International tech professionals who relocate to Canada will find an environment that prioritizes “politeness, diversity, respect and opportunities”. Tati Cortez and Aasia Rahguzar, members of Global Mobility Team, talked about work permit & relocation to Canada for tech professionals during VanHackCON 2022.
VanHackCON, our annual free event, is the largest online conference for senior tech talent who want to get a job in Canada, the US, or Europe. The 2022 edition took place on the 18th and 19th of November. Keep an eye out for more free events and sign up for our platform to access international job opportunities and unique preparation.
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Canada wants to add 465k new workers in 2023
Now is the perfect time to learn how to navigate the work permit process since Canada plans to expand its workforce with international professionals. According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) “Canada aims to welcome 465k new permanent residents in 2023, 485k in 2024, and 500k in 2025”.
International hires were made easier by the Global Talent Stream, a national programme designed to prioritize and expedite the normally lengthy process of work permit applications. The program also helps Canadian employers fill specialized occupations in the engineering and tech industry. The Global Talent Stream is divided into two steps: LMIA and work permit.
Navigating the Global Talent Stream programme
The mobility team at VanHack initially helps the Canadian employer obtain an LMIA, the Labour Market Impact Assessment. This document helps Canadian employers hire a foreign worker. The LMIA usually takes several months to prepare, submit and process. However with the Global Talent stream it’s been reduced to a very short and quick process with steps being removed to help Canadian players quickly bring specialized talent into Canada.
After the employer so after they obtain this document, we help the candidate with step two, the work permit application. We assist the tech professional in preparing all documents from beginning to end. So as soon as the LMIA is approved on the employer’s end, the candidate is ready to go for the submission.
Timeline for LMIA / Work Permit
LMIA – 2 to 3 weeks
Work permit – 1 to 3 months
Passport request – 7 to 10 business days
Receive work permit – Start work permit time
Documents candidates need to apply
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificates
- Common law proof
- Birth certificate for children
- Upfront medical exam
- Proof of qualification on your resume
- Police certificate
Note that all non English documents will have to be translated through a certified translator
VanHack helps you relocate with spouses and kids
Tech workers are allowed to bring family members along when relocating to Canada. Your dependents are spouses or common-law partners and/or children (biological, adopted or step).
A spouse or common-law partner will be eligible for open work permits for the duration of your stay in Canada. In two to three years, they will obtain an open work permit. Children over 5 years old will be eligible for study permits, kids under 5 years old will be eligible for visitor visas.
Family
- Spouse – Open work permit
- Children over 5 – study permit
- Children under 5 – visitor visa
How VanHack helps you relocate
VanHack’s Global Mobility Team will help you prepare and revise all the necessary documents for your family members, so you can all travel as a family and stay together for the duration of your work in Canada. Our team will help you with:
- Immigration consultancy (work permit)
- Follow up from the moment you sign the job offer letter
- General guidelines on preparation on arrival and documents to apply for after arrival
- Referral housing. Service / Realtor depending on city
Fees and cost
The fees and costs of the work permit application vary depending on family size. The main application costs $155 CAD and spouse application costs $255 CAD. Biometric fees for one person is $85 and for two or more people, $170 CAD. Only family members who are over 18 years old will need to submit biometrics. If families or individuals are traveling with a pet, there’s going to be requirements such as vaccinations and other costs.
Biometric fees
- Single $85 CAD
- Family $170 CAD
Permit fees
- $155 CAD main application
- $255 CAD spouse permit
- $150 study permit
- Child visitor visa $ 100
Additional costs
Our team’s advisors will provide a checklist and prepare workers and families from start to finish, revising documents and making sure that the application you submit is complete and correct. Some of the documents needed are:
- Translator
- Medical exams
- Pet travel
- Relocation
…
🌎 VANHACK, LinkedIn Talent Awards Winner 2021, is Canada’s most respected recruitment company. With more than 1,500 hires, VanHack is on a mission of increasing diversity and creating a borderless world. So if you are a software developer looking for a job abroad, in Canada, the US, or Europe, join VanHack today. 100% free for candidates, plus you will get all the preparation you need when your profile is shortlisted.
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