Truly global mobility – Canada’s C20 programme

Canadian immigration policies

A primary objective of most international immigration policies is to stimulate the economy and fill labour shortages. Historically, this began with a variety of programmes designed to recruit foreign workers in various domestic caregiver and farm labourer roles, and quickly expanded to include free-trade agreements, youth mobility programmes, agricultural programmes and much more.

These programmes evolved to fit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) umbrella, until 2014 when the TFWP was restructured to simplify the application process and a new streamlined branch was created – the International Mobility Program (IMP). This new branch allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers on a temporary work permit without needing to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

This new system presents a number of advantages to employers and workers, including a simpler, quicker hiring process. In contrast to the TFWP, which only issued work permits that are dependent on labour market conditions, the IMP serves Canada’s broader economic and cultural interests.

Understanding the C20 programme

The C20 programme is a multifaceted government initiative designed to enhance international partnerships, address global issues, and promote reciprocity among nations. Launched as a response to the increasingly interconnected and interdependent nature of global affairs, the programme aims to establish a framework that encourages countries to work together, share resources, and adopt policies that benefit all participants.

The reciprocal employment guidelines of the C20 programme allow foreign workers to take up employment in Canada when Canadians have similar reciprocal opportunities abroad. If an employer can demonstrate that such opportunities exist, they will be required to file an offer of employment with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and pay an employer compliance fee before the foreign national can apply for a work permit. 

More importantly, if an employer is found to be qualified, they will not be constrained by labour market conditions or be required to assess the impact of a foreign worker on the Canadian economy (or obtain an LMIA). Another advantage to this pathway is that there is no minimum employment requirement and it can be used in circumstances where an employer has introduced a global mobility policy, and in circumstances where there is no prior history of reciprocal exchange with Canada.

A Canadian blueprint

In an era marked by complex challenges that transcend national borders, the Canadian C20 programme emerges as a blueprint for a more equitable and harmonious world. The C20 programme encourages nations to foster fair trade practices, remove barriers, and promote inclusive economic growth and entry under reciprocal provisions that result in a neutral labour market impact. By embracing the principles of global reciprocity, the programme challenges the traditional paradigm of power policies and encourages nations to work together. As the programme continues to evolve, it has the potential to reshape the trajectory of international relations, moving toward a future defined by cooperation, shared responsibility, and collective progress.

Kevi Velcani initially embarked on her legal career by specialising in Canadian immigration services, offering guidance on citizenship, business migration, sponsorships, and refugee and asylum issues. Before entering the legal profession, Kevi gained valuable experience working in law clinics, the United Nations, and in customer service. Additionally, she has previous involvement in criminal and civil litigation, advocating for clients within the criminal justice system and Ontario courts.

With more than 15 years of substantial experience playing key roles in some of the world’s leading immigration law firms and international global mobility consulting groups, R. Oliver Branch is uniquely qualified to provide US legal advice in all areas of US immigration law and related global mobility services. He has extensive experience in assisting organisations, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies across varying industries, in developing and maintaining successful global immigration and global mobility programmes.