In order to come to Canada through a designated employer stream, you must have a job offer from a designated employer. These are companies recognized by the federal government or the provinces to hire foreign workers. They are employers who are unable to fill open jobs with qualified Canadian workers.
Work in Canada
Designated employer immigration streams allow for fast processing and issuing of work permits. This is because these programs do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Work permits do not take months to process under these programs meaning you can come and start working in Canada in as little as two weeks!
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed to attract newcomers to Canada’s four Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
This employer-driven immigration program connects foreign workers and certain international graduates with Atlantic employers unable to fill positions.
Designated employers can offer jobs to candidates and match them with settlement agencies in the region. The candidates can then apply for Canadian permanent residency.
This stream does not require an LMIA and is a streamlined pathway to Canadian permanent residency. The Atlantic provinces have pressing labour needs, which makes it important to fill jobs as quickly as possible.
People applying for permanent residency through the Atlantic Pilot Program may also be eligible for a temporary work permit to start working immediately.
Global Skills Strategy
The Global Skills Strategy was launched by the Canadian government as a way to help local employers hire top talent from around the world.
Applicants through this strategy can expect faster processing times, work permit exemptions, and enhanced customer service.
Under the Global Skills Strategy, applications can be processed in as little as 2 weeks if applicants meet the following requirements:
For LMIA-exempt workers:
- Applying from outside of Canada
- Their job falls under skill type 0 (managerial) or skill level A (professional) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- The employer needs to have submitted an offer of employment using the Employer Portal and must have paid the employer compliance fee
For workers who require an LMIA:
- Applying from outside of Canada
- The employer must have a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The program established the Global Talent Stream for temporary foreign workers and breaks down eligible employers into two categories.
The categories are broken down based on in-demand occupations and referral of the employer to the federal government by a recognized economic development authority.
The Global Skills Strategy is helping Canada boost its domestic technology sector by allowing companies to hire foreign workers with much needed experience and expertise.
Leaders in this industry feel this immigration program will give Canada a competitive edge in the international technology market.
Which Stream to Choose?
A designated employer immigration stream is a great option for coming to Canada. But finding one that matches your qualifications can be tricky. Be sure to read through the requirements of all the streams you are considering.
To make it easier for you, get some help from the Canadian immigration experts on the Canadim Team. We can give you all the information you need to start your Canadian immigration journey!
Find out more about your own eligibility for Canada’s designated employer immigration streams by completing our free online assessment.
A member of the Canadim Team will review your eligibility and contact you to discuss your options!