Your trusted Canadian immigration partner
Hire the global talent your business needs. We help Canadian employers navigate LMIA applications, work permits, and compliance requirements.
Comprehensive support for hiring foreign workers
Labour Market Impact Assessment to hire foreign workers when no Canadians are available.
Fast-track processing for highly skilled global talent in designated occupations.
Transfer executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers to Canadian operations.
Hire foreign workers without an LMIA under various international agreements and exemptions.
Contact our employer services team for a consultation on your hiring needs.
Schedule ConsultationCommon questions about hiring foreign workers in Canada, LMIA applications, and work permits.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. It proves that no Canadian worker is available for the job. Employers must apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), demonstrate recruitment efforts, and show the hire will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast-track work permit program for skilled tech workers. It has two categories: Category A (for unique talent referred by a designated partner) and Category B (for workers in in-demand tech occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List). Processing target is 2 weeks. Employers must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Standard LMIA processing takes 2-4 months. The Global Talent Stream targets 2-week processing. High-wage LMIA applications require a transition plan. Low-wage LMIA applications have additional requirements including a cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers.
Some work permits do not require an LMIA, including: intra-company transferees (ICT), CUSMA/CETA professionals, post-graduation work permits (PGWP), spousal open work permits, and workers covered by international agreements. The employer must still submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal.
LMIA application fees are $1,000 CAD per position. Work permit fees are paid by the worker ($155 CAD). Additional costs include recruitment advertising ($2,000-$5,000), legal/consulting fees, and potentially relocation support. The Global Talent Stream requires a Labour Market Benefits Plan with commitments to invest in skills training for Canadians.