Canada’s immigration laws are always changing to accommodate the demands of its expanding economy.
The introduction of a new immigration option for workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations has been announced by the Canadian government.
Employers and employees alike are interested in this possibility, even though all the facts are still unknown. This is all our current information regarding the impending immigration route and how to prepare for it.
What are TEER 4 and TEER 5 Occupations?
Understanding the TEER 4 and 5 jobs is crucial. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) framework in Canada uses a classification scheme called TEER, which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.
A high school degree and some job-specific training are prerequisites for TEER 4 occupations, which include administrative assistant and retail salesperson.
Jobs in the TEER 5 category, such as food and beverage servers and cleaners, frequently require some on-the-job training or temporary work experience.
The new route seeks to facilitate these workers’ acquisition of permanent status because these jobs are crucial to Canada’s economy.
How to Know if Your Work Experience is TEER 4 or 5
To determine if your work experience is in TEER 4 or 5, you must first find the NOC code for your occupation. You can search your job title using the NOC search tool Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) offers.
Once you have identified your occupation’s 5-digit NOC code, you can determine the skill level by looking at the second digit.
- If the 2nd digit is a 4, the TEER level is 4.
- If the 2nd digit is a 5, the TEER level is a 5.
What to Expect from this New Pathway?
Although official details are still pending, the new immigration option is anticipated to be announced by the fall of 2024. Part-time employment may also be considered if it satisfies the requirements for full-time experience.
This amendment aims to honor the contributions of immigrants who have worked in Canada for a considerable amount of time yet find it difficult to get permanent residency.
The application process may resemble the Canadian Experience Class program, meaning candidates may need to meet additional requirements, such as educational background, and prove their language ability in French or English.
Given the emphasis on closing labor market gaps, employers may participate in the application process by offering job offers or verifying gaps.
How To Likely Prepare For This New Pathway
Gather Your Documents
The information made public thus far does not specify which documents will be necessary to apply through this new route; however, the following list of typical documentation is needed to support an application for permanent residency:
- Passport
- Birth certificate for family members
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Reference letter from current and past employers
- Educational documents, including certificates and transcripts
- Police clearances.
Take a Language Test
Most state and federal immigration programs demand that you meet a specific proficiency level in French or English. Although we have yet to determine the level of language proficiency you will require, we anticipate this program to be similar.
Since we have yet to learn much about this program, such as when it will open or whether it will be quota-based, we advise you to take an authorized language exam so you can prepare your results.
If you need more time to get ready for a language exam, prepare to schedule one as soon as possible.
Get an ECA Report
Canadian immigration officials utilize an Educational Credential Assessment, commonly known as an ECA report, to confirm a foreign education credential, such as a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate.
You can obtain these reports early because they are often good for five years. Even if you receive them early, they will still be valid when your application is evaluated (unless the procedure takes you longer than five years).
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do it early so that you may concentrate on other matters when your application date approaches.
Stay Updated
Pay attention to any formal announcements made by the Canadian government. It’s important to stay updated because as the launch date draws near, the specifics of this program may change.
Those hoping to obtain permanent residence in Canada are excited about the new immigration route for TEER 4 and 5 workers.
Although complete specifics are still pending, preparing by compiling documentation, taking language tests, and receiving an ECA will put you in a great position once the program is formally launched.
This strategy helps Canadian firms retain key staff while providing workers with a more transparent road to residency. Check for updates as additional information becomes available by the fall of 2024.
Benefits of the New Immigration Pathway for TEER 4 & 5 Workers
The new pathway seeks a streamlined approach to promote faster implementation and meet Canada’s labor market demands. It aims to meet the continuous labor shortages in industries that depend on TEER 4 and 5 workers.
This immigration pathway will help employers retain skilled and experienced workers in their industries. It will also reduce turnover significantly and promote stability in the workforce.
It restates worker’s contribution, recognizes their vital role, and offers them a realistic option to migrate to Canada.
Other benefits of this new pathway will be continuity in essential services and the promotion of economic diversification by attracting and retaining individuals with a wide range of talent.
The proposal to implement this pathway by 2024 has elevated expectations from applicants and industries that will benefit. This proposed immigration pathway is a step towards making immigration to Canada inclusive and flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much work experience is required?
This information is not yet available; however, if we go by the Canadian Experience Class requirements for skilled workers, we expect applicants to have at least one year of work experience in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation.
Can I get a bridging open work permit through this pathway?
This needs to be clarified based on what has been published so far. The government may add this pathway to the list of program applications eligible for a BWOP—or it may not.
If you want to rely on these changes for your permanent residence pathway, you should be ready for either eventuality.