Pilot program launches to streamline work permit processing for Canadian employers recruiting in the Philippines

“Every year, thousands of temporary foreign workers from around the world bring their skills to Canada, helping to grow our economy and fill labour market shortages. This includes a substantial number of newcomers from the Philippines. The CAN Work Philippines pilot will give Canada an important advantage in the global race for talent and support our industries in addressing labour market shortages. At the same time, the funding to the IOM demonstrates our continued commitment to fair and ethical recruitment practices and will help ensure the health, safety and quality of life of temporary foreign workers.”

– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“I am heartened by the launch of the CAN Work Philippines program, marking a significant step in the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and Canada. The Philippines–Canada Friendship Week not only symbolizes the strong bonds and shared values between our two nations, but it also stands as a testament to our joint commitment towards ethical and fair recruitment. Protecting the rights and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers remains paramount. We welcome initiatives that ensure transparency, fairness and adherence to global standards, as set by the International Organization for Migration. Through cooperation and a mutual understanding of our responsibilities, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our migrant workers, strengthening the foundations of trust and collaboration between the Philippines and Canada.”

– Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines

“IOM is inspired to see two countries working together to continue mainstreaming fair and ethical recruitment standards. This is important for the safeguarding of the welfare and the protection of the rights of overseas Filipino workers, a key component of both the Philippines’ National Action Plan and the Global Compact for Migration.”

– Tristan Burnett, Chief of Mission in the Philippines, IOM

• Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth. Roughly 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration. By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30% of Canada’s population, compared to 20.7% in 2011.
• As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing $74.6 million over 5 years, and $15.7 million ongoing, to boost the department’s application processing capacity both domestically and in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The Philippines has long been an important source country of immigration for Canada. According to the 2021 Census, 960,000 people of Philippine origin live in Canada. Filipino nationals are also one of the top recipients of work permits. For the first 6 months of 2023, 1 in 10 Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permits were issued to Filipino nationals.
• On June 6, 2023, Canada announced expanded access to its Electronic Travel Authorization Program to include the Philippines, giving more Filipinos access to visa-free travel by air.
• Jointly organized by the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines and IRCC’s visa office in Manila, the Philippines–Canada Friendship Week will celebrate the strong social ties between the two countries and promote Canada as a destination of choice for workers from the Philippines. It will take place the week of October 23 in Manila and include information sessions on working in Canada, testimonials from Filipino workers, photo exhibits, a film screening and a tasting booth to sample Canadian cuisine.
• Canadian employers interested in more information on the CAN Work Philippines pilot program can contact IRCC by email.