How we move you in 4–6 weeks.

Most immigration files run long because there is dead time between phases — waiting for documents that should have been requested earlier, retrofitting a recruitment plan that was started incorrectly, responding to an officer's question that could have been pre-empted. Our process is engineered to remove that dead time.

The 4–6 week target applies to qualifying lanes: LMIA-supported applications in the Global Talent Stream, government-contracted employer streams, and select high-wage cases where parallel processing is structurally possible. For other lanes, we are direct about the realistic timeline.

Week 1 — Intake and File Build

Day 1–2 · Engagement

Discovery call, fee agreement, and engagement letter signed. We open the file in our case management system and assign a dedicated consultant and case manager.

Day 3–5 · Document Request

We issue the document checklist tailored to the specific stream and case. For applicants this typically includes passport, education credentials, language test results, work experience letters, police certificates (where required), and medical exam booking. For employers this includes business registration, payroll evidence, financial statements, and the job description.

Day 6–7 · NOC Mapping and Stream Confirmation

We confirm the National Occupational Classification code, prevailing wage, stream eligibility (Global Talent, high-wage, low-wage, designated), and any LMIA exemptions that may apply. The strategy memo for the file is finalized.

By the end of Week 1, the file is open, scoped, and document collection is underway.

Weeks 2–3 — Recruitment Compliance and Document Assembly

Recruitment (Employer side)

Where required, the four-week minimum recruitment campaign begins immediately. Canada Job Bank advertising goes live. Two additional methods (industry-specific job boards, professional associations, targeted outreach) run in parallel. We log every applicant, every screening decision, and every reason for non-selection — to ESDC's documentary standard.

Document Assembly (Applicant side)

Translations, credential evaluations (where required by the stream), reference letters, and supporting evidence are pulled together. We pre-review every document before it enters the application package.

Drafting (Both sides)

Application forms, transition plan (high-wage), business legitimacy attestations, and cover letters are drafted to file-ready standard. Nothing is filed until everything is reviewed.

By the end of Week 3, the LMIA package is complete and either filed or pending the close of the recruitment window.

Week 4 — LMIA Filing and Work Permit Preparation

LMIA Filing

The complete LMIA package is filed with ESDC. For Global Talent Stream cases, processing service standard is two weeks. For designated streams, processing typically runs at the faster end of the published bands.

Work Permit Document Assembly

In parallel, we assemble the candidate's work permit application. By the time the LMIA decision lands, the work permit application is ready to file the same day.

Officer Liaison

If ESDC raises a question, we respond within the same business day. The most common procedural fairness issues are addressed with prepared responses we have already drafted.

Weeks 5–6 — Work Permit Decision and Pre-Arrival

Work Permit Filing

The instant the LMIA is positive, the work permit application is filed with IRCC. For overseas applications, processing varies by visa office; for in-Canada applications, processing is generally faster.

Pre-Arrival Briefing

While the work permit is in queue, we run the client through landing logistics: port-of-entry document checklist, what to declare, settlement basics, SIN and provincial healthcare enrolment, biometrics if not already provided.

Approval and Landing

Work permit issued. Client lands. Permit issued at the port of entry. The 4–6 week clock stops here for the qualifying lanes.

Beyond Week 6 — Post-Arrival and Onward

For Standard tier clients, we provide a 30-day post-arrival support window. Concierge tier clients receive 90 days of post-arrival support including settlement coordination. Beyond that window, we transition the file to PR strategy where applicable — Express Entry, PNP, or category-specific PR pathways.

What 4–6 Weeks Does Not Mean

4–6 weeks reflects typical timelines for qualifying LMIA-supported, government-contracted streams. Outcomes depend on IRCC processing and individual circumstances. No guarantees of approval. Files that fall outside qualifying lanes — for example, low-wage applications, complex inadmissibility, or visa offices with longer processing — operate on different schedules, and we will say so at intake.

What to do next

The Eligibility Quiz tells you whether your profile fits one of our 4–6 week qualifying lanes. To discuss timing for a specific case, contact us.