Internship for a foreign student

[FiveO]

I'm a permanent resident in Canada and my niece and nephew, who both study in Finland, are interested in coming to Canada for a short-term (1-2 months) unpaid internship.

The other one is 18 years old, studies media production and is looking for an internship in different production companies (theaters, news) or companies in need of multimedia products. The school runs an international program which includes paying all the costs of the internship (fees, travel etc.).

The other one is 16 years old, studies to be a practical nurse but focuses on early development and is looking for an internship in daycares. The school runs an international program but only in EU countries.

I know that this questions gets asked a lot, but I wanted to make sure I have the latest information on this. Can a person come and do a short-term internship in Canada without a work permit or LMIA? I've been mainly focusing on reading this: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/unique-situations/interns.html, but there are so many exemptions that I want to make sure I don't miss any, so I want to hear from the good people of this forum.
Thank you!

 

[scylla]

I'm a permanent resident in Canada and my niece and nephew, who both study in Finland, are interested in coming to Canada for a short-term (1-2 months) unpaid internship.

The other one is 18 years old, studies media production and is looking for an internship in different production companies (theaters, news) or companies in need of multimedia products. The school runs an international program which includes paying all the costs of the internship (fees, travel etc.).

The other one is 16 years old, studies to be a practical nurse but focuses on early development and is looking for an internship in daycares. The school runs an international program but only in EU countries.

I know that this questions gets asked a lot, but I wanted to make sure I have the latest information on this. Can a person come and do a short-term internship in Canada without a work permit or LMIA? I've been mainly focusing on reading this: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/unique-situations/interns.html, but there are so many exemptions that I want to make sure I don't miss any, so I want to hear from the good people of this forum.
Thank you!

Based on the information you've provided, I don't believe they fall under any of the exemptions. This means an LMIA and work permit would be required.

Normally I would recommend the IEC program (at least for the 18 year old). But I don't believe Finland participates in this program.

 

[FiveO]

Based on the information you've provided, I don't believe they fall under any of the exemptions. This means an LMIA and work permit would be required.

Normally I would recommend the IEC program (at least for the 18 year old). But I don't believe Finland participates in this program.

That's what I thought. It might be obvious from the ages of the kids, but they study in vocational schools (instead of college etc.), if that makes any difference (not high enough level perhaps to steal anyone's job...).

You're right, Finland doesn't have the IEC program with Canada. Based on the information, would you think trying to get LMIA and work permit is feasible. Or basically not worth it?

Thank you!

 

[scylla]

That's what I thought. It might be obvious from the ages of the kids, but they study in vocational schools (instead of college etc.), if that makes any difference (not high enough level perhaps to steal anyone's job...).

You're right, Finland doesn't have the IEC program with Canada. Based on the information, would you think trying to get LMIA and work permit is feasible. Or basically not worth it?

Thank you!

I can't imagine the employer is going to be willing to go through the LMIA process for internships that are just a few months long. The LMIA process is a long, involved, and expensive process for the employer and requires them to prove no Canadian could be hired for the role.

If the employer is willing to try and spend the $1K on fees + additional money on the advertising required, then I guess you can try. But I would be prepared for a significant possibility the LMIA is going to be refused. IMO it's not worth it but up to you of course.

They need to both have a strong back up plan.

 

[FiveO]

Thank you! You confirmed what I feared.