Difference between revisions of "Categories of Persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (18:IV)"

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“Status”'''

A foreign national who wishes to study in Canada must apply for authorization under the Student Class, and a study permit from outside Canada at a visa office. There are several exceptions to this general rule: in some circumstances a foreign national can study in Canada without a permit (see IRP Regulationsss. 188 to 189); and in some circumstances a foreign national can apply for a study permit from within Canada (see s 215).  International  students  enrolled  in  courses  in  Canada  for  six  months  or  less  do  not  need  a study permit, as long as those studies began and will end within six months of their entry to Canada.However, they must still have valid temporary resident status in Canada to perform these studies. To  acquire  a  study  permit,  a  foreign  national  must  have  an  acceptance  letter  from  a  valid academic  institution,  sufficient  funds,  and  the  intention  to  leave  Canada  once  their  permit expires (see ss 210 to 222 of the IRP Regulations). Registered  Indians  (as  defined  under  the  Canada Indian  Act) who  are  also foreign  nationals are  allowed  to  study in  Canada  without  a  study  permit.However,  those  persons  must  still have valid temporary resident status in Canada.3.Workers  A  foreign  national  who  wishes  to  work  in  Canada  must  apply  for  authorization  under  the Worker  Class,  and  a  work  permit from  outside  Canada  at  a  visa  office.  There  are  several exceptions to this general rule: in some circumstances a foreign national can work in Canada without  a  permit  (see IRP  Regulationsss 186  to  187);  and  in  some  circumstances  a  foreign national can apply for a work permit at a Port of Entry (see IRP Regulations s 198), or from within Canada (see s 199).  There are several categories of work permit, and the most common type is one based on a successful  application  by  an  employer  in  Canada  to  obtain  a Labour  Market  Impact Assessment  (LMIA),  or “validation,”  from  Service  Canada  (Employment  and  Skills Development Canada). Obtaining an LMIA is often difficult.  There are several criteria the employer must meet, including evidence of efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents; that  a  government-determined  minimum  wage  (not  the  same  as  the  provincial  minimum wage) will be paid; and that the employer is able to demonstrate it can pay the wages offered.There are additional rules associated with whether the position pays less than or more than the provincial average wage (again, not the same as the provincial minimum wage). Information  on  the  LMIA  process  (currently  called  the “Temporary  Foreign  Worker Program”)  can  be  found  at  the  Employment  and  Social  Development  Canada  website (http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/foreign_workers/index.shtml).  There  are  other,  less  common  kinds  of  work  permit  such  as  a  professional  pursuant  to NAFTA;  inter-company  transfers;  and “significant  benefit”  permits  where  the  foreign national  can  demonstrate  that  they  will  contribute  significantly  to  Canadian  culture  or  the economy.    Work  permits  authorizing  self-employment are  technically  possible,  but  rarely granted.  Please see sections 204 and 205 of the IRP Regulations.