Legal support and
immigration consultation
Immigration made simple
Optimizing immigration procedures for you and your collaborators
We are committed to identifying the best immigration program for your international collaborators. With our in-depth expertise in various immigration programs, we find the right program to minimize waiting times for your workers. Our team of RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) and expert lawyers are at your side, providing sharp legal advice, precise needs assessment, and creation of all required legal documents.
We prepare and submit documents and manage interactions with government agencies.Additionally, we offer specific services for foreign employees already in Canada who need to renew their visas and work permits or are considering steps towards permanent residency or citizenship.
Choose Equinox
Working with Equinox’s legal team means choosing peace of mind and efficiency.
As immigration specialists, we provide a full range of legal immigration services to simplify and expedite processes. Our services include:
- Optimized timelines: We strive to minimize legal document processing times to expedite the approval process for your foreign workers.
- LMIA and CAQ Management: We handle all aspects of the Labour Market Impact Assessment and Quebec Acceptance Certificate, key steps for successful integration into the Canadian labor market. This program is generally chosen for the majority of Temporary Foreign Workers.
- Work Permit Applications: Whether an employee needs a visa or not, we manage all required permissions and communications with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Document extension and renewal: We work closely with you to ensure your workers maintain legal status as long as the contractual relationship lasts.
- Diverse legal consultation services: For workers already in position, we offer additional legal services, especially regarding permit renewals and steps towards permanent residency.
Rigor
Where quality
meets compliance
In immigration, the slightest error can lead to months of delay. That’s why our team of specialists ensures to obtain authorizations within the deadlines. Each file is handled with meticulous precision and total commitment to avoid any delays in approvals.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of your legal and immigration consultation service?
Our role is to manage the entire process, from collecting necessary information to submitting files to the competent authorities and monitoring communications with government agencies. Our expertise in this field allows us to provide optimized and case-specific responses, maximizing the chances of success. This allows you to focus on your main business with confidence, without worrying about the complexities and nuances of immigration procedures.
What are the steps to complete this legal approval process?
To recruit a foreign worker, you first need to evaluate the local labor market to see if a citizen or permanent resident can fill the position. If not, we determine the type of work permit required, with or without LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) at the federal level and CAQ (Quebec Approval Certificate), depending on the position and candidate profile. If an LMIA is required, there are three main steps: obtaining the LMIA at the federal level (and the CAQ in Quebec), applying for a work permit, and then going through a visa office or point of entry. For permits without LMIA, the work permit application is made directly with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Once all these steps are completed, the work permit is issued by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) upon the candidate’s arrival in Canada.
How long can the legal approval process take?
The legal approval process for hiring foreign workers in Canada can vary depending on the specific program under which the application is submitted. For exemption programs, the timeline is generally minimal. These programs allow employers to hire certain foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which significantly speeds up the process. For programs requiring an LMIA, processing times can change regularly. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult the official Government of Canada website for the latest information on LMIA application processing times. You can find this information here. For work permits, processing times also vary and are updated frequently. The following page from the Government of Canada provides current processing times for work permits: Check application processing times. It’s important to note that these timelines are estimates and can be influenced by various factors, such as the volume of applications received, the complexity of cases, and security checks.
Is it possible for the candidates I hired to switch to another employer later?
No, the candidates you hire are subject to a closed work permit, which means they are authorized to work exclusively for your company, whose name is explicitly indicated on the permit. Although it is possible for a candidate to change employers later, this would require a new set of immigration formalities that the new employer would need to undertake.
What happens if the candidate withdraws before joining our company?
Equinox World is committed to taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of such a situation. We understand the importance of continuity and stability in your operations, and that’s why we are dedicated to providing you with a qualified replacement as quickly as possible. Furthermore, for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, we have the capability to make name changes on already submitted applications. This is a significant advantage, as it prevents the need to restart the LMIA process from the beginning in case of a candidate’s withdrawal. By making a name change on an existing LMIA application, we can expedite the replacement process, thus reducing delays and disruptions for your business.