You need a work permit. But which companies will actually sponsor you?
The answer depends on which program they use and how desperate they are for talent.
Here's the complete guide.
The Two Main Paths to Sponsorship
1. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The traditional path—employer proves no Canadian available.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 2-4 months typical |
| Cost to employer | $1,000 government fee + legal fees |
| What employer must prove | No qualified Canadian/PR available |
| Your work permit validity | Tied to that specific employer |
2. LMIA-Exempt Programs
Faster paths that don't require LMIA:
| Program | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream (GTS) | Tech workers in specific occupations |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Employees transferring within same company |
| CUSMA/USMCA | US/Mexico citizens in specific professions |
| International Mobility Program | Various categories (reciprocal agreements, etc.) |
Global Talent Stream: The Fast Track for Tech
The GTS is the best option for tech workers—processing in ~2 weeks.
Eligible Occupations (Category B)
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 21231 | Software Engineers and Designers |
| 21232 | Software Developers and Programmers |
| 21233 | Web Designers |
| 21234 | Web Developers and Programmers |
| 21211 | Data Scientists |
| 21223 | Database Analysts and Data Administrators |
| 21222 | Information Systems Specialists |
| 22220 | Computer Network and Web Technicians |
| 22310 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists |
Source: CIC News GTS Occupations
How GTS Works
- Employer applies for LMIA under GTS stream
- LMIA processed in ~10 business days (vs months for regular)
- You apply for work permit from outside Canada
- Work permit processed in ~2 weeks
Total time: As little as 3-4 weeks
Companies Known to Sponsor Work Permits
Big Tech (Active LMIA/GTS Users)
| Company | Sponsorship History | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | ✅ Very active | Large volume, multiple programs |
| ✅ Active | Sponsors for specialized roles | |
| Microsoft | ✅ Active | Uses ICT and GTS |
| Meta | ✅ Active | Primarily senior roles |
| Apple | ✅ Active | Selective but sponsors |
Canadian Tech
| Company | Sponsorship History | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | ✅ Has sponsored | Less active post-layoffs |
| Wealthsimple | ✅ Has sponsored | Growing team |
| Hootsuite | ✅ Has sponsored | Vancouver-based |
| OpenText | ✅ Active | Large employer in Waterloo |
| SAP Canada | ✅ Active | Uses multiple programs |
Banks
| Company | Sponsorship History | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RBC | ✅ Very active | Largest bank, sponsors regularly |
| TD | ✅ Active | Technology transformation |
| Scotiabank | ✅ Active | International focus |
| BMO | ✅ Active | Growing tech team |
| CIBC | ✅ Active | Digital transformation |
LMIA-Exempt Companies (Innovation Stream)
These 8 companies can grant LMIA-exempt work permits under the Innovation Stream:
| Company | Industry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Listed companies | Tech/Innovation | Part of Global Hypergrowth Project |
Check CIC News for current participating companies.
Finding LMIA-Approved Employers
Official Government Resources
| Resource | Link | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Job Bank TFW Search | jobbank.gc.ca/temporary-foreign-workers | Jobs with LMIA requested/approved |
| LMIA Employers List | open.canada.ca | Quarterly list of approved employers |
Job Bank TFW Status Indicators
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "LMIA has been requested" | Employer applied, waiting for approval |
| "LMIA is approved" | Employer has permission, can hire you faster |
How to Search Job Bank
- Go to jobbank.gc.ca/temporary-foreign-workers
- Search for "software" or your target role
- Filter by location
- Look for LMIA status indicators
The LMIA Process: What to Expect
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Employer decides to sponsor you | Variable |
| Employer prepares LMIA application | 2-4 weeks |
| LMIA processing (regular stream) | 8-12 weeks |
| LMIA processing (GTS) | ~10 business days |
| Your work permit application | 2-8 weeks |
| Total (regular) | 3-6 months |
| Total (GTS) | 3-4 weeks |
What Employers Must Do
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Post job for 4+ weeks | On Job Bank + 2 other sources |
| Interview Canadians/PRs | Demonstrate recruitment efforts |
| Pay prevailing wage | Can't undercut local salaries |
| Pay $1,000 fee | Plus legal fees (~$2,000-5,000) |
| Commit to training | GTS requires Labor Market Benefits Plan |
Why Some Employers Won't Sponsor
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-10,000+ in fees and legal costs |
| Time | Months of process, paperwork |
| Uncertainty | LMIA can be denied |
| Easier to hire locally | If qualified Canadians available |
| Small company | HR not equipped for immigration |
How to Get Sponsored
Strategy 1: Target Sponsorship-Friendly Companies
Focus on: - Large tech companies with international offices - Companies already sponsoring (check LMIA employer list) - Companies struggling to hire locally (specialized skills) - Companies with Global Talent Stream access
Strategy 2: Use Your PGWP First
- Get hired on PGWP (no sponsorship needed)
- Prove your value for 6-12 months
- Ask employer to sponsor when PGWP nearing expiration
- They're more likely to sponsor someone they know
Strategy 3: Develop In-Demand Skills
Companies sponsor when they can't find Canadians. Focus on: - AI/ML engineering - Cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, Azure) - Cybersecurity - DevOps/SRE - Specialized frameworks/languages
Strategy 4: Be Direct in Interviews
| What to Ask | When to Ask |
|---|---|
| "Do you sponsor work permits?" | During initial recruiter call |
| "Have you used LMIA or GTS before?" | If they say yes to sponsorship |
| "What's the typical timeline?" | When discussing offer |
Red Flags: Sponsorship Scams
Warning Signs
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "Pay us to get you an LMIA" | Illegal—employers pay, not workers |
| Extremely low salary | May be trying to exploit your status |
| Vague about company details | Could be fake job |
| "LMIA guaranteed" | No one can guarantee LMIA approval |
| Asks for money upfront | Scam |
Legitimate Process
- Employer pays all LMIA fees
- You never pay the employer for sponsorship
- Process goes through official ESDC/IRCC channels
- You receive official documentation
Alternatives If You Can't Get Sponsorship
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Programs | Some PNPs lead to work permits |
| Express Entry | If you have enough points, PR gives work rights |
| Study permit + work | Return to school, work part-time |
| Spousal sponsorship | If married to Canadian/PR |
| Working Holiday (IEC) | For eligible countries (UK, France, etc.) |
FAQ
How do I know if a company will sponsor before applying?
Check the LMIA employer list for their name, or ask directly during the first recruiter call. Many job postings now indicate "visa sponsorship available."
Can I ask for sponsorship after being hired?
Yes, but it's harder. Better to clarify before accepting. Some companies have policies against sponsoring existing employees.
Does PGWP experience help with sponsorship?
Yes! Employers are more likely to sponsor someone who's already proven themselves. Use your PGWP time strategically.
What's the difference between LMIA and GTS?
GTS is a type of LMIA—a faster stream specifically for tech occupations. Processing takes ~10 days vs months for regular LMIA.
Can startups sponsor?
Yes, but many won't due to cost and complexity. Larger companies with HR/legal resources are more likely to sponsor.
What happens if my LMIA employer goes out of business?
Your work permit becomes invalid. You'd need a new employer willing to sponsor, or another status (implied status while applying).
Key Takeaways
- Global Talent Stream is fastest — ~2 weeks for tech occupations
- Large companies sponsor more — Amazon, Google, banks actively use LMIA/GTS
- Check the LMIA employer list — Official government data on who's sponsored before
- Use Job Bank TFW search — Find jobs with LMIA already requested/approved
- PGWP first, sponsorship later — Prove yourself before asking for sponsorship
- Never pay for your own LMIA — That's illegal and a scam
Getting sponsored is harder than getting hired—but it's not impossible with the right strategy.
Related Articles: - PGWP Job Search Guide - Work Permit Sponsorship Guide - International Student Tech Job Guide - Companies Hiring New Grads - Browse All Open Positions
Sources: - Canada Job Bank: Temporary Foreign Workers - Open Canada: LMIA Employers List - CIC News: Global Talent Stream Occupations - CIC News: LMIA-Exempt Companies - ImmiQuest: Top Companies Hiring Through GTS - ICC Immigration: How to Move to Canada as Tech Worker