ARCHIVED – Notice – Extension of measures for Haitian nationals in Canada

August 30, 2013 — CIC is extending by an additional six months measures which make it easier for Haitian nationals already in Canada as of January 13, 2011, to obtain a work permit.

The recovery from the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, has been slow and compounded by various additional challenges. As a result, Haitian nationals in Canada may reasonably be expected to continue to remain in Canada and require work permits to support themselves.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations generally require work permit applications to be accompanied by authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada in the form of a Labour Market Opinion, or LMO. This process assesses whether there are Canadians available to do the work. In this case, it would pose a barrier for some Haitian nationals to continue to support themselves. The continued exemption from this requirement makes it easier for Haitians residing in Canada to work and maintain their immigration status.

Haitian nationals applying to extend their work permit, as well as their accompanying dependants, will be eligible for Health-Care Coverage under the ARCHIVED – Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for the duration of the principal applicant’s work permit or for six months, whichever is shorter. New applicants who are eligible for these measures will also benefit from the IFHP.

These measures will take effect on September 1, 2013 and will apply to all Haitian nationals who were in Canada prior to January 13, 2011, who have maintained their temporary resident status, and who are applying for a work permit or extending a work permit. The requirement for a LMO remains in place for all those who arrived in Canada after that date.

Eligible individuals will have until March 1, 2014, to apply.

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