Streamlining Work Permit Processing for Filipino workers

A Pilot Program for faster processing of work permit requirements

October 19, 2023 – Ottawa — The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today the launch of CAN Work Philippines – a pilot program at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s visa office in Manila – which coincides with the first-ever Philippines-Canada Friendship Week. The pilot will streamline work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers and allow employers to schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees, so that skilled workers in the Philippines can come to Canada.

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

Canada takes its responsibilities to protect temporary foreign workers very seriously. To participate in the program, employers must demonstrate their commitment to fair and ethical recruitment guidelines, as published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Additionally, IRCC is providing $200,000 to the IOM to support the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. The funding will help the IOM work closely 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 interest in recruiting talent in the country.

The Philippines is an important partner for Canada’s Indo–Pacific Strategy and a major source of newcomers to Canada. These efforts will further strengthen the close social ties between our two nations while addressing critical labour shortages in the Canadian economy and further cementing Canada as a top destination for global talent.

Do you need assistance processing your work permit application? Contact us today. We are here to help.

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