Canada launches fast-track work permit program in the Philippines

author avatar
Julia Hornstein
Published: October 19, 2023

Today, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the launch of CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program at IRCC’s visa office in Manila.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

The pilot will streamline work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers and allow them to schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees, so that skilled workers from the Philippines can come to Canada.

The pilot is for Canadian employers recruiting in the Philippines and hiring approximately 50 or more workers, or for critical occupations such as health care, construction, and agri-food.

To participate in the program, employers must demonstrate their commitment to fair and ethical recruitment guidelines, as published by the International Organization for Migration (ION).

IRCC is also giving $200,000 to the IOM to support the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. The funding will help IOM work with the Government of the Philippines, conduct training sessions and promote the IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit to organizations that are either involved or have an interested in recruiting talent in the Philippines.

“Every year, thousands of temporary foreign workers from around the world bring their skills to Canada, helping to grow our economy and fill labour market shortages. This includes a substantial number of newcomers from the Philippines. The CAN Work Philippines pilot will give Canada an important advantage in the global race for talent and support our industries in addressing labour market shortages. At the same time, the funding to the IOM demonstrates our continued commitment to fair and ethical recruitment practices and will help ensure the health, safety and quality of life of temporary foreign workers,” said Marc Miller.

The Philippines is a major source of newcomers to Canada. This pilot will help strengthen the close social ties between our two nations while addressing labour shortages in the Canadian economy and reinforcing Canada as a top destination for global talent.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Canada increases immigration fees
A shot of several skyscrapers in Vancouver, with three Canadian flags waving in the wind.
IRCC invites 6,000 Express Entry candidates with second lowest CRS cut-off in 2025
A picture of a majestic mountain with the Northern Lights in the background.
Spousal sponsorship: how your loved one can start living and working in Canada ASAP
A couple at Banff takes a selfie on a boat.
Express Entry: Second monthly CEC draw sees CRS cut-off drop to lowest since July
A group of houses on the Mosquito creek marina
Top Stories
Committee amends Carney’s border bill to limit sweeping executive powers
Borrowing Basics for Newcomers to Canada
Looking to move to Canada as an American? Here are your work permit options
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Committee amends Carney’s border bill to limit sweeping executive powers
Canadian flag against the Senate
Looking to move to Canada as an American? Here are your work permit options
Person travelling to Canada
Canada increases immigration fees
A shot of several skyscrapers in Vancouver, with three Canadian flags waving in the wind.
These occupations can lead to Canadian permanent residence without prior Canadian work experience
A lecturer in a college
Link copied to clipboard