Closed Work Permit

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an essential document that many Canadian employers need before hiring a foreign worker. Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), an LMIA confirms that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

Employers hiring a temporary foreign worker through a Closed Work Permit typically require a positive LMIA to support the work permit application. This assessment ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market. Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit by submitting the LMIA along with a valid job offer.

There are several LMIA streams depending on the type of job and wage level, including high-wage positions, low-wage positions, agricultural workers, and specialized streams such as the Global Talent Stream. Each stream has specific requirements, including job advertising, wage standards, and employer compliance obligations.

The LMIA process is detailed and time sensitive. Employers must show that they have made genuine efforts to hire locally, advertise the position properly, and offer wages and working conditions that meet Canadian labor standards. ESDC reviews each application to determine whether hiring a foreign worker is justified.

For foreign workers, a positive LMIA allows them to apply for a Closed Work Permit to work legally for the employer named in the LMIA approval. In some cases, it may also support a permanent residence application through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Navigating the LMIA process can be complex for both employers and workers. Missing documents or non-compliance with guidelines can result in delays or refusal.

At Drive2 Immigration, we provide step-by-step guidance for both employers and applicants. Our team helps you prepare a complete, accurate, and compliant LMIA application, increasing your chances of success. Book a consultation with us to get expert support throughout the entire process.

Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialized program under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program that helps eligible employers hire highly skilled foreign workers quickly. Designed to address skills shortages and promote innovation, the GTS fast-tracks the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, supporting Canada’s economic growth in technology and other key sectors.

As part of the Closed Work Permit stream, the GTS allows foreign workers to receive a job-specific work permit tied to the employer who obtained the LMIA. What sets the GTS apart is its speed—both the LMIA and work permit can be processed in as little as two weeks, making it ideal for urgent, high-demand positions.

The Global Talent Stream has two categories:

Category A: For employers referred by a designated referral partner who are hiring unique or specialized talent.
Category B: For employers hiring foreign workers in occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List, such as software engineers, data scientists, and web developers.

Employers participating in the GTS must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP), outlining commitments that benefit the Canadian labor market. This can include job creation, investment in skills training, or initiatives to improve workplace diversity.

The program is particularly suited for fast-growing industries like IT, engineering, fintech, and biotechnology, where timely hiring is critical. It allows businesses to remain competitive while ensuring foreign workers are employed under fair conditions.

For skilled professionals, the GTS provides a fast route to employment in Canada and can lead to long-term opportunities, including permanent residence through Express Entry.

At Drive2 Immigration, we guide both employers and foreign workers through every step of the GTS process. Book a consultation to learn how the Global Talent Stream can help you secure work authorization quickly and efficiently, while meeting all requirements.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is part of Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), allowing multinational companies to temporarily transfer key employees to their Canadian branches. This program supports global business growth while promoting investment and economic development in Canada.

Through the ICT program, qualified employees can be relocated from a foreign office to a Canadian location. To be eligible, applicants must have worked for the multinational company for at least one year within the last three years and have a qualifying relationship with the Canadian entity, such as a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
ICT applicants fall into three main categories:

Executives: Manage the company or a major part of it.
Senior Managers: Oversee departments or critical business functions.
Specialized Knowledge Workers: Possess proprietary expertise or in-depth knowledge of the company’s processes or products.

One of the key benefits of the ICT program is that it does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which speeds up the work permit process. However, applicants must provide thorough documentation, including job descriptions, organizational charts, and corporate records, to demonstrate their eligibility.

ICT work permits are usually issued for an initial period of one year, with extensions possible depending on the role. Executives and senior managers may be eligible for up to seven years, while specialized knowledge workers can apply for extensions up to five years. This program is ideal for companies expanding in Canada or bringing essential expertise to Canadian teams. It also offers potential pathways to permanent residence through programs like Express Entry.

At Drive2 Immigration, we assist both employers and employees in preparing strong ICT applications. Our team helps organize all necessary documentation, ensures compliance with program requirements, and guides you through every step of the process.

Book a consultation with us to determine your eligibility for the Intra-Company Transfer program and make your transition to Canada seamless and efficient.