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VMC analyzes your hire - CUSMA, CETA, ICT, or LMIA - and recommends the fastest compliant path.
Book Free Consultation →| Stream | Who it fits | Processing | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUSMA/USMCA (TN Status) | US and Mexican citizens in 60+ eligible professions | Same day (US nationals at border) | $230 compliance fee | Details |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers in your corporate group | 2-8 weeks | $230 compliance fee | Details |
| Global Talent Stream (GTS) | Tech and innovation roles on ESDC in-demand list, or designated partner referral | LMIA ~10 business days + permit ~2 weeks | $1,000 LMIA fee | Details |
| CETA (Canada-EU) | EU nationals - ICT, contract service suppliers, investors under CETA | 2-8 weeks | $230 compliance fee | Details |
| CPTPP | Nationals of Japan, Australia, Chile, Vietnam and other CPTPP members | 2-8 weeks | $230 compliance fee | Details |
Register your business and verify your identity. First-time users require a GCKey or Sign-In Partner account linked to your business.
Enter job title, NOC code, duties, wage, location, start date, and duration. Select the correct LMIA exemption code (e.g. T11 for CUSMA, C12 for ICT).
The employer compliance fee is $230 per worker per submission. This fee is non-refundable and is paid per Offer of Employment, not per renewal.
After submitting, you receive an Offer of Employment number (A-number). Give this to the worker - they must include it in their work permit application.
The worker applies using the A-number. IRCC reviews both the portal submission and the worker's application. Processing: 2-8 weeks depending on stream.
IRCC has authority to inspect employers who use the International Mobility Program. Non-compliance consequences are serious:
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is the fastest and most cost-effective way to bring US and Mexican professionals to Canada. No LMIA, no advertising, no cap.
Verify the worker's occupation appears on the CUSMA TN professional list. Over 60 professions qualify. Each has specific educational/credential requirements.
Write a detailed employer support letter on company letterhead describing: the profession, job duties, qualifications required, duration of employment, and confirmation the worker will be employed by a Canadian entity and paid in Canada.
Submit the Offer of Employment with the T11 exemption code, pay the $230 compliance fee, and provide the A-number to the worker before they travel to the border or apply to IRCC.
US nationals: Apply at a Canadian port of entry (land border, airport) or US pre-clearance. Decision is usually same day. Mexican nationals: Apply to IRCC online (Mexican citizens need a TRV first).
Full list of 60+ professions - VMC verifies if your position qualifies
VMC drafts TN support letters that align with IRCC and CBSA expectations.
VMC analyzes your hire - CUSMA, CETA, ICT, or GTS - and recommends the fastest compliant path. Book a free employer consultation to get a clear answer before spending time and money on the wrong route.
Your company must be referred by a designated GTS partner organization - such as Invest in Canada, provincial economic development agencies, or industry bodies like MaRS or CATA. The partner issues a referral letter you include in your LMIA application.
No referral needed. The role must exactly match an occupation on the ESDC Global Talent Stream occupations list. Key eligible roles include:
ESDC list is updated periodically - VMC verifies your current NOC eligibility
Contact GTS designated partner (Cat A) or confirm position on in-demand list (Cat B)
Employer submits complete GTS LMIA application with Labour Market Benefits Plan to ESDC
ESDC reviews the application - service standard is 10 business days for a complete application (met about 80% of the time)
Positive LMIA issued - worker submits work permit application to IRCC
IRCC aims to process the work permit within 2 weeks (met about 80% of the time). These are targets, not guarantees
Every GTS application requires an LMBP - a commitment to benefit the Canadian labour market. ESDC assesses the quality of the LMBP as part of the application.
Annual LMBP compliance reporting to ESDC is required. VMC helps draft and track your plan.
Can't wait 4-6 months for a standard LMIA. GTS enables rapid deployment of senior developers, architects, and data scientists.
Investors and designated GTS partners (e.g. from venture ecosystem) can provide the referral letter for Category A, unlocking even faster access.
Any company hiring in-demand tech occupations where the right candidate is abroad and a fast timeline (LMIA ~10 business days + permit ~2 weeks) is critical to the business.
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) stream under IRPR R205(a) allows multinational companies to transfer executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers to a Canadian entity - no LMIA, no advertising.
As of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed arranged employment (job offer) points from the CRS - an ICT offer under R205(a) no longer directly adds CRS points in Express Entry. Its value is work authorization: 12 months of Canadian skilled work builds eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). VMC advises on timing and eligibility.
Using the IMP creates ongoing obligations. IRCC expects employers to maintain conditions as described in the Offer of Employment and keep thorough records - both during and after the worker's employment.
Still have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
Book a free consultationGTA or anywhere in Canada: temporary status, PR strategy, employer files, or refusal review. We outline the plan before forms multiply.