Are Visa Officers Using Rocket Science?

So you've been to Canada on a work permit and return to your country after your contract. You got another job offer and file another TRV application to legally work in Canada. But then your application was refused because the visa officer was not convinced that you will leave Canada after the authorized period to stay in Canada.

I wonder how the visa officer will react to this kind of letter.

I've been to Canada on a work permit before and returned after the authorized period to stay. Now that I have another job offer, I want to work in Canada again.

It's my 2nd attempt now. My previous application was refused on ground that I do not have strong ties in the Philippines and that I may not leave Canada after the authorized period to stay.

I find it it odd that my application will be refused on that basis. I wonder which rocket science was used by the Visa Officer who handled my account to arrive at such a conclusion.

May I request a new Visa Officer to handle the review of my new application?

Please be objective this time.

How do you prove strong ties in the Philippines? Really, how? And how strong is strong?

More Filipino Workers Needed in Manitoba | RP, Manitoba renew agreement on HRD, OFW deployment

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department of Labour and Immigration (LIM) signed today the renewed Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation in human resource deployment and development. More Filipino Workers from the health, agricultural production, hotel, and restaurant and construction sectors will continue to be in demand in Manitoba.

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz signed the MOU on behalf of the Philippines while Premier Greg Selinger signed on behalf of Manitoba in a simple ceremony in Makati City. The two officials later held a press conference to announce the MOU’s signing.

Mr. Selinger flew in to Manila not just to sign the MOU but also to lead a delegation of Manitobans that would like to explore trade, investment, and cultural cooperation with the Philippines. [Source]

Now, where to find those jobs in Manitoba?

Try this: How to find jobs in Canada.

How to write a job description

As a skilled migrant, the Visa Officer will look into your capacity to blend into Canada's economic workforce through your job description. The job description outlines all the duties and responsibilities handled by the prospective immigrant in performing his work. Job description is specific to each field and explains the purpose of each career. This the most vital document that the Visa Officer will examine.

How to write a job description?

Below is a sample of guide questions when you elaborate your job description. Avoid using essay form.

Keep financial records and establish, maintain and balance various accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems.

How do you keep financial records?

How do you establish, maintain and balance your accounts?

Are you using computerized or manual system.

Post journal entries and reconcile accounts, prepare trial balance of books, maintain general ledgers and prepare financial statements.

How are entries posted?

How often are they posted?

How do you reconcile accounts?

How do you prepare financial statements?

Calculate and prepare cheques for payrolls and for utility, tax and other bills.

When and how do you prepare checks and payroll? Cite payroll software being used.

What are the requirements?

Complete and submit tax remittance forms, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms and other government documents.

Illustrate the process on how tax returns are prepared.

Specify other bookkeeping services done.

Prepare other statistical, financial and accounting reports.

What types of reports do you prepare?

Do you provide recommendations?

How often do you make the reports?

Tips on writing effective job descriptions

1. Keep each statement in the job description crisp and clear.

2. Always use present tense of verbs.

3. Explain why, how, where or how often to add meaning and clarity. For instance, " Purchases office supplies on a weekly basis…"

4. Omit unnecessary articles like "a," "an," and "the."

5. Avoid using words that are subject to different analysis such as frequently, several, complex. Be specific.

Last week, there's a vocational instructor who decided to attend our seminar, after her PR Visa application was refused. She's a vocational instructor for more than 10 years and did not seek help when she filed her application. The reason of refusal? She doesn't have enough work experience! It was due to the job description she have submitted.

Golden Sea Foods Canada - APPLICATION FOR TWO YEARS CANADIAN VISA/WORK PERMIT

Here's another scam victimizing applicants from India. One of my blog readers forwarded the email he received from a "visa officer" using the email address canadaembassy_collins@yahoo.ca.

APPLICATION FOR TWO YEARS CANADIAN VISA/WORK PERMIT.

Kindly Attention; ********,

I acknowledge the receipt of your mail from Golden Sea foods Canada regarding your two years working visa endorsement. Make a print out of the visa application form fill it and send it back via email attachment along with the application fee. By filling the application form, each applicant is entitled to pay Application/Registration fee of Rs.21,600.00/- INR.

Kindly note down the following details:-

1, processing of your two years working visa will take 4 working days from the date of application.

2, there is "NO" interview needed from you, Golden Sea foods Canada have sign your invitation and you have been found qualify 100% grantee for 2 years Canadian working visa endorsement.

3, As soon as your visa processing is completed will inform you to come over to the office along with a hard copy of your international passport for final visa stamp.

4, your air ticket will be send direct to Canadian embassy as soon as your visa is ready. If you meet up with the requirement of the office your visa will be issue in 4 working days from the date of application.

5, you will have to come to the office after your visa processing is completed.

Kindly download the attached file to see the visa application form, fill it as directed.

"Important information" No charges will be paid cash hand to hand to any officer all charges have to be paid by cash payment into the Head Of Visa Department Correspondent account which will be giving to you and a payment receipt from the bank is needful for official record, if you meet up with the requirement of the office your visa will be issue in 4 working days from the date of application.

Finally, kindly scan and send to me the following documents via this e-mail address:

(1) Your International passport Copy (first and second pages).

(2) Your four passport photograph.

(3) Your current residence address and direct contact number

(4) One copy of photo ID proof, Pan card/Driving License/ Election card, set of

(5) Your education certificate (HSC/UG/PG)...All the attachments must appear in cooled.

All these information's will enable me to proceed with your documentation and they will prove that you are the right candidate whose travelling documents (Visa, work/Residence Permit) will be secured.


Regards,
Dr. Collins .Smith
TEL: + 919899626532
VISA/PERMIT DEPARTMENT Work Visa, Family Visa, Travel Visa Business Visa, Study & Holiday Visa.
Canadian High Commission 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021 - India.

Is this a scam? Yes!

Don't be a victim of scam. Beware of those of offer guaranteed visas and jobs in Canada.

Job Search The Canadian Way: What Works, What Doesn't

Job Search The Canadian Way: What Works, What Doesn't is now out!


About the Book

Job search in Canada is a full-time job, not a casual step. It is very much the same for all job seekers (new Canadians and seasoned Canadians alike). The unstated formula is: full-time search for full-time jobs, part-time search may lead you to part-time jobs, and the rest is left to your imagination. With emphasis on a full-time job search, this book shows the pathways that work and strongly recommends learning best practices. The bottom line is, if your resume doesn't "work," neither will you. Being casual is just one point to bear. More such considerations include myths, mistakes and misconceptions in job search. - Source

I actually reviewed the book a couple of months ago before it was published. You'll find my comment about the book here.

"JOB SEARCH: THE CANADIAN WAY is a must-have book for New Canadians and for those seeking to live and work in Canada. It presents a no-nonsense and practical guide to achieve every job seeker's goal - to land a job that they want and deserve."

Mark is now in Vancouver!

If you have read my post about Guide for Filipino Nurses, you will be familiar with the case of Mr. Mark Hernandez. For those who are just new here, Mark sent his resume to me for assessment a year ago. He is a Registered Nurse but at the time, he barely have one year work experience. He is not eligible to apply under Federal Skilled Worker program and like what I normally advise to those who are not yet eligible, I told him to start looking for a job offer from Canada (Here's how to find jobs in Canada).


He did and he is now working in the beautiful city of Vancouver!


I haven't met Mark in person but we constantly communicate through email and IM's. Yesterday, he told me that he was able to watch 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics! He also told me that he met Marieton Pacheco last month.

See you in Vancouver soon, Mark! :-)

Working Holiday Visa Program

Have you heard about Canada's Working Holiday Visa program? Simply put, it allows you to travel to Canada and at the same time you will be allowed to work for any jobs depending on on what you want to do and how hard you want to look for a job.


Canada's Working Holiday Visa Program is part of an exchange agreement between Canada and selected countries through which their citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 (some countries limit it to 30) can have a travel, work and life experience in another country. Citizens of participating countries will then have an opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday in Canada while undertaking temporary casual work to supplement their holiday funds.

Unfortunately, it does not apply to Philippine passport holders.

This is applicable to Australia, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Rep., Latvia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Canadian Working Holiday Program is administered by the Canadian Visa Office responsible for each participating countries.

Click here for the details of the program for your country of origin and for more information about Canada's Working Holiday Visa Program.

Honesty is the best policy?

Here's a very interesting story wherein you may really say that honesty is the best policy.

A permanent resident in Canada was able to get a job offer for two of her relatives in the Philippines. One is a dental assistant and the other is a school principal. A Labor Market opinion for the position, Kitchen Helper, was properly secured from HRSDC and was sent to the Philippines.

The school principal sent the application first and on his application form he indicated that he is working as a school principal, supported with the certification from the school. He got his work permit successfully.

The dental assistant, on the other hand, made it appear that he is working as kitchen helper and submitted a certificate from a local catering services. His application was refused on the basis that the visa officer doubts that the applicant will not respect the condition of his stay in Canada if given a work permit.

Honesty is the best policy, eh?

Online Work Permit and Visa Extension Application

Temporary residents in Canada who wish to extend their stay or apply for work permit while in Canada may now process their applications online!

“Extending our online services to more temporary residents will significantly facilitate the application process by providing faster, more accessible and efficient services,” said Minister Kenney.

Forms submitted by mail often need to be returned because they are incomplete, adding additional time to the process. Applications online can only be submitted if they are complete, thereby contributing to faster processing. The service is open to all temporary residents except for co-op program work permit applicants.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) intends to make all types of applications available online in the future.[Source]

How to apply for work permit online

First, you will need to obtain a Government of Canada ePass, and then register with MyCIC.

Once registered with MyCIC, you can apply for work permit online.

You must of course meet the eligibility requirement to legally work in Canada.

The online process to apply for an extension as a visitor is pretty much the same, you will need to log-in to your MyCIC account.

POEA Advisory to returning OFWs from Canada

Every year during Christmas season, many Overseas Filipino Workers return to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas with their families. If you are a Filipino Worker working in Canada with a Temporary Work Permit and is returning to the Philippines for a vacation, you will need an Overseas Employment Certificate again to return to Canada.

To avoid delay in processing of your OEC, POEA came up with an advisory to returning OFWS. For more information, read: POEA Advisory to Returning OFWs: Apply for OECs early!

LMO Expiration | Limited Validity Period for Labor Market Opinions

This entry is to answer questions regarding Labor Market Opinion (LMO) expiration and the limited validity period for new LMO.

As of November 28, 2009, any LMOs issued before May 19, 2009 with an opinion expiry date of more than six months will be considered to have expired. Therefore, as of November 28, 2009, applications with an LMO containing an opinion expiry date of more than six months after the issuance will be returned as incomplete and the TFW may advise their employer to seek a new LMO.

This transition period is outlined in the Operational Bulletin 152 dated August 28, 2009 (Limited validity period for labour market opinions)

In the past, not all LMO have a date by which they must be used to apply for a work permit (WP). But as of May 19, 2009 HRSDC has established a maximum period of six months during which an LMO may be used to apply for a WP. This six month period is defined by the LMO expiry date.

If you filed an application for work permit with expired LMO, your application will be returned and marked incomplete.

If your LMO is issued before March 19, 2009, you have until NOv 29, 2009 to file your application. Otherwise, you will be needing a new LMO.

For more information about Limited Validity Period for Labor Market Opinions, click here.

Proposed improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today proposed regulatory amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which include:

a more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer;

limits to the length of a worker’s stay in Canada before returning home; and

a two-year prohibition from hiring a temporary foreign worker for employers found to have provided significantly different wages, working conditions or occupations than promised.

Expect changes in the work permit application program in the coming months.

“The regulatory changes being proposed today are the result of extensive consultations and address the most significant concerns identified through that process,” said Minister Kenney.

“These changes are an important step by our government,” said Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley. “They reiterate that our government is committed to improving the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, while ensuring that temporary foreign workers filling a need in sectors where there are still labour shortages are afforded the necessary protections.” [Source]

Hopefully, the proposed improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program help in expediting the work permit applicatin.

Job Search Through Internet Works

There are those who say that job search through the internet to live and work in Canada is like shooting at the moon. But I beg to differ.



Job search through the internet works, but the result will be determined by your efforts.

Yesterday, one of my blog readers from Olongapo called me to ask about more information on what to do after an employer signified interest to hire him. He said through my Canada Jobs Portal, an employer emailed him asking about the processing period - how long will it take for him to go to Canada if the employer will process a job offer for him! And there is Mark, who shared a Guide for Filipino Nurses who want to live and work in Canada.

It is working.

Now, one of the problems you may encounter is that not all employers know how the process of hiring foreign workers. Make it easy for them, here's an Employer's Guide in Hiring Filipino Workers for Canada.

In sending your resume, make sure to submit a correct format. Here's Free Canada Resume Guide.

So go ahead, start sending your resume! When you find a job (trabaho) through your job search using the Canada Jobs Portal, pa-cheese burger ka ha?!

Guide for Filipino Nurses | Live and Work in Canada

This is a follow up entry to the June 2009 Nursing Board Licensure Exam Results. This is actually a guide for Filipino nurses who plan to live and work in Canada based on the actual experience of Mark Joseph V. Hernandez, a registered nurse, who is kind enough to share his experience for the benefit of other Filipino nurses planning to work in Canada.

My communication with Mark started when he asked for information about Canadian Tourist Visa application, as he is planning to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) and then later asked for assessment of his qualification under the Federal Skilled Worker program.

Marked graduated in 20007 and passed the Philippine Nurses’ Licensure Examination in the same year. Mark sent his resume last January 2009 and that time, his work experience is just less than one year. Thus, he is not yet eligible to apply. I told him to look for employers through online application, which he did.

Mark happily told me today that his Provincial Nominee Program Nomination Certificate from British Columbia have just arrived and he is now in the process of completing the documents for submission to Canadian Visa Office - Manila!

Now, he wants to share his experience and information he gathered in the process. Here it goes:

Let me share my insights on how to become a Nurse in Canada.

I would say that it is a two-fold process:

1) credentialing and licensure
2) employment and deployment

You need to satisfy these 2 processes to become an RN in Canada. You can have first, the employment and deployment, then have the credentialing and licensure afterwards, or you can have the other way around. It doesn’t matter as long as you satisfy these two-fold process, both were fine. You can have it simultaneously as well, which I personally recommend, to expedite the process and waste no time.

There are 2 categories of jobs in Canada. Regulated and Non-Regulated; Nursing is under the classification of Regulated jobs; thus, there is a regulatory board in each province which covers the jurisdiction on the practice of Nursing. For example:

• Manitoba – College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM),

• Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (SRNA),

• Alberta – College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA),

• British Columbia - College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC)

Here's the complete list of Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Bodies of Nurses in Canada for your reference.

To continue with Mark's insights...

They are responsible in regulating the practice of Nursing in their jurisdiction. Hence, you need a “go” signal from them or meet their requirements to practice Nursing in their respective location.

First, choose your target destination or Canadian province of your choice. Then access their Board of Nursing, and know their requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). Upon completion of the requirements, forward your documents/credentials at the same time you may start searching for potential employers. So that while you’re waiting for your “go” signal, you are being productive of your waiting time.

By the way, each province mandates its own requirements; each province varies on their requirements so you better be careful with the details. Some of the provinces who are lenient on their requirements are: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, etc. Note also the timeline, so if you’re in a hurry, I would suggest to choose a province that you think there are less applicants and lenient requirements.

But the common denominators to become an RN among all the Provinces are:

1. BSN degree – hence they are requesting for BSN diploma and Official Transcript. Hence, there would be a form to be submitted to your School of Nursing, and the School would send it back directly to them.

2. RN license – so, you need to become RN in your place of origin. Hence, there would be a form to be submitted to PRC, then PRC would send them directly a verification that indeed you are a nurse here in the Philippines.

3. English/French Fluency – IELTS, TOEFL, CELBAN or French Assessment etc.. I would suggest taking these fluency assessments first before proceeding to the application, because they won’t process your application if it’s incomplete. There would be no “to follow” documents. Chances are, they would be returning your application and advise you to comply first with the requirements before submitting your application.

Upon submission of requirements, you would receive a feedback from assessment of your Board of Nursing. But, timeline varies in each province, so there’s no exact waiting time. It may be:

a) Yes, you’ve met all their requirements (the “go” signal)
b) Not yet, you need to comply with other requirements to commence your application (i.e SEC assessment, Bridging Program, etc.)
c) No, you did not meet their requirements

In my case, I received an eligibility to take the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) and an application for Interim Permit. Because, CRNE is only offered three times a year, you can work as a Nurse while waiting for your exam schedule, which would be an orientation to Canadian Healthcare System and good as review as well. Then once you passed the Canadian RN Exam, your Interim Permit would be automatically converted to Full RN Permit. The Interim Permit is good for a maximum of 9 months and renewable for a maximum of three times, because you can only take the CRNE to a maximum of 3 attempts.

That's Mark's insights for Credentialing and Licensure. Now, here's Mark's suggestion for employment.

For employment part, generally most of the employers are searched online if you want a direct hire process.

Generally, your WORK experience really matters. It will be your ticket to a job offer may it be direct hired or thru recruitment agencies.

For direct hiring, usually there are health authorities governing each province. They are the ones active in international recruitment and also I think they have specific program for internationally educated nurses. Such as:

Alberta – Alberta Health Services

Manitoba - Assiniboine Regional Health Authority

British Columbia – www.healthmatchbc.org
www.nursevancouver.com

I’m sorry; I’m not familiar with the other provinces. I suggest you may want to search the health authorities on your target destination and have the diligence to research on the hiring process for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).

Mark got his employer through www.healthmatchbc.org. Canada Jobs Portal could also be of help.

Mark also shared some insights on what to do after you received your job offer but since I have already written about it before, I opted to just make a summary.

The type of application you will file at the Canadian Visa Office depends on the nature of support that your employer will give you, to wit:

For Provincial Nominee Program, you need to have your nomination certificate from the Province before you may file your application at the Canadian Visa Office.

For Labor Market Opinion (LMO), you need to apply for Temporary Work Permit at The Canadian Visa Office. An LMO does not guarantee that you will be issued a work permit.

For Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO), you will have to submit your application first to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) for assessment. Only when you received the positive notice of Assessment that you may submit your application to Canadian Visa Office.

Many thanks to Mark for the insights. It will sure help Filipino Nurses planning to live and work in Canada!

I am in Canada with work permit can I sponsor my spouse?

Here's another question from one of my blog readers.

I am in Canada with work permit can I sponsor my spouse? I have been thinking about this for a while and was hoping you might be able to shed some light on the subject.

Here's my reply.

Family Class sponsorship is not applicable to Temporary Foreign Workers. However, your wife may apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit you in Canada. Here's Canadian Tourist Visa application guide. Please note that your wife will not need a visa to enter Canada if she is from a visitor visa exempted country.

Another alternative is to get your wife a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) and then file for a Work Permit Application like you did.