Unleashing Opportunities: Colombia-Canada FTA and Skilled Worker Immigration
The Colombia-Canada FTA for Professional Mobility
The Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) presents an array of opportunities for skilled professionals from Colombia to expand their horizons in Canada. This FTA simplifies the immigration process and opens doors for Colombian workers across various fields. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of the Colombia-Canada FTA, the covered positions, requirements for each category, and how Immigrative can help make the process seamless.
Opportunities Under the Colombia-Canada FTA
The Colombia-Canada FTA, in effect since August 15, 2011, facilitates the temporary entry of skilled Colombian professionals into Canada. The agreement provides Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemptions for certain positions, making it easier for eligible professionals to obtain a Canadian work permit.
The primary categories covered in this FTA include:
a. Business Visitors: Colombian nationals engaged in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market.
b. Professionals and Technicians: Eligible professionals and technicians with a pre-arranged contract or employment offer from a Canadian employer. The list of occupations includes various professions, such as lawyers, engineers, veterinarians, and chefs.
c. Intra-Company Transferees: Employees of a Colombian company transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
d. Traders and Investors: Individuals involved in the trade of goods or services between Colombia and Canada or investing in a Canadian business.
NOT Covered Positions
The professionals NOT covered under the Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) include:
Health, Education, and Social Services occupations and related occupations:
Managers in Health/Education/Social & Community Services
Physicians/Dentists/Optometrists/Chiropractors/Other Health Professions
Pharmacists, Dietitians & Nutritionists
Therapy & Assessment Professionals
Nurse Supervisors & Registered Nurses
Psychologists/Social Workers
University Professors & Assistants
College & Other Vocational Instructors
Secondary/Elementary School Teachers & Counsellors
Professional occupations related to Cultural Industries:
Managers in Libraries, Archives, Museums and Art Galleries
Managers in Publishing, Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and Performing Arts
Creative & Performing Artists
Other Professional occupations
Additional Professionals:
Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors
Managers in Telecommunication Carriers
Managers in Postal and Courier Services
Managers in Manufacturing
Managers in Utilities
Managers in Construction and Transportation
Judges, Lawyers and Notaries except Foreign Legal Consultants
Covered Positions
The Colombia-Canada FTA includes an extensive list of covered positions for professionals and technicians. All other professional positions (TEER 0, 1, 2) not included in the above list (NOT Covered) are covered. Some examples include:
Technicians that are covered under the FTAs include, but are not limited to:
Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Construction Inspectors and Estimators
Engineering Inspectors, Testers and Regulatory Officers
Electrical and Electronics engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electricians, Plumbers, and Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics
Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors
Underground Production and Development Miners
Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers and Testers
Graphic Designers and Illustrators
Interior Designers
Chefs
Computer and Information System Technicians
International Purchasing and Selling Agents
Supervisors and Contractors in the following industries are also covered:
Machinists and Related Technicians
Printing and Related Occupations
Mining and Quarrying
Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
Mineral and Metal Processing
Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Processing
Plastic and Rubber Products Manufacturing
Forest Products Processing
Textile Processing
Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations
Pipefitting Trades
Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Trades
Carpentry Trades
Mechanic Trades
Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
Other Construction Trades
Installers, Repairers and Servicers
The complete list of covered positions can be found in Annex 1203 of the Colombia-Canada FTA.
Requirements for each category include:
a. Business Visitors:
Engage in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market
No work permit required
b. Professionals and Technicians:
Pre-arranged contract or employment offer from a Canadian employer in one of the covered positions
University degree or equivalent qualification related to the occupation
English or French proficiency (usually evaluated by employers)
Work permit required
c. Intra-Company Transferees:
Employee of a Colombian company being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
Managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity
Work permit required
d. Traders and Investors:
Involved in the trade of goods or services between Colombia and Canada or investing in a Canadian business
Work permit require
In summary, the Colombia-Canada FTA offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled Colombian professionals to broaden their horizons in Canada. By simplifying the immigration process and providing LMIA exemptions for certain positions, the FTA is a valuable resource for both professionals and employers alike. With the support and guidance of Immigrative, navigating the immigration process can be a smooth and successful experience, ultimately helping you to unlock your full potential in Canada.
Immigrative's experienced consultants simplify the immigration process, offering services such as work permit assistance for LMIA-exempt permits under the Colombia-Canada FTA, tailored immigration strategies considering individual goals and background, employer support to understand hiring requirements, and ongoing support during your stay in Canada to help you adapt and stay informed on relevant immigration updates. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline the process for a successful transition to life in Canada.