1. What is Job Offer Confirmation?

Job offer confirmation is conducted by Service Canada (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada). This organization works in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to ensure that the employment of foreign workers has an overall beneficial effect to Canada.

The confirmation process is intended to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker does not have any negative labour market impact in Canada. This generally entails that the Canadian employer has made a significant effort to hire a Canadian for the position of employment, that that effort was unsuccessful, and that the foreign worker is qualified for the position.

Depending on the nature of the position and the location of the job offer, there may exist recognized shortages, which can facilitate confirmation of certain job offers. Current examples include certain information technology professionals, construction workers in some locations, and live-in-caregivers.

2. How long does Confirmation take?

The duration of the confirmation process depends on a number of factors, including the specific location at which the offer is being made. There are several Service Canada offices throughout Canada, and the location will affect processing delays. On average, delays for such cases are 45 to 60 days.

Additional delays can be incurred in the case that the Canadian employer is not capable of demonstrating that a significant effort to hire a Canadian has taken place. In such a case, it may be necessary to spend time engaging in an advertising effort prior to being able to conclude the confirmation application.

3. Is confirmation required for every job offer?

No, exemptions from the confirmation requirement exist. Common examples of such exemptions include international treaties such as NAFTA or GATS, and positions which offer a Significant Benefit to Canada. Other programs, such as Facilitated Processing of Information Technology Workers (Pilot Project), offer blanket confirmation of certain positions of employment, meaning that the entire confirmation process is not required.

4. Are any positions not eligible for confirmation?

There are no job definitions that are specifically excluded from receiving confirmation. However, positions that do not require specialized abilities or skills will often be more difficult cases. As there is typically a large basis in the labour market capable of filling such positions, it may be inherently difficult to achieve confirmation of such positions.

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