The two main departments in the federal government that are involved in FCR are Human Resources and Social Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Other federal departments also collaborate on programs and have related initiatives.
The main programs and initiatives that address the integration of internationally trained workers are listed below.
The Enhanced Language Training Initiative (ELT)
This initiative of Citizenship and Immigration Canada is aimed at facilitating labour market integration of newcomers to Canada. In collaboration with service providing organizations, other levels of government, and stakeholders, the initiative develops and delivers labour market levels of language training on a cost-sharing basis, to reach up to 20,000 new immigrants a year in need of job-specific language training. This effort is coupled with employment supports and bridge-to-work activities, to help newcomers access and remain in the labour market at levels commensurate with their skills and qualifications.
The Foreign Credential Recognition Program
Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) is implementing this program, which provides $75 million over six years (2003–2009) to break down barriers and facilitate a pan-Canadian approach to ILMI integration. Over 14 federal departments work together on an integrated comprehensive strategy for this program.
The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO)
Established in May 2007 under the responsibility of CIC, the FCRO office delivers path-finding and referral services to internationally trained individuals in Canada and to prospective immigrants overseas, working in collaboration with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, regulatory bodies, colleges and universities, employers and immigrant-serving organizations. Through the Service Canada Network, the FCRO also offers a dedicated, toll-free telephone service within Canada for assistance in foreign credential recognition.
The Internationally Trained Workers Initiative
Launched in 2005, The Internationally Trained Workers Initiative (ITWI) is the overarching framework for skilled immigrant labour market integration. ITWI also ensures that linkages are made between the responsible federal departments, as well as to other federal priorities and agendas.
Provincial Nominee Program
This program is an employer-driven immigration program that expedites the processing of an application for permanent residence. It is designed to meet the needs of provincial employers who are unable to fill skilled and select semi-skilled positions with citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Through the program, provinces establish nomination criteria and can identify, recruit, and nominate individuals for immigration. The federal government remains responsible for determining the immigrant’s admissibility to Canada but processing time is significantly reduced.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Human Resources Skills Development Canada jointly manage this program that helps employers address critical labour shortages and supplement the Canadian labour force through foreign recruitment. A related pilot project in Alberta and British Columbia allows for expedited processing of Labour Market Opinions (LMO) for selected occupations in this program.