Discover PHOENIX-GMI
Phoenix-GMI is a Quebec company specialized in international recruitment and immigration procedures such as work permits and residence visas. We also help qualified foreign workers and their families settle and assimilate in Quebec.
We offer companies tailor-made, turnkey services to meet the labor shortage issues that are prevalent in Quebec in several sectors. Therefore, we promote change management in companies so that they can meet the challenge of cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
We also support individuals who dream of immigrating to Quebec.
Our international clientele is made up of individual and corporate clients. Individual clients usually contact us to determine their status in Canada and process their sponsorship applications, permanent residency applications through CSQ or Express Entry, visas/AVE, as well as study and work permits.
To meet the needs and objectives of our corporate clients, we have developed extensive expertise and strategies concerning work permit applications throughout Quebec. This has allowed us to support many companies in their recruitment missions, intra-company transfers as well any other situation requiring a work permit.
PHOENIX-GMI offers services centered around the four pillars of strategic international recruitment:
1/ The selection of candidates and their recruitment abroad
2/ The handling of strategic immigration procedures
3/ The welcoming of candidates and the support of their overall integration in Quebec
4/ The provision of French classes and resources to facilitate the smooth professional transition of non-francophone candidates into their new positions.
PHOENIX-GMI offers other types of immigration support besides international recruitment services for Canadian firms. In fact, simple immigration support was our primary area of expertise before we launched our international recruitment program.
We handle immigration procedures for private clients and qualified skilled workers recruited by Canadian companies.
We offer work permit and visa services so that families and students can be assisted in the various procedures that lead to temporary status, permanent residence or Canadian citizenship.
Our team is composed of over 15 permanent employees who share a common passion: international recruitment in all its complexity and constant evolution on the global scene.
Each member of our team plays a key role in the services we provide – from the collection and analysis of recruitment needs to providing constant, 24/7 support during the recruitment mission and integration of new employees.
All the services offered by PHOENIX-GMI are carried out by members of our team, without the help of subcontractors. This allows us to offer you an unparalleled, customized service and to ensure continuous communication with you.
Ninety percent of our clients are located outside the Greater Montreal area. Even if our offices are based in Montreal, our communication and follow-up system with our clients is so efficient that we have established a presence throughout the entire province. We are even pioneers in the Chaudière-Appalaches region!
We care about and are fully aware of the socioeconomic future of Quebec. Therefore, we adapt our services to the reality of your region and your specific concerns. Check out the testimonials of some of our previous clients, who point out the positive impacts our support has had on their lives.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for subsidies, assistance programs or the reimbursement of certain expenses set up by the Quebec government. We recommend that you contact your Emploi Quebec center for more information about this since every firm we work with has a different profile.
Yes, of course!
We invite you to consult our website that contains a variety of testimonials from our clients and the candidates we have recruited. You will also find examples of successful past mandates.
International recruitment
Over the years, PHOENIX-GMI has developed its own international recruitment strategy to implement a structured and unique process that ensures the efficiency and adaptability of each recruitment project.
Depending on your needs, we offer two types of missions to recruit the skilled candidate you need to guarantee the operational security of your company:
– an in-person recruitment mission, or
– a virtual recruitment mission.
We take charge of your projects from A to Z. We evaluate the technical skills of your chosen candidates so that they meet your needs. We are also attentive to their human abilities that will help them adapt and integrate successfully in Quebec.
Our operating mode allows the initiation of immigration procedures even before the pre-selection of candidates. Therefore, the chosen candidates will professionally correspond to the needs of our client companies while complying with Canadian government immigration requirements.
We recruit candidates for various sectors, including textiles, metallurgy, wood, plastics, health, information technology and artificial intelligence, engineering and mechanics, transportation, the food industry, and construction.
We find qualified candidates able to work at all hierarchical levels, including general managers, department or team managers, specialized employees and technicians, labourers, clerks, operators and assemblers.
Candidates are selected according to 3 main criteria: their competency, attitude and plans to immigrate to Quebec.
No, the candidates that you choose and welcome to Quebec in your firm will receive a “closed” work permit that will allow them to work for you only, in this case the employer whose name is indicated on the work permit.
A candidate could change company later on, but to do so he would have to comply with the immigration procedures instigated by the new employer.
We will design for you a thorough and effective recruitment process.
We do not create lists of candidates, we conduct each recruitment project according to the unique needs of the companies we work with. Depending on the employer’s requirements, specialized candidates are tested to evaluate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. If necessary, we also offer adapted psycho-technical tests.
Furthermore, we interview the pre-selected candidates and each profile is individually analyzed to assess the candidate’s background and any other pertinent information.
The entire process can take between 2 to 8 months. The duration varies according to several criteria, including a candidate’s country of origin, his profile, and potential job offer.
When an international recruitment mission is designed for one of our client companies, we establish a detailed recruitment process, which varies slightly depending on whether it will take place in person or virtually.
We communicate with our candidates and clients each step of the way to ensure transparency with regards to immigration procedures. This has particularly been the case in recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic and technological changes in some departments have also impacted the length of the process.
We organize virtual international recruitment missions during the whole year across various continents. In certain cases, an employer may wish to select candidates in 2 or 3 different countries at the same time to ensure the recruitment of highly qualified workers that can easily integrate the Quebec market.
We have adapted our in-person recruiting practices to comply with the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions. We are able to travel with or without firm representatives, depending on their wishes and needs. In all situations, however, we constantly remain in touch with our client companies. Several missions are conducted in different geographic areas. Once the pandemic restrictions in place are eased worldwide, our in-person recruitment missions should return to normal.
We have 12 recruitment pools, adapted to the needs of our client companies.
Through our numerous recruitment missions abroad and thanks to the sustained relationships we maintain with local and international representatives (that are not sub-contractors), we are able to offer you pools of professionally and humanly qualified candidates for immigration.
We are committed to creating a balance that promotes the integration of all into Canadian society through the diversification of our source countries. We scrupulously assess each candidate’s ability to become familiar with Quebec’s culture, values and language. Each recruited candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate his willingness to adapt to the province’s values and learn French.
When we recommend candidates from a specific recruitment pool, we take into account multiple criteria:
– time management – travel arrangements, immigration delays
– expected technical expertise and training,
– language requirements.
When recruiting abroad, we work directly on the field with our own team and local authorities. This way, we are able to select qualified candidates and avoid the costs of intermediaries.
When recruitment takes place in the Philippines, the process is slightly different. Selected candidates are only allowed to leave the Philippines if we have obtained specific authorizations by agents of the local government. However the selection process and immigration procedures are entirely managed by the PHOENIX-GMI team.
Our recruitment policies are designed to meet the needs of the company. We encourage a human approach with our candidates to give them the opportunity to showcase their skills and discuss about their life project and willingness to come to Quebec.
Yes, it is possible to recruit a temporary foreign worker without having to travel. This is what we call a virtual recruitment mission. Depending on your criteria and needs, we organize both in-person and virtual missions.
As part of a virtual mission, you can meet your candidates online (taking into account the time difference) and observe their aptitude and practical tests remotely in a highly controlled environment.
Thanks to our extensive experience, we have also set up a hybrid mission version that allows us to meet candidates in the chosen geographical area. Afterwards, you can be in contact with your own candidates remotely, if you are unable to travel.
A virtual recruitment mission is sometimes a little longer than an in-person mission, but we do our best to make the experience pleasant and enriching for both parties – since this first contact establishes an important working alliance between the candidates and their future employers.
When one of our client companies wishes to conduct a recruitment assignment, it receives personalized service and the full attention of the management team, without the presence of other employers at the same time. We conduct each recruitment project based on each of our client’s particular needs. Therefore no candidates can be exchanged with other companies.
An international in-person recruitment mission usually lasts from 3 to 5 days, depending on the number of candidates to be recruited. We have even had missions spread over two weeks due to the large number of candidates to be recruited in different fields for the same company.
Virtual assignments can take a little longer, as the screening and selection of candidates are two separate components. However, we proceed with work permit applications as soon as we receive candidates’ confirmation of employment.
Depending on your situation and your needs, we will put in place winning conditions to help you achieve your goals. Our strength is flexibility and our complete tailor-made service takes into account the realities of your business.
An amount will be determined by the number of candidates to be recruited and the type of position. This sum will cover the recruitment and immigration procedures fees needed to obtain a work permit and visa if applicable. Government processing fees are extra. Candidates should never have to pay any additional fees for their recruitment or for their immigration application.
Some government departments require regulatory documents, and in these cases translation fees may be required. Depending on the country, it may also be necessary to pay for a candidate’s biometric fees, PCR tests, medical examinations, and other regulatory fees imposed by the Canadian authorities depending on the work permit application.
Immigrating
We offer long-term support and our role is to ensure that you have access to the resources and strategies necessary to facilitate the integration of candidates into your company. We offer personalized assistance to ensure that the integration of each candidate goes as smoothly as possible in terms of francization and familiarization with practical and cultural life in Quebec.
We also take the necessary steps to ensure that work permit applications comply with government requirements, which allows temporary foreign workers to remain in their positions in the long term. Immigration services are also offered for all types of procedures ranging from visitor visas to complex humanitarian cases.
Here are the steps to take when recruiting a foreign worker already living in Quebec.
First of all, you must explore the Canadian labor market and check whether permanent residents or Canadian citizens could be willing and able to fill your company’s vacant positions.
At the same time, you may contact us and tell us what type of candidate you are looking for. We will begin the pre-screening process based on your needs. We will then determine the most appropriate category of work permit, with or without an exemption from the LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) and CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate), depending on the vacant position and the candidate’s profile.
3 steps are required to obtain a LMIA:
– obtain an EIMT and a CAQ,
– submit the candidate’s application for a work permit,
– go through a Canadian visa office or port of entry.
For work permits with an exemption from the LMIA, you will have to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the work permit after submitting the job offer on the employer portal.
Once these steps are completed, the candidate can come to Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue a work permit at the port of entry regardless of the type of license presented: with LMIA-CAQ or on exemption. PHOENIX-GMI will file a work permit application with a Canadian visa office beforehand, depending on citizenship. Of course, if the candidate already holds a work permit on Canadian territory, it will be possible to request an extension.
We will begin by reviewing the file in question to assess the situation and the risks concerning your status. Then, we will implement the necessary measures to correct that immigration status.
We cannot promise you miracles, but we but we will put all our expertise at your service to avoid future inconveniences.
An immigration consultant or lawyer has an obligation of means and not of result, even less of speed if the files have already been submitted to the designated ministries!
We suggest that you contact your consultant (make sure that he or she is authorized to offer immigration services in Quebec and in Canada) and try to find out the status of your file and what could be the reasons for the delay. Sometimes a simple missing document or a government delay can hinder the entire process.
If you are having trouble communicating with your representative, contact us. We will assess your situation and be happy to advise you.
PHOENIX-GMI has partnered with immigrant- settlement and economic development organizations to educate employers on the basics of work permit applications.
Consult our social media publications as we offer webinars, not only to share with you the latest government updates but also provide information about immigration procedures or cultural and professional integration. The objective is to make the teams in place aware of the richness of cultural diversity and inclusion. Our goal here is to raise awareness about the benefits of cultural diversity and inclusion in professional settings.
If such an event happened during a PHOENIX-GMI recruitment mission, our team would propose another candidate at no additional cost. If immigration procedures have already been initiated, we will file a new application and only the required government fees and expenses will be charged to the employer.
If you have organized your own recruitment international mission and you have only mandated us for immigration services, we will evaluate what can be done you will be charged according to your situation.
If you have carried out your own recruitment and you have mandated us for immigration services, we will evaluate the work carried out and you will be invoiced according to the situation.
In general, a work permit may be extended over a greater period of time if both the candidate and the employer continue to meet the requirements imposed by the various Canadian and Quebec ministries.
To apply for permanent residence, the candidate must have reached a certain level of French, one that meets the criteria required by the Quebec government. If the government francization service is not sufficient , we will provide a complementary tutoring service. Our immigration consultants will advise you and help you keep track of fees, deadlines and the various required intermediate procedures.
Integrating
Welcoming and integrating candidates in Quebec are part of the services we offer. Our PHOENIX-GMI team specialized in international mobility will welcome new employees at the airport and help them settle in Quebec. Our presence upon arrival will make your new team members feel welcome in Quebec, maximizing their chances of integrating smoothly into the Quebec society.
Here are some of the services offered to them:
– Preparation of the candidates for their cultural and professional integration in Quebec
– Settling into accommodation near their workplace
– Assistance with administrative formalities – registering for various public and private services (school, opening a bank account, obtaining a health insurance card and driver’s license)
– Adapting to their new environment
– Access to French-language courses, even for French speakers (Quebecois language courses)!
We also offer a VIP service for the executive members of your company’s. This service is advantageous because we can handle the reception process and immigration procedures at the same time, while promoting awareness of the issues related to the integration of foreign workers.
From the moment they are recruited, all candidates attend cultural and professional integration training through our integration platform and private discussion groups.
Upon request, we can offer integration programs adapted to your company’s culture to prepare you and your work teams. We also offer, on an ongoing basis, integration sessions for future foreign workers to prepare them for permanent residency, if applicable.
Welcoming and integrating new employees are part of the services we offer. Our team specialized in international mobility will welcome new employees at the airport and help them settle in Quebec. This presence makes your new team members feel welcome in Quebec, maximizing their chances of integrating smoothly into their new environment.
Our support is not limited to the logistics of the installation process. Each candidate is taken care of by our team beforehand, during the preparation of the immigration procedures, in order to help them understand what Quebec is all about. We also prepare the groundwork for employers so that integration goes smoothly for both parties and that the tools for sound diversity management are available.
We have a range of adapted services and operate in most regions of Quebec.
In French-speaking areas, the level of French spoken by candidates may vary depending on the country. The language level will be evaluated according to the employer’s needs. We will also ensure that the level of French meets the criteria of the MIFI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration) in the context of the application for permanent residence.
If the employer needs candidates who speak English, this element will be part of the selection criteria process and evaluated. Furthermore, in our selection process for non-French-speaking candidates, we target candidates who not only have a plan to live in Quebec, but also show a real desire to integrate and learn French. This is even a priority element considered in the preselection process of candidates.
Once selected, non-French-speaking candidates must begin learning French to acquire a basic level before their arrival.
The company and the candidate can benefit from the services of an interpreter during the first weeks of work, if necessary. Candidates will take intensive courses offered by MIFI within the first few weeks of their arrival in Quebec. This ongoing training will be part of their commitment to apply for permanent residency and work long term for your company.
