Hire global talent, compliantly and efficiently
We help British Columbia and Nova Scotia employers navigate provincial nominee requirements and LMIA-based hiring, so you can bring in the skills your business needs.
BC Provincial Nominee Program
The BC PNP attracts prospective immigrants with skills in demand across the province. Employers can support a nomination that helps their prospective hire file for permanent residency.
Requirements for employers
- Established employer operating in the province of British Columbia.
- Offer permanent, full-time employment.
- Provide wages in line with industry standards and practices.
- Present an employer declaration that meets market recruitment requirements.
- Provide a written job offer letter, and notify authorities of any changes in employment terms.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program
NSNP offers similar program benefits to BC PNP, tailored to Nova Scotia's labour market needs.
Requirements for employers
- Business in good standing, established in Nova Scotia.
- Under the current management or ownership for at least 2 years.
- Demonstrated satisfactory recruitment efforts to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident first.
- Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- An official full-time job offer located in Nova Scotia, with a compensation package meeting provincial employment standards.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA is a document an employer generally needs before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA indicates a genuine need for a foreign worker because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role, and it allows the worker to apply for a work permit.
What the employer provides
- An official job offer letter or contract.
- A copy of the approved LMIA.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is administered across three departments: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). There is ongoing demand for foreign workers across many sectors, from caregiver positions to high-wage roles, and we can help you understand where your hiring need fits.
Frequently asked questions
Do all foreign hires require an LMIA?
Most employer-specific work permits require a positive LMIA, but some categories, such as certain intra-company transfers or international agreements, are LMIA-exempt. A consultant can confirm which route applies to your hire.
How long does an LMIA application take?
Processing times vary by stream and current government volumes. High-wage and low-wage streams can differ significantly, and we provide realistic timelines specific to your occupation and region during a consultation.
Can a new business apply for BC PNP or NSNP employer nomination?
Requirements differ by program. BC PNP generally expects an established employer in good standing, while NSNP typically requires the business to have been under its current management for at least 2 years. We can assess your specific eligibility.