Effective July 1, 2024, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) now includes provisions for the temporary entry of business persons. This update is designed to facilitate easier access to Canada for certain categories of business persons who are either citizens or permanent residents of Ukraine. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key changes and what they mean for businesses and individuals alike.
New Provisions Under CUFTA for Business Persons
Chapter 21: Temporary Entry for Business Persons
Chapter 21 of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) outlines the new provisions for the temporary entry of business persons. This chapter categorizes business persons into four groups:
1. Business Visitors
2. Professionals
3. Intra-corporate Transferees
4. Investors
It’s important to note that while business visitors do not require a work permit, the other three categories—professionals, intra-corporate transferees, and investors—do require work permits.
New IRCC Guidelines
In response to these changes, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued new guidelines to help officers assess these applications. These guidelines aim to streamline the process, making it more efficient for eligible applicants to enter Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).
Impact on Canadian and Ukrainian Businesses
Benefits for Canadian Businesses
The updated Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) provides Canadian businesses with more options for accessing Ukrainian skilled workers. This can be particularly beneficial in sectors facing labor shortages, as it allows businesses to grow their labor pool and tap into a new source of talent.
Opportunities for Ukrainian Businesses and Investors
For Ukrainian businesses and investors, CUFTA now facilitates easier entry options to set up operations in Canada. This opens up new business opportunities and can help Ukrainian companies expand their reach into the Canadian market.
New Work Permit Options for Ukrainians in Canada
Enhancing Express Entry Points
The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) may also benefit Ukrainians already in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) open work permit. By obtaining an employer-specific work permit, these individuals could gain additional points under the Express Entry system’s “arranged employment” factor. This increase in points can potentially ease their path to permanent residency in Canada.
Conclusion
The updates to the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) effective July 1, 2024, offer significant opportunities for both Canadian and Ukrainian businesses and individuals. Whether you are a Canadian business looking to grow your labor pool, a Ukrainian investor aiming to set up operations in Canada, or a Ukrainian worker seeking permanent residency, these new provisions can provide valuable pathways to achieving your goals.
If you have any questions about how these changes might impact your specific situation or need assistance with your application, please feel free to reach out. Our team at Chaudhary Law is here to help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration law.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and as always, stay positive about your immigration journey. Contact us today for more information.
