The Association of Union Masonry Contractors

 

 
 

MEMBERS ONLY
 

ICE established Construction Workers, Inc. (CWI) in concert with the BAC to obtain temporary work visas for Canadian craftworkers to meet labor shortages in the U.S.  Over 500,000 hours have been worked by Canadians on U.S. projects since 1997 as a result of CWI’s efforts.

The process begins when a contractor signs a service agreement with CWI.  CWI then acts as agent for that contractor for the work visa application process, obtaining necessary union endorsements and ushering the applications through the complicated procedures of both the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). 

When visas are approved, CWI helps the contractor identify available workers and provides those selected with authorization to work on that contractor’s projects.  Visas are employer and area specific, so the Canadian members can only work for CWI signatory contractors within a certain area (as determined by the DOL).

CWI's services are available to construction industry employers who are signatory to collective bargaining agreements with the following unions:

International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers

United Association Journeyman & Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Sheet Metal Workers' International Association

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

International Union of Painters & Allied Trades

International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators

Contractors that benefit from the program pay CWI for all direct costs related to their application ($1500-$2000) plus a service fee equal to 2% of the wages and fringes paid to the Canadian workers. Delays in BCIS processing can be minimized by using the BCIS Premium Processing Service for an additional $1000 fee to the BCIS.  The total processing time to obtain H-2B classification for the first workers for a specific project or group of projects using premium processing is usually under 10 weeks.

For information, please contact CWI International Services Coordinator, Belén Pifel:

Phone: 202-457-9040

Fax: 202-457-9051

bpifel@icebac.org

 

CWI FORMS

Visa Application Form  

Four Copies of this form with original signature's at each indicated X should be forwarded to CWI

 

CWI Service Agreement  

Needs to be executed before CWI can begin an application

 

Agency Agreement  

One signed and notarized copy of this agreement is necessary for CWI to begin an application

 

Staffing Needs Sheet  

This form needs to be filled out completely and forwarded to CWI's office via fax or e-mail

 

 
 
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P.O. Box 21462 · Washington, DC 20009 · 202-457-9040 · Fax 202-457-9051 · e-mail: info@icebac.org