Amazon Partners with Green and Spiegel to Support Employees in Navigating Canada’s Evolving Immigration Landscape
Amazon has announced a strategic partnership with Green and Spiegel, a leading immigration law firm, to assist its Canadian employees in transitioning from temporary to permanent residency. This move comes amid growing complexities in Canada’s immigration system, which has become increasingly restrictive in recent years.
The tech giant employs approximately 46,000 people across Canada, with significant concentrations in major tech hubs. Vancouver and Toronto serve as key centers for Amazon’s technology operations, while AWS facilities in Calgary and Montreal, along with about 70 fulfillment and delivery stations, support the company’s vast logistics network.
Challenges in Canada’s Immigration System
According to Green and Spiegel, navigating the immigration process has become more challenging, particularly for those seeking to transition from temporary to permanent residency. Canada’s immigration system has undergone significant changes, leading to tighter restrictions and fewer opportunities for advancement for immigrants.
“It is getting more difficult to understand if there is a path forward because, for a lot of people now, there may not be one. There are far greater restrictions on visas than there have been in previous years,” explains a spokesperson from Green and Spiegel.
The Express Entry System: A Changing Landscape
One of the most notable changes is to the Express Entry system, once a relatively straightforward pathway to permanent residency. Recent modifications to the ranking system have significantly altered the immigration landscape, creating uncertainty for many applicants.
In recent months, only one general draw has taken place under the Express Entry system, selecting just 500 candidates. This stark reduction in opportunities highlights the growing challenges faced by individuals seeking to establish a permanent life in Canada.
A Shift in Prioritization
The revised point system under the Express Entry framework now heavily favors younger individuals with Canadian work experience and graduates from Canadian institutions. While this shift may benefit certain groups, it creates substantial barriers for more experienced professionals, particularly executives.
“We talk a lot about productivity these days, and when you compare Canada to the United States in many ways, Canada is more restrictive right now than the US in certain categories. What we want is a successful, productive country. And as we all know, immigration is a big piece of that… If there is no permanent pathway, people are going to look elsewhere,” notes a representative from Green and Spiegel.
A Broader Context: Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan
This partnership between Amazon and Green and Spiegel reflects the broader context of Canada’s changing immigration policies. The government’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026. This plan includes various measures affecting international students and temporary foreign workers, further complicating the immigration landscape.
As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of its immigration system, partnerships like the one between Amazon and Green and Spiegel may play a crucial role in helping skilled workers secure permanent residency and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Implications of the Partnership and Industry Trends
Amazon’s partnership with Green and Spiegel underscores the growing need for companies to navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system. As the tech giant employs approximately 46,000 people across Canada, this initiative not only aids in talent retention but also sets a precedent for other companies to follow.
The strategic move highlights the challenges faced by experienced professionals, particularly executives, under the revised Express Entry system. By collaborating with immigration experts, Amazon ensures that its workforce can continue contributing to Canada’s productivity, aligning with Green’s emphasis on immigration as a key driver of national success.
Broad Impact on Immigration Policies and Economy
The partnership reflects the broader context of Canada’s changing immigration landscape, particularly the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2026, impacting international students and temporary foreign workers, and underscores the need for companies to adapt their strategies.
As Canada navigates these changes, such collaborations may become essential for retaining skilled workers and fostering economic growth. This proactive approach by Amazon could inspire other companies to adopt similar measures, potentially influencing immigration policies and practices across industries.
Conclusion
Amazon’s partnership with Green and Spiegel exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape. By addressing the challenges posed by the revised Express Entry system and aligning with the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Amazon is not only ensuring talent retention but also setting a benchmark for corporate immigration strategies. This collaboration underscores the critical role of immigration in driving economic growth and highlights the importance of proactive measures for companies to thrive in a competitive global market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Amazon partner with Green and Spiegel?
Amazon partnered with Green and Spiegel to navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system, particularly under the revised Express Entry system, ensuring talent retention and compliance with evolving immigration policies.
How does this partnership impact other companies?
This partnership sets a precedent for other companies to adopt similar strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with immigration experts to retain skilled workers and adapt to changing immigration policies.
What are the broader implications of Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan?
The plan aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2026, impacting international students and temporary foreign workers. This underscores the need for companies to adapt their immigration strategies to retain skilled workers and support economic growth.
