Working In Alberta

8/7/2019 Working In Alberta

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Working in AlbertaWhat international job seekers need to know about living and working in Alberta


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There are dierent ways you can come to Alberta. Below is an outline o programs available to come as a

temporary oreign worker or become a permanent resident.

Work Temporarily

Live Permanently

Temporary ForeignWorker Program

Get a job offer

Employer obtains a

Labour Market Opinion

(LMO) if required

Apply for a work permit

Temporary Foreign Worker

Processing time varies

from case to case

Alberta ImmigrantNominee Program (AINP)

Apply to AINP

AINP nominates

CIC checks admissibility

Permanent resident


from case to case

Citizenship and

Immigration Canada(CIC) Programs

Apply to CIC

CIC selects


Permanent resident


from case to case

Action taken

by you

Action taken by

your employer

Action taken

by AINP

Action taken

by CIC

Resulting

Immigration Status


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Albertas opportunities, your utureAlberta, Canada is a vibrant province flled with people who enjoy the reedom to create and

spirit to achieve. We are 661,000 square kilometres o spectacular natural beauty dotted with

centres o commerce and urban chic. More than 3.6 million people call Alberta home, many

o whom have brought their dreams, experiences and determination to succeed rom other

countries. These migrants have helped us to build stronger, more diverse communities with an

exceptionally high standard o living.

Welcome to Alberta. This document details the steps you need to go through to work and live

in Alberta temporarily or permanently. We also encourage you to explore the provinces ofcialimmigration website at www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration, where you can fnd complementary

and current inormation on fnding a job and immigrating to Alberta, Canada.

Content

Work Temporarily 4

Live Permanently 6

Frequently Asked Questions 8

About Recruiters and Immigration Consultants 10


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Temporary Foreign

Worker Program

Get a job offer

Employer obtains a

Labour Market Opinion

(LMO) if required

Apply for a work permit

Temporary Foreign Worker


from case to case

Work Temporarily

Generally, foreign nationals work inCanada on a temporary basis throughthe Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW)

Program. It allows Canadian employerswho experience difculty in recruitingCanadian citizens and permanent residentsto hire foreign workers. Under theProgram, international job seekers mustfollow the steps below to work in Alberta.

Step 1Get a job oer

The best way to begin looking for ajob is to search job websites. AlbertasImmigration website is an excellentstarting point for an international job

seeker to learn about how to nd a job.Visit www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigrationandclick on Working in Alberta for detailson this and other job search topics.

It is important for you to understandhow your occupation is classied inCanada. This classication determines theskill level of your occupation which iseither skilled or semi-skilled.

The National Occupational Classication(NOC) system categorizes occupationsin Canada into ve skill levels: NOC

0, A, B, C and D. NOC 0, A and Blevel occupations are considered skilledoccupations, and NOC C and Doccupations are considered semi-skilledoccupations. Visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/nocfor details.

Step 2Find out i the job requires licensing

or certifcation

In Alberta, some occupations are regulateand require a professional licence orcertication. All individuals who wishto work in a regulated occupationmust obtain the appropriate licence orcerticate. Regulated occupations includehealth care professionals, engineers andtrade occupations.

To become licensed or certied youmay need to have your internationalqualications and skills assessed or passan examination. For more information

on occupations that require licensingor certication, visit Alberta LearningInformation Services atwww.alis.alberta.ca/certinfo

Level Skilled occupations:

0 Management occupations

A Occupations that usuallyrequire university degrees

B Occupations that usually

require college diplomas ortrade/ apprentice training

Level Semi-skilled occupations:

C Occupations that usuallyrequire secondary/high schooland/or occupation-specictraining, or both

D Occupations that do not requireformal education and employersprovide on-the-job training


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Step 3Obtain a copy o Labour Market

Opinion confrmation rom your

employer

Generally, an employer needs approvalfrom the Canadian government tohire a foreign worker. This approval iscalled a Labour Market Opinion (LMO)conrmation. An LMO is issued to anemployer who can prove that hiring aforeign worker will have a positive orneutral effect on the Canadian labourmarket. An LMO outlines the conditionsof your employment, such as wages andhours of work.

Once your employer receives an LMOconrmation, they must send you a copyof that document, along with a writtenjob offer with details about the job: jobtitle, description, education and workexperience requirements. If the positionis a semi-skilled occupation (NOC C orD) the employer must provide you witha copy of an employment contract. Thecontract must outline the employersadditional responsibilities such as payingfor your return transportation costs.

There are some situations where anLMO conrmation is not required. Formore information on LMO exemptions,refer to the Frequently Asked Questionssection on page 9 of this booklet.

Step 4Obtain a work permit

In most cases, a foreign national requiresa valid work permit to work in Canada.A work permit is a document that givesyou authorization to work in Canada.

After you receive a copy of LMOconrmation and a written job offer(and an employment contract, if theposition is a semi-skilled occupation)from your employer, you should submitan application for a work permit.Generally, a work permit applicationmust be submitted to a Citizenship andImmigration Canada (CIC) visa ofce

outside of Canada.

When applying for a work permit, youmust prove that you are qualied for thejob and meet CICs requirements, whichinclude health and security checks. Animmigration medical examination maybe required before coming to Canada.For information on immigration medicalrequirements visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp

For information on applying forwork permits, including applications,

instructions, and processing times visitwww.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp . Thenal decision to issue a work permit ismade by CIC.

Step 5Come to Alberta and start working

When you receive a letter from the CIvisa ofce approving your work permiapplication, you are ready to pack yousuitcases and come work in Alberta.

Moving to a new country is an excitingyet hectic time with many things toplan and organize. For information onhousing, settlement services, banking,English language training, weather,health care and other things to considewhen moving to Alberta visit www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration/immigrate/

checklists.html

The Temporary Foreign Worker Guidefor Employees also provides usefulinformation about working in AlbertaTopics include Alberta employmentstandards, workplace safety and suppofor temporary foreign workers. Thispublication is available in 11 languagesand is available at www.employment.alberca/immigration/145.html


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Employer-Driven Stream

To apply under this stream, you musthave a permanent, full-time job offer

with an Alberta employer. You andyour Alberta employer apply togetherto the AINP. Often, applicants arealready in Alberta as temporary foreignworkers before they apply to the AINP.

Skilled workers Includes occupations underthe National OccupationalClassication (NOC) skill levels 0,A or B. Candidates must provideevidence to demonstrate that theymeet the required qualications for

the job (education and experience).International graduates Includes occupations underthe NOC skill levels 0, A or B.Candidates must have graduatedfrom a post-secondary institutionin Canada, possess a post-graduatework permit and be working intheir eld of study.

Semi-skilled workers Includes selected occupationsunder NOC skill levels C or D.

Both employer and candidatemust meet the eligibility criteriafor the occupation in order to beconsidered. This criteria can befound on the AINP website atwww.AlbertaCanada.com/ainp

Family Stream

Under this option Alberta families cannominate an educated family memberto immigrate to Alberta. The familymember making the nomination takes onthe responsibility of providing supportsas the newcomer gets settled and ndsa job. Both the Alberta relative andcandidate should take the self-assessmentand view the online tutorial on the AINPwebsite to nd out whether they qualifyto submit an application. The tutorialcan be accessed at www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration/immigrate/ainpapplytutorial.html

Sel-Employed Farmer Stream

AINP can nominate farm owners andoperators who intend to immigrate,purchase and manage a farming businessin Alberta.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee

Program (AINP)

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program(AINP) is an immigration programadministered by the Government ofAlberta with Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC). Individuals who arenominated by the Province of Alberta,together with their spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, areeligible to apply for permanent residencethrough CIC. There are several differentstreams within the AINP.

Live Permanently

Alberta Immigrant

Nominee Program (AINP)

Apply to AINP

AINP nominates


Permanent resident


from case to case


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Strategic Recruitment Stream

Enables skilled individuals working inoccupations in high demand in Alberta

to apply directly to the AINP. There arethree categories under this stream.

Compulsory Trades Category Candidate must have completed theQualication Certicate Programwith Alberta Apprenticeship andIndustry Training (AIT). TheQualication Certicate for theirCompulsory Trade and letter ofinvitation to apply are both issuedby AIT.

Engineering Occupations Category

Candidate must have education andtraining as an engineer, designeror drafter and have Alberta workexperience in an eligible AINPengineering occupation.

U.S. Visa Holder Category Candidate must be employed, haveworked at least a year in the U.S.and hold a temporary work visa in askilled occupation needed in Alberta.

For more information about theAINP streams, eligibility criteria andapplication instructions visitwww.AlbertaCanada.com/ainp

Citizenship and Immigration

Canada (CIC) ProgramsThe Government of Canada, throughCIC offers immigration programs forskilled workers, business immigrantsand family members of permanentresidents. If you are interested in CICimmigration programs, you must appldirectly to CIC. For more informationvisit www.cic.gc.ca.

Citizenship and

Immigration Canada

(CIC) Programs

Apply to CIC

CIC selects


Permanent resident


from case to case


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What is a work permit?1.

Generally, foreign nationals requirea permit to work in Canada. All

work permits have terms andconditions that a foreign workermust follow. They include:

You work for the employer whosename is on the work permit.

You work at the locationindicated on the work permit.

You cannot stay in Canada longerthan the time stated on the workpermit.

If you breach any of these terms

and conditions, you will bebreaking the law.

Who decides whether or not to2.

issue my work permit?

The Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC) ofcer who assessesyour application makes the naldecision on your work permitapplication.

How long does it take to process3.

my work permit application?

Each Canadian visa ofce has

different processing times for issuingwork permits. For processing timesvisit CICs website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp

How long can I work in Canada?4.

A temporary foreign worker usuallygets a work permit that is valid forthe same length of time as theirLabour Market Opinion (LMO).

What is the employer responsible5.

or when hiring semi-skilled (NOC

C&D) workers?

Employers who wish to hire foreignworkers for semi-skilled occupationshave additional responsibilities.

The employer must provide anemployment contract to the foreignworker agreeing to the following:

To pay for the foreign workerstransportation costs from and backto the country of residence. Thesefees cannot be recovered from theforeign worker.

To provide medical coverage untilthe foreign worker has provincialhealth insurance coverage.

To help the foreign worker nda place to live that is suitable andaffordable.

Can I extend my work permit?6.

If your employer wishes to retainyou as a temporary foreign workerbeyond the term of your workpermit, you must apply to extendyour work permit with CIC. Your

employer must apply for a new LMOand provide you with a new job offerOnce these documents are received,you must then submit a work permitextension application to CIC.

For more information visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/

extend-worker.asp

Frequently Asked Questions


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I I come to Alberta as a7.

temporary oreign worker, can I

change employers?

You can change employersprovided you apply to CIC tochange your work permit. In mostcases, your new employer willhave to provide you with an LMObefore you can apply for a newwork permit. You cannot startworking for your new employeruntil you receive your new workpermit from CIC.

For more information visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/

extend-worker.asp

What can I do i my employer8.

does not ollow the employment

contract or job oer or I am being

mistreated?

As a temporary foreign worker inAlberta, you have the same rightsand responsibilities as every otheremployee in the workplace.

If your employer does not followthe employment contract orjob offer, you can contact the

Temporary Foreign WorkerHelpline toll-free at 1-877-944-9955. Staff will advise you of yourrights and help nd solutions forsituations involving unfair, unsafeor unhealthy working conditions.

As a temporary oreign worker,9.

can my spouse also work?

Spouses of temporary foreign

workers may be eligible to workin Canada if they hold a validwork permit.

A spouse of a skilled workermay be eligible to apply for andwork on an open work permit.An open work permit allows aperson to work for any employerfor a certain period of time. Whenapplying for an open work permit,an LMO and job offer is notrequired. However, the applicant

must prove that they are the spouseof a skilled worker who holds avalid work permit in Canada.

A spouse of a semi-skilled workerwill require an LMO and joboffer to submit a work permitapplication to CIC.

If your spouse would like toaccompany you to Alberta, theymay need to apply for a temporaryresident visa.

Are there jobs that do not requ10.

a Labour Market Opinion (LMO

exempt)?

Some categories of workers maynot need an LMO from theemployer in order to apply for thwork permit. Common exemptioinclude:

North American Free TradeAgreement (NAFTA)NAFTA removes the need foran LMO for certain professionaloccupations. Citizens of theUnited States and Mexico in thesoccupations do not require an LM

when applying for a work permiFor a list of eligible occupations,visit CICs website at www.cic.gc.english/work/special-business.asp

International Student and YouWorker Employment ProgramUnder the International Studentand Young Worker EmploymentProgram, several countries haveagreements with Canada to allowthe mobility and exchange ofyoung workers and students. Thoeligible for this program do notrequire an LMO. In addition, youworkers or students from abroad not required to nd a job in Canain advance. For more informationon international youth programsand who qualies for them visitwww.international.gc.ca/iyp-pij

For all categories of workers thatrequire a work permit, but not anLMO visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/wapply-who-permit.asp


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Employment agencies and immigration

consultants or lawyers offer differentservices. If you plan to use one of theseservices to help nd a job in Alberta orimmigrate to Canada, it is important youknow these facts:

Recruitment Agencies

You do not have to use the services of anemployment agency to nd employment.If you choose to use one, the agencymust be registered and licensed by theGovernment of Alberta. You have theright to request an employment agencys

license and business registration to verifythat it is a legitimate business.

An employment agency cannot chargeyou a fee for nding you a job inAlberta. It is illegal in Alberta to chargea job placement fee. Recruiters can onlycharge fees to Alberta employers whohave offered to employ you.

The employer cannot recover thesecosts from you (for example, throughdeductions from your paycheque). Ifan employment agency provides you

with services such as resum preparationand interview skills coaching, then it isentitled to charge you reasonable fees.Paying those fees cannot guarantee youemployment that is illegal!

For more information on usingemployment agencies and conrmingtheir business licence visit ServiceAlbertas website at www.servicealberta.ca/1016.cfm

Immigration Consultants/Lawyers

The only representatives who maycharge a fee to represent or adviseyou on immigration matters with theGovernment of Canada are:

Lawyers who are members in goodstanding with a Canadian provincialor territorial law society;

Immigration consultants who aremembers in good standing with theCanadian Society of ImmigrationConsultants, and

Notaries who are members in goodstanding with the Chambre desnotaires du Qubec.

You do not need to hire an immigrationrepresentative to apply for a workpermit or to immigrate. Immigrationrepresentatives do not have specialconnections with Canadian governmentofcials and cannot guarantee you avisa. Beware of Internet scams and falsewebsites.

For further information on using

immigration representatives visit www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration/immigrate/immigrationrepresentatives.html

About Recruiters and Immigration Consultants


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Edmonton

Calgary

Toronto

Vancouver

Alberta

Halifax

Fredericton

Charlottetown

St. Johns

Montreal

Ottawa

Winnipeg

Regina

Whitehorse

Yellowknife

Iqaluit

Canada


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www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration

Immigrate to Alberta Information Service

Email form: www.AlbertaCanada.com/ino

2010 Government o Alberta

Printed in Canada or ree distribution

Published: March 2010

ISBN: 978-0-7785-8727-9

Working In Alberta

Documents

Transcript of Working In Alberta