One of the advantages of Brexit for global businesses has been the increased mobility of British talent to positions outside of the EU, and it has never been easier for businesses to unlock global opportunities by relocating talent from the UK to Canada. In this article, we’ll briefly look at main immigration pathways, benefits, and strategies involved when relocating talent from the UK to Canada, whether internally from one branch of a company to another, or to fill a new position.
Immigration Pathways: What’s Involved?
Canada provides several immigration options for workers relocating from the UK, but for corporate relocations, the main focus is employer-sponsored visas. These include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – which is ideal for people taking up a temporary role in a Canadian business– and the International Mobility Program (IMP), which is geared towards longer term and permanent migration. These programs make it easier for Canadian businesses to hire foreign workers in ‘skills shortage’ sectors where Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.
The Intra-Company Transfer route is particularly beneficial for multinational companies looking to transfer key employees to their Canadian offices. This pathway provides a smoother and faster relocation process without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – a legal safeguard designed to protect Canadian jobs.
Benefits To Your Employees And Your Organisation
Canada’s stable economy and diverse industry sectors offer UK professionals an attractive range of opportunities to grow and contribute to your organisation’s success. By actively facilitating the international mobility of talent, you can fill critical skill gaps in your Canadian operation, foster greater diversity, and enhance innovation within your teams.
Employer Support Strategies
So, what actions can you take to make the relocation process easier and less stressful for your British recruits?
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Relocation packages – offering your new employees a comprehensive relocation package that covers moving expenses, temporary housing, and even language training (immigrants to Canada are expected to be proficient in either French or English) can overcome relocation anxiety and help you fill positions in a shorter timeframe.
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Settlement assistance – international relocation can place a significant psychological and financial burden on your employee, so providing practical information and resources regarding education, schooling for children, healthcare, and local culture can help your employee and their family settle in more quickly, with benefits to productivity and integration.
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Integration support – helping new employees understand the Canadian tax system, joining professional associations, and obtaining any necessary licences and work permits are crucial steps in facilitating a smooth transition. This is especially important for employees that hold professional or specialist qualifications gained in the UK – walking them through the skills recognition process, or helping them acquire additional certifications, will help them find their feet more quickly and reduce the cost of the relocation for your organisation.
Next Steps
For personal advice on moving to Canada from the UK and how to support your employees through our corporate relocation service, please get in touch with one of the specialists at Galleon International today.
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