The Information Technology (IT) field in Canada is growing rapidly, experienced workers in this field are in high demand. As a result, the government has designed certain programs that make it easier for foreign IT workers to acquire a work permit in Canada.
There are a few immigration programs available for IT workers to work in Canada as temporary residents.
The most popular are the Global Talent Stream LMIA and the Intra-Company Transferee to Canada.
What are the Requirements for the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is for employers who wish to hire highly qualified foreign professionals. It was formed by a partnership between the government body of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the government department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The GTS expedites the application process to facilitate the hiring of skilled professionals.
Employers and foreign workers have to meet the eligibility requirements defined under 2 categories:
Category A is for employers who are referred by 1 of the appointed partners of the GTS and should be hiring someone who is a unique professional.
The talented employee is required to have a minimum of 5 years of advanced experience in the field and in-depth knowledge of the profession. They must be offered a minimum annual salary of $80,000 CAD.
Applicants for Category A are required to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan with the ESDC. The Benefits Plan is to ensure that the employer has long-term plans to invest in activities that will have a positive impact on the Canadian labor market.
They must demonstrate their commitment to creating jobs for the Canadian labor market in their plan that will be assessed periodically.
Category B is for employers who are looking to hire talented international workers from occupations specified in the Global Talent Occupation List.
There are many occupations on the Global Talent Occupation List that are specific to the IT field, making it a favorable option for IT professionals looking to work in Canada.
The talent and wage requirements for both categories are the same.
Applicants for Category B must also develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan with the ESDC to demonstrate their plan to increase skills and training investment for the Canadian labor market.
What are the Requirements for Intra-Company Transferee to Canada?
An Intra-company transfer allows an international business with strong affiliations with a parent company, branch, or subsidiary in Canada the option to bring important employees to Canada.
The employees are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). They must also have a temporary residence visa.
As the business owner, you must have at least 1 year of experience in your current company in a position similar to what you’ll be occupying in the Canadian company in the preceding 3 years of your initial application.
Only the following positions are eligible for the program:
- Executive: An employee responsible for managing the company or any important department of the company
- Senior Manager: An employee responsible for managing all parts of the company and who supervises and manages other managers
- Functional Managers: An employee responsible for managing all functions of a company except employees
- Specialized Knowledge: An employee who has specialized and advanced knowledge about the company’s products and services
If you want to establish a startup company in Canada, then you can bring important employees through the Intra-Company Transfer Program.
You will need to demonstrate your ability to establish a startup in Canada and provide the following information:
- Documentation to prove that the company can financially support the cost of business and compensate employees
- Provide a business plan that highlights the plan for staffing in Canada
- Have a physical office in Canada
The Intra-Company Transfer allows a 1-year temporary work permit that can be renewed if the company continues to do business and retains a qualifying relationship.
