Many Canadian companies face ongoing labour shortages in a variety of positions. The frustration of their recruiters and HR professionals is palpable, for despite offering above average wages, group benefits and other perquisites of employment, finding quality personnel to fill vacancies is harder than ever for some professions.
One possible solution which is often overlooked is to explore recruiting American or Mexican nationals under the North American Free Trade Agreement. For qualifying professions, a NAFTA work permit is comparatively quick, cheap and easy to get, and is exempt from the requirements of a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
To qualify as a “NAFTA Professional” the applicant must demonstrate that he or she has the work experience and/or education to work in one of the targeted professions listed below. NAFTA Professionals must have an offer of employment in Canada in an occupation that matches their qualifications, and the employer must submit an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and pay a $230 Employer Compliance Fee ahead of applying for the work permit.
By: David Brown, Pushor Mitchell LLP
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