Canada work permit: LMIA-based work permit / Global Talent Stream
Sponsoring a work permit in Canada: salary threshold, licence, processing 2 weeks (GTS) to 4 months (standard LMIA) and right-to-work duties.
Employer facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | LMIA-based work permit / Global Talent Stream |
| Salary threshold | Provincial median wage or higher |
| Licence | LMIA from ESDC unless exempt (CUSMA, ICT, GTS) |
| Processing | 2 weeks (GTS) to 4 months (standard LMIA) |
| Right to work | Verify SIN and permit conditions; employer compliance inspections can go back 6 years. |
- LMIA fee CAD 1,000 per position
- Employer compliance fee CAD 230
- Work permit fee CAD 155
Sponsoring a hire in Canada, step by step
- Check the role. Confirm the occupation is eligible and the salary meets Provincial median wage or higher before the offer is made.
- Employer standing. LMIA from ESDC unless exempt (CUSMA, ICT, GTS). Gather the registration, financial and HR evidence the authority asks for.
- Petition and documents. The candidate's passport, qualifications, experience letters and police or medical checks are validated against the published list.
- Filing and biometrics. The petition is lodged, biometrics are booked and the decision window of 2 weeks (GTS) to 4 months (standard LMIA) starts; the guaranteed date is quoted to HR and the candidate.
- Start date and compliance. Verify SIN and permit conditions; employer compliance inspections can go back 6 years.. Reporting duties, address changes and expiry dates are tracked for the life of the permit.
Questions, answered
What salary must an employer pay for a LMIA-based work permit / Global Talent Stream in Canada?
The current threshold is Provincial median wage or higher. Offers below it are refused or need an exemption, so check the figure against the role before the offer letter is issued.
Does the employer need a licence to sponsor in Canada?
LMIA from ESDC unless exempt (CUSMA, ICT, GTS). Vistolane checks the employer's standing before a petition is started and records the evidence on the case file.
How long does a Canada work permit take?
Typically 2 weeks (GTS) to 4 months (standard LMIA) from a complete filing. Vistolane quotes a guaranteed filing date from the published window and the earliest biometrics slot.
What right-to-work evidence must be kept?
Verify SIN and permit conditions; employer compliance inspections can go back 6 years.. Expiry dates and renewals are tracked on the employee record so the sponsor's duties are met.