Our neighbor the United States is now second to the Philippines as the largest group source for temporary workers in Canada. Per the census of December 2010, there are now 32,615 Americans with permanent residence status in the country. Because of their worsening economy and unemployment rates, they are now crossing the border to seek their luck in our doorstep. The unemployment rate in the US as of July was 9.1 percent versus our own 7.3. Immigration Canada has seen a spike in applications from the Americans, more than double post global recession of 2008. Immigration received 4,109 applications in 2010 versus 2,115 in 2008. On Monday, U.S. President Barack Obama urged Congress to quickly pass a $447-billion jobs bill to stimulate an ailing labour market. “This is a bill that will put people back to work all across the country. This is a bill that will help our economy in a moment of national crisis,” Obama said. “This is a bill that Congress needs to pass. No games. No politics. No delays.” The U.S. Census Bureau said the number of Americans living below the poverty line rose to a record 46 million last year, with the national poverty rate climbing for a third consecutive year to 15.1 per cent in 2010.

Windsor-based immigration lawyer Drew Porter, who has dealt with a lot of employment cases because of the shared Detroit border, said Americans need to obtain an offer of employment before a work permit is issued. Under NAFTA, there are certain occupations, including engineers and accountants, who are exempt from going through a Labour Market Opinion, a prerequisite for foreign nationals to be hired in Canada.

These candidates can automatically secure a work permit at the border once they show proof of employment. However, for candidates who don’t fall under the NAFTA(North American Free Trade agreement
signed by US, Canada and Mexico) list of occupations, they usually hit a wall since they need an offer of employment in order to get a work visa.

“If you’re under NAFTA, it’s not a burden for the employer, but for those who fall between the cracks an LMO could be onerous,” Porter said. “Both countries show intent to protect their labour force but with the aging population and certain skill trades in deficit positions. My reading is there is going to be a need for foreign nationals to come to Canada to fill certain voids,” said Porter.

A warning to our American friends, I echo what Drew Porter said, take note that a working visa applications can only be viable if there’s indeed a valid job order. Do not take the chance of coming to Canada in the intent of working here without an offer. Being an American doesn’t mean employers will jump the queue simply to hire you, if you don’t have the legitimate documentation then it is a no go.

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