More and more Canadian employers are realizing the need to expand their talent pool to international communities, given the limited supply of local software developers. Hiring internationally brings a plethora of advantages and benefits to employers, including access to the world’s top talent, diversified hiring funnels, and increased innovation in strategy and product offerings, to name a few. However, there are still perceived challenges when it comes to hiring developers internationally. In this article, we take a look at the fundamentals of all you need to know about relocating tech talent to Canada.
Some of the perceived issues many employers struggle with are:
- Complex process
- Longer hiring lead times
- Managing the relocation process
The experts at VanHack have been in the international tech recruitment industry since 2015 and handled more than 800 applications to bring global tech talent into Canada. Hiring software developers globally can be stress-free and smooth when you have an experienced team working with you.
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Get the latest updates on:
- The Global Talent Stream program
- Applying for the LMIA
- Tips for the Labour Market Benefits Plan
- Relocation Checklist for your candidate
- Additional resources
Read on for more information on how to relocate your software developer to Canada.
The Global Talent Stream
The Canadian government launched the visa program “Global Talent Stream” (GTS) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2017, which allows companies to access and hire top tech talent from around the world.
❓Who can I hire?
Some of the tech positions employers can hire through the program can be found on the Global Talent Occupations List, and allows for work permit applications to have up to 3 years duration.
The key parts of a GTS application involves applying for the LMIA, submitting a Labour Market Benefits Plan, and applying for the work permit, which we’ll go into more details below.
❓How much time does it take?
Normally, it takes on average 3-5 months to complete the GTS application. This includes:
- 1-2 weeks to prepare documents
- 2 weeks for LMIA approval
- 2-4 months for work permit approval
We encourage employers to save time by having their new hire start working remotely while kick starting the relocation process simultaneously. Many companies find this gives them the opportunity to assess the candidate’s performance and fit with the team before relocating. It also allows for increased productivity, as they can start contributing right away before they physically relocate.
LMIA? NOC Codes? Category B Workers?
For recruitment teams who are exploring hiring developers internationally, all the processes, requirements and documents can seem overwhelming at first. We’ve got you covered – let’s take a look at some of the key parts of a GTS application.
📌 Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that gives permission for the employer to hire a temporary foreign worker (TFW) with the GTS.
Approval time is typically 2 weeks. Once it’s issued, the candidate can start their application for a work permit.
📌 Category A vs. B Workers
Under the GTS program, there are two categories of workers that you can hire – A or B. The majority of software developers that VanHack helps hire are Category B. We’ll explain what each category is briefly.
- The position is a unique and specialized role, indicated by:
- The worker possesses advanced knowledge of the industry, and
- An advanced degree in an area of specialization of interest to the employer, or
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of specialization
- At least $80,000 base salary
- Must be referred by one of the program’s designated referral partners
- The designated referral partner must validate that the company meets the following criteria:
- Is operating in Canada
- Has a focus on innovation
- Has a willingness, and is capable of scaling up
- Is seeking to fill a unique and specialized position
- Has identified a qualified foreign worker for potential hire
- Usually companies are eligible to fill a very limited number of Category A workers (1 or 2 positions a year) on the basis that very few specialized individuals exist with the unique skill sets required
- Covers experienced software developers
- Includes highly-skilled and in-demand positions found on the Global Talent Occupations List, such as Software Engineers, Computer Programmers, and Web Developers
📌 NOC Codes
Each occupation under the Global Talent Occupations contains a National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code for identification purposes.
Here are some of the popular tech positions’ NOC codes that Canadian employers hire for.
📌 Minimum Wage Requirements
What should you be paying your international tech hires? The government requires that employers pay the prevailing wage, defined as the highest of either:
- The regional median hourly wage posted on Job Bank
- The wage that is within the wage range that you are paying your current employees hired for the same job and work location, and with the same skills and years of experience
Difference in wage requirements for Category A and B workers:
- Category A: First two positions at no less than $80,000 annually. Additional positions at no less than $150,000 annually.
- Category B: Hourly wage rate at minimum, for jobs with wage floors
❓ Need tips on calculating your software developer’s minimum annual salary?
- Search the job by NOC code or job title on the Job Bank site (Eg. NOC 2173 – Software Engineer)
- Get the median hourly wage for your region (Eg. For Ontario – Toronto region: $46.15/hour)
- Calculate the minimum annual salary for a 40 hour work week: $46.15*40 hours*52 weeks = $95,992 annual salary
- Use this Calculator to quickly generate the minimum annual salary for your developer
Step 1: Select Your Candidate
Before you can apply for the GTS visa, you’ll probably want to have a qualified candidate who is ready to move to Canada!
VanHack has a growing, diverse talent pool of close to 400,000 global software developers that companies can source from. Our experienced team does all the hard work of vetting and matching qualified candidates that meet your requirements. Recruiters will receive 10 candidates within 48 hours of posting a job with us.
Our team also helps set up interviews, streamlining the process so you can hire faster. The robust platform on VanHack makes it super easy to view and search candidates, move them through the hiring pipeline, schedule interviews and communicate with the VanHack team. We’re also experienced with handling all the relocation, visa application and paperwork needed.
Sign up for free to access our global talent pool today.
❓ Don’t have a candidate in mind?
Some companies might want to prepare in advance for the GTS application when they know they will make future international hires, but haven’t found the candidates yet. There are a couple ways to go about this.
Employers can apply for an Unnamed LMIA, where there is no name indicated for the TFW. A positive unnamed LMIA is valid for 18 months. However, drawbacks would be that it is difficult to change the salary or job title once you find your candidate.
Alternatively, you can create a “forecast” to the Labour Market Benefits Plan (more on the LMBP below). For example, employers can forecast that they will hire 2 TFWs next year, along with the necessary commitments. When it comes time to apply for the 2 TFWs next year, employers can save time in the process by avoiding multiple phone calls with Service Canada to negotiate the LMBP for each application. The drawback with the forecast approach is that employers will be making higher commitments in their LMBP, regardless of whether the hires actually happen or not.
These options are available for employers who wish to expedite the GTS application process – however at VanHack we usually recommend the traditional route of applying with a named candidate as it has less restrictions.
Step 2: Apply for LMIA under the Global Talent Stream
The application package requires the following forms to be filled out:
- Global Talent Stream Application Form (EMP5624)
- Includes business information, job and wage details, Labour Market Benefits Plan (Mandatory & Complementary Labour Market Benefit – for first time applicants only)
- Global Talent Stream – Annex 1 Additional Occupation (if applicable)
- Proof of Business Legitimacy (if applicable)
- Specific tax documents that show you can afford to pay the temporary foreign worker and that you run a legitimate business
There is also a $1,000 processing fee per application.
For detailed information about each section of the application, refer to this Applicant Guide.
📌 Labour Market Benefits Plan
As part of the LMIA application package, employers applying for the first time need to include a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). It demonstrates your commitment to activities that will have lasting, positive impacts on the labour market. Employers need to work with Service Canada to:
- Develop activities to meet commitments
- Identify commitments
- Track the progress of commitments
The LMBP is made up of two parts:
- Mandatory Benefit
-
- Category A: Employers must commit to creating jobs for Canadians and permanent residents
- Category B: Employers must commit to increasing skills and training investments for Canadians and permanent residents
-
- Complementary Benefits
- Employers must commit in the plan to achieving a minimum of 2 complementary benefits with at least 1 activity for each benefit
- Recommended Complementary Benefits:
- Job Creation – Commitment to hire 1 Canadian citizen or permanent resident for every TFW hired
- Knowledge Transfer – Have the TFW supervise/mentor Canadians OR lead 1 lunch-and-learn per quarter
It includes the commitments, targets and documents that the employer will provide. Below is an example of a LMBP (click to expand images):
Other documents to include in the LMIA application:
- T2 – Schedule 100
- T2 – Schedule 125
- PD7A
- Letter of Attestation
- Employment Contract
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After completing the application, you can submit it via email or the online portal.
Email – Quebec
Email – Rest of Canada
LMIA Online Portal
You can now submit your LMIA using the new LMIA Online Portal. You must have a valid Job Bank user account for authentication purposes. Once your Job Bank account is created, you will be able to complete an LMIA application via the LMIA Online Portal.
After submitting your LMIA, Service Canada will contact you through email or phone to process your application. They will work closely with you to make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can bring in the best tech talent you need to grow your business.
It usually takes about 10 business days to receive your LMIA.
Step 4: Candidate Applies for Work Permit
Once your LMIA is approved, you will get a letter with an LMIA number. You can give this number to your candidate and they will use this to apply for their work visa on the CIC website.
Some candidates will also need to get medical exams and biometrics for themselves and any family members on the application.
📌 GCKey Account
Candidates should create a GCKey account to start their online work permit profile, and obtain a detailed document checklist based on their personal circumstances.
📌 Relocating with Their Family
Tech professionals can relocate with their family to Canada, which includes spouses, common law partners and dependent children.
Spouses and common law partners may be eligible for open work permits. Children over the age of 6 are eligible for a study permit, children under 6 can apply for a visitor permit.
Helpful links:
- Guide on Applying for a Work Permit Outside of Canada (Guide 5487)
- Documents Checklist (IM 5488 E) for the application
- Approved panel physicians in every country
- Get biometrics
- Estimated work permit processing times by country
Supporting Employers’ International Hiring
VanHack is experienced in the tech recruitment industry, having processed over 800 successful applications to bring tech talent into Canada. Here are just a few ways how our team supports you with international hiring.
Sourcing qualified candidates
With a talent pool of close to 400,000 developers, employers can access the top tech talent the world has to offer. Our team will curate a list of best suited candidates for your specific roles. We do the hard work of vetting, verifying English skills and preparing candidates before they are recommended to employers.
Intuitive recruitment platform
A lot of employers find VanHack’s platform easy to use and comprehensive for hiring developers. Search and save preferred candidates, move them through different stages of the hiring pipeline, schedule interviews, direct message candidates and our team through the Chat, and access all the information you need such as candidate qualifications and notes from your team members.
Relocation support
Our expert global mobility team is here to help employers with the whole relocation process – from making sure you have all the required documents, submitting the LMIA, to ensuring the candidate’s work permit is successfully approved.
Ultimate Global Mobility Guide
Get our latest guide to access all you need to know for relocating tech talent to Canada. Everything we’ve covered in this article and more, including support and resources for your candidate, are included in the guide.
Support for Your Candidate
Check out this article on all you need to know as an employer in supporting your new tech hire’s relocation to Canada.
