How to Create a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) for the Global Talent Stream

If your business plans to hire through the Global Talent Stream (GTS), you must submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). This plan shows how hiring a temporary foreign worker will bring lasting benefits to Canada’s workforce. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews your LMBP as part of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Many applications are delayed or refused because of weak or unclear plans.

The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, a federal initiative that helps innovative Canadian companies fill highly skilled jobs when no suitable Canadians or permanent residents are available.

What Is a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)?

A Labour Market Benefits Plan is a formal agreement between your business and the Government of Canada. It details measurable actions you will take to benefit the Canadian workforce while employing global talent through the Global Talent Stream.

You submit the LMBP when you apply for an LMIA under GTS. Once approved, ESDC reviews your progress through yearly follow-ups.

Who Needs an LMBP?

You must create an LMBP if you are applying under either Global Talent Stream category:

Category A: Innovative firms referred by a designated referral partner
Category B: Employers hiring for jobs on the Global Talent Occupations List

A signed LMBP is required for approval in both categories.

Required and Complementary Benefits in an LMBP

Your Labour Market Benefits Plan must include one mandatory benefit and at least two complementary benefits. Each benefit should include clear activities, timelines, and targets.

Mandatory Benefit: Job Creation or Retention

You must commit to creating new jobs or retaining existing jobs for Canadians or permanent residents. Examples include:

Hiring Canadian staff to support or manage the foreign worker
Growing your team as your business expands
Preventing layoffs by filling a key skills gap

You need to specify:

The number of jobs created or kept
Job titles and skill levels
The timeframe for results

Complementary Benefits (Choose at Least Two)

You can select from options such as:

Skills and training investments
- Paid training for Canadian employees
- Upskilling or reskilling programs
Transfer of knowledge to Canadians
- Mentorship programs
- On-the-job training led by the foreign worker
Enhanced company performance
- Productivity gains tied to Canadian roles
- New product or service development
Best practices for workplace diversity
- Inclusive hiring policies
- Support for underrepresented groups

Each complementary benefit must be realistic and measurable. Vague or general commitments can lead to compliance issues later.

If you’re unsure about which benefits to choose, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you see if your hiring plans meet federal labour market requirements before you start your LMBP.

How to Write a Strong Labour Market Benefits Plan

A strong LMBP is specific, realistic, and connected to your business activities.

Step-by-Step Approach

Define your business need
- Explain why the role cannot be filled locally.
- Show how the role supports your business growth or innovation goals.
Set clear benefit targets
- Use numbers, not general statements.
- Example: “Train 5 Canadian software developers within 12 months.”
Align benefits with the role
- Senior technical hires should focus on knowledge transfer.
- Fast-growing firms should emphasize job creation.
Document timelines and accountability
- Include milestones that ESDC can verify.
- Assign responsibility to a specific role or department.

Remember, once your LMBP is approved, it becomes a compliance document. ESDC may ask for updates or inspect your workplace to check progress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being too vague
Statements like “we will support training” without numbers or timelines are often rejected.
Overpromising
ESDC expects realistic commitments. Missing your targets can lead to compliance action.
Copying generic templates
Your LMBP must reflect your specific business and role, not boilerplate text.
Ignoring follow-up reporting
Approved employers must show progress during annual reviews.

How ESDC Reviews and Monitors Your LMBP

After you submit your LMBP, ESDC reviews it as part of your LMIA application. If your plan is unclear or lacks enough detail, your application may be delayed or refused. ESDC also checks your progress through annual reviews. You may need to provide proof that you are meeting your commitments, such as training records or hiring reports. Failing to meet your commitments can lead to warnings, fines, or bans from the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Labour Market Benefits Plan legally binding?
Yes. Once approved, your LMBP becomes part of your LMIA conditions. ESDC can check your compliance.

Q: How long does Global Talent Stream processing take?
The Global Talent Stream aims for a two-week processing standard for LMIAs and work permits once you submit a complete application.

Q: Can small businesses apply under the Global Talent Stream?
Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses can qualify if they meet Category A or B requirements and submit a credible LMBP.

Q: What happens if I do not meet my LMBP commitments?
Failure to meet commitments can lead to warnings, fines, bans from the program, or refusal of future LMIAs.

Q: Do I need a new LMBP for each foreign worker?
Often yes. Each LMIA application must include an LMBP that matches the specific role and business impact.

Additional Resources and Support

Preparing a detailed LMBP can be challenging, especially if you are new to the Global Talent Stream. Reviewing successful examples and checking current requirements can help you avoid common mistakes. You can also consult with HR specialists or use online tools to compare your plan with federal expectations.

GrantHub offers access to hundreds of hiring and workforce-related programs across Canada. Their platform can help you identify relevant grants and supports as you prepare your LMBP, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Next Steps

A clear and well-prepared Labour Market Benefits Plan can speed up your Global Talent Stream application and help you avoid compliance problems. Consider reviewing recent program updates and using resources like GrantHub to compare your options and find the best fit for your next hire.

How to Create a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) for the Global Talent Stream