Global Talent Stream
Highly EligibleWork permit for eligible technology roles under an expedited LMIA process. An LMIA is still required.
- Processing time
- Global Talent Stream LMIA about 10 business days, then about 2 weeks for the work permit
- Validity
- Up to 3 years
- Government fees
- CAD $155 work permit + LMIA fees ($1,000, paid by the employer)
Requirements
- Job offer in eligible occupation (Category A or B)
- Employer registered in Global Talent Stream
- A positive Global Talent Stream LMIA obtained by the employer
- Meet wage requirements
Documents you will need
- Passport: With adequate validity
- Job offer: For eligible tech role
- Qualifications: Proof of expertise
Worth knowing
- Software engineers, developers, data scientists are Category B
- The stream expedites the LMIA process but does not waive it
- Two-week work permit processing is an 80% service standard, and applies only to complete online applications made from outside Canada
- The occupation list covers many technology roles
- Spouse can get open work permit
Path to residency: Express Entry after 1 year Canadian experience
Work Permit (LMIA-based)
Likely EligibleEmployer-sponsored work permit that requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Processing time
- LMIA: 2-4 months, Work Permit: 2-4 weeks
- Validity
- Up to 3 years
- Government fees
- CAD $155 work permit + LMIA fees ($1,000)
Requirements
- Job offer from Canadian employer
- Employer obtains positive LMIA
- Qualification and experience for the position
- Proof of funds, ties to home country
Documents you will need
- Valid passport: With adequate validity
- LMIA letter: From employer
- Job offer letter: Detailed offer
- Proof of qualifications: Degrees, certifications
Worth knowing
- The Global Talent Stream can reduce LMIA processing to 2 weeks for eligible technology roles
- Tech roles often qualify for expedited processing
- Visa-exempt nationals, including US citizens, may apply at a port of entry instead of applying in advance; Mexican citizens have needed a visa since 2024 and generally apply from outside Canada
Path to residency: Express Entry with Canadian work experience
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Potentially EligibleLMIA-exempt work permit for transfers within multinational companies.
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (executives) or 3 years (specialized)
- Government fees
- CAD $155
Requirements
- Currently employed by multinational company
- Transferring to Canadian affiliate
- Executive, manager, or specialized knowledge role
- Worked for company 1+ year in past 3 years
Documents you will need
- Employment letter: From current employer
- Company relationship proof: Showing affiliation
- Job description: For Canadian role
Worth knowing
- No LMIA is required
- The employer must have a Canadian affiliate
- Spouse eligible for open work permit
Path to residency: Express Entry
Express Entry (PR)
Requires AssessmentPoints-based route to permanent residence.
- Processing time
- 6-12 months
- Validity
- Permanent Residence
- Government fees
- CAD $1,590 ($990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee)
Requirements
- Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Language proficiency (English/French)
- Education (ECA required for foreign degrees)
- Sufficient CRS score for invitation
Documents you will need
- Language test results: IELTS or CELPIP
- Educational Credential Assessment: For foreign degrees
- Work experience letters: From employers
- Police certificates: Background check
Worth knowing
- Tech draws often have lower CRS cutoffs
- Provincial nominee adds 600 CRS points
- Consider provincial programs like BC PNP Tech
- A higher CRS score improves the chance of an invitation
