Hiring displaced talent in Canada

Recruitment

TBB’s program is employer-driven. Based on the recruitment criteria supplied by the employer (eg. a job poster or work description), TBB will identify suitable candidates for vacant position/s, check candidates’ immigration eligibility, and provide a shortlist of candidates for review. Employers have the option to take any/all of these candidates through a normal recruitment process (interviews, skills tests, etc). Meanwhile, we support candidates to understand the Canadian labour market and recruitment expectations.

When the recruitment process is complete, employers can extend an official job offer to preferred candidate/s. We then support employer and candidate through the immigration and relocation process.

Immigration and relocation

Once a job offer is made and accepted, TBB works with the employer and our preferred immigration partner, Fragomen (or the employer’s chosen immigration provider) to prepare the immigration application on behalf of the business and the candidate. Fragomen monitors the immigration process to ensure smooth visa processing and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Welcoming new arrivals

Together with Jumpstart and a network of local partners, TBB supports Canadian employers to make arrangements for the relocation of successful candidates. This includes connecting candidates and their families to local support services to ensure they are effectively settled into their new community.

Successful candidates usually begin work 1-2 weeks after arrival in the country. EMPP candidates are entitled to the full suite of economic immigration settlement services upon arrival in Canada.

TBB stays connected with the employer and the candidate for 12 months post-relocation to help ensure a good settlement outcome.

We are also supportive of ‘autonomous access’, meaning that - where Canadian employers connect with displaced job seekers independently - TBB may be able to support both parties through the immigration and relocation process. For job seekers, the Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a good resource to start connecting with employers independently (keeping in mind that a job offer alone does not guarantee eligibility for immigration to Canada). In addition, many communities participating in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) post job vacancies on their websites.

We are also supportive of ‘autonomous access’, meaning that - where Canadian employers connect with displaced job seekers independently - TBB may be able to support both parties through the immigration and relocation process. For job seekers, the Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a good resource to start connecting with employers independently (keeping in mind that a job offer alone does not guarantee eligibility for immigration to Canada). In addition, many communities participating in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) post job vacancies on their websites.

Timeline

Applications submitted under the EMPP are for permanent residence, and receive priority processing. Under the federal pathway, the government service standards on the approval process can take up to 6 months.

Costs

The costs for hiring talent through the EMPP are less than other international recruitment, and include: 

• Government fees: While most government fees are waived under the EMPP, provincial or territorial application fees and the ‘Right of Permanent Residence’ fees may apply in some cases;

• Certified immigration advice and application preparation fees: provided low bono by Fragomen; and, 

• Transportation: Flights may be covered by our non-profit partner Miles4Migrants, depending on availability.

In addition, we recommend that employers pay for a minimum of four weeks of temporary accommodation. 

TBB and Jumpstart do not charge for the recruitment and settlement coordination services that we provide. However, as non-profit organizations, we encourage employers to consider a charitable donation (receipts provided) to partner with us in promoting and expanding refugee labour mobility as a global solution.  

For reference, each EMPP job match requires approximately $2,500 of TBB staff time, including domestic operations in Canada, as well as overseas candidate sourcing and partnerships development staff.