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Also known as “headhunters,” global search firms play a vital role in the Canadian economy by fueling companies with talented workers. These firms recruit people from all over the world, focusing not just on domestic talent within Canada but on all available workers from foreign nations. Global search firms are often highly aware of Canadian immigration policies and stay up-to-date on the latest policy changes. How exactly can global search firms use Canadian immigration policies to their advantage when searching for foreign talent? How do immigration lawyers in Canada help global search firms achieve their goals?
What is a Global Search Firm?
Global search firms are also known as “recruiting agencies” or “headhunters.” These organizations help companies find workers, usually focusing on high-level executives or those with very specific skills/experience. While general search firms may focus on work opportunities within Canada, global search firms expand their horizons to an international scale, assessing foreign workers who may fit work requirements in Canada.
It is worth noting that Canada is a relatively small country by population, especially compared to nearby nations like the United States. As a result, it may be particularly difficult for Canadian companies to recruit talent within the domestic workforce. This is why global search firms may be particularly vital to the Canadian economy, especially when one considers the “brain drain” caused by the United States. This is an established phenomenon in which the most talented Canadian workers often move to the United States to pursue work opportunities.
The process of searching for foreign talent can be extensive. Different firms may use different techniques, but the general goal is to find someone who has the necessary experience and skills to help the company succeed. Strategies may involve searching through established networks, interviewing candidates, submitting shortlists, and much more. Sometimes, these processes take months or even years – especially when a company needs to find an important employee, such as a CEO.
How Do Global Search Firms Use Immigration Policies to Their Advantage?
Global search firms could potentially take advantage of numerous immigration policies in Canada. They may be aware of certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that streamline work permits for specific types of workers. These PNPs are highly varied, as different provinces may need different foreign workers depending on their unique economies.
Global search firms might also consider many other immigration policies, such as the Intra-Company Transfer (ITC) program. This program allows companies to easily transfer employees from one “branch” to a Canadian branch or subsidiary. Of course, this would require the company to establish a branch in Canada in order to take advantage of the immigration policy. Note that virtually all top-level executives qualify for the ITC program, making it a potentially attractive option for global search firms.
How Do Global Search Firms Work With Immigration Lawyers?
Global search firms may choose to work with Canadian immigration lawyers in various ways. First, they may consult with lawyers to become familiar with the most recent Canadian immigration policies. Many of these policies change frequently, often without warning. Sometimes, PNPs expire. New PNPs might appear, presenting new opportunities for both global search firms and foreign workers. Sometimes, policies become more restricted, making certain immigration pathways less feasible.
When a global search firm finds a potential candidate, there may be questions about their eligibility to work in Canada. If recruiters face this challenge, they may turn to Canadian immigration lawyers for guidance. Even if it seems like a challenge to bring a foreign worker to Canada, a lawyer may provide relatively simple solutions.
A lawyer might also help candidates and search firms become familiar with the various cultural, language, and financial adjustments associated with a new career in Canada. For example, some foreign workers may need to improve their English or French skills before arriving in the True North, as this is an important immigration requirement. Foreign workers may also need to bring a certain amount of money with them to Canada, and this is another potential requirement for Canadian immigration.
Often, global search firms only turn to Canadian immigration lawyers after they experience some kind of unexpected barrier. For example, the firm might overlook an issue that potentially makes the candidate ineligible for Canadian immigration. This could throw the entire relocation into jeopardy, representing considerable losses for the firm. In this situation, a global search firm might turn to a Canadian immigration lawyer for assistance. The lawyer might, in turn, help employ various strategies to overcome the impasse. In certain situations, the lawyer might also suggest alternative immigration pathways.
Which Canadian Immigration Programs Can Global Search Firms Use?
Various programs could help global search firms locate foreign talent for their clients. These include the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) program, which has been in place since 2017. This program makes certain foreign workers eligible for faster processing times, and it may even exempt some foreign workers from permit requirements. However, it is worth noting that this program targets short-term workers rather than long-term additions to company leadership.
Another option is the Global Talent Stream (GTS), which also allows streamlined, faster work permits in many cases. Unlike the GSS program, however, the GTS program focuses on “unique, specialized, and highly skilled foreign workers. These workers may be more aligned with the goals of global search programs, which often seek out those with specialized experience or unique skills.
Can a Canadian Immigration Lawyer Help My Search Firm?
Global search firms often enlist the help of Canadian immigration lawyers when searching for foreign talent. While finding foreign talent might be relatively easy, facilitating their movement into Canada may be more challenging than many firms realize. This may be particularly true as Canada adjusts its existing immigration policies. Heightened restrictions could pose new challenges for global search firms, making it more difficult for foreign workers to team up with Canadian employers. Regardless of the specific challenges involved, a discussion with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer could prove productive. Continue this conversation by contacting Ackah Business Immigration Law today.
