Toronto Area's York Region
Where talent and opportunity intersect
Centrally located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and one of North America’s largest business hubs, York Region is an in-demand location for top-tier companies and talent. Discover where talent and opportunity intersect and why it is the choice for your business expansion into Canada or the GTA!
Join a Top-Tier Canadian Business Hub
Why Canada? Why Ontario?
Workforce Advantage
- World’s most educated workforce — 67% of Canada’s core working age population has post-secondary education
- Progressive, business-friendly immigration programs designed to attract global talent
Competitive Costs
- Lower employment costs compared to the U.S. (including universal healthcare)
- Range of targeted business and R&D incentive programs available
- Lowest tax rate (METR) in G7 countries on new business investment, particularly in manufacturing
Market Access
- 15 free trade agreements with 51 countries representing 1.5 billion consumers and 2/3 of the global economy
Sustainability
- Ontario has 90% clean-sourced electricity
Stability & Quality of life
- Political and social stability
- Open & welcoming country
- Consistently ranked as one of the best countries to live in
Expanding
Your Company
in Canada?
Take Advantage of the Greater Toronto Area Talent Pool
World-class talent seeks out life in York Region and the GTA. This skilled workforce can help your company succeed. Future talent is developed through a strong talent pipeline with 18 post-secondary institutions within 90 minutes including York University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and others.
Relocating Existing Staff to Your Canadian Office
The Intra-company Transfer Program enables the transfer of specialized employees from your international office to your Canadian operation as temporary foreign workers, with expedited visa processing for eligible employees. This includes executives, senior managers, and workers with specialized knowledge.
Transferring employees from the U.S. or Mexico locations may qualify for an LMIA exemption.
Recruiting New International Talent to Your Canadian Office
The Global Talent Stream (GTS), Canada’s premier business immigration program, streamlines the process of bringing highly skilled or leadership-level employees to Canada from other countries with expedited processing of LMIA and work permit for eligible employees or positions.
Global Talent Stream Categories
CATEGORY A
For companies referred by designated partners, seeking to recruit a specific business leader or manager with unique experience or specialized knowledge, from another country. Referral required through a designated program partner such as York Region.
CATEGORY B
For employers looking to fill positions in a range of high demand occupations listed on the global talent occupations list such as engineers and technicians, computer programmers, IT analysts, etc. No referral required for designated occupations.
For more information about the program, visit the Global Talent Stream requirements page on the Government of Canada’s website.
Starting a New Company
in Canada?
Canada’s Startup Visa program aims to attract immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to establish innovative businesses in Canada, create jobs for Canadians, and compete globally. Entrepreneurs who receive support from designated organizations such as business incubators, venture capital funds, or angel investor groups, may be eligible to immigrate to Canada.
Your Gateway to Growth
With seamless connections to downtown Toronto and global destinations, your business is positioned to thrive. Major U.S. markets — including New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., and Chicago — are within easy reach: less than 10 hours by car or under 2 hours by air. York Region’s strategic location gives you access to more than 140 million consumers across Ontario, Quebec, and the Northeast and Midwest United States.
From logistics and distribution to talent access, the Region is fully integrated through major highways, cargo and passenger rail, and a GTA-wide one-fare transit system including direct access to the Toronto subway.
Startup or Scale-Up Company?
In York Region, startups and scale-ups can receive expert guidance to grow their businesses. Well established companies can tap into the #YRtech ecosystem to develop strategic partnerships. From Startup VISA programs to sector-specific accelerators, OVIN regional technology development sites and demo zones, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, and more resources are available from our innovation partners.
York Region Innovation Partners
Unlock the GTA
Cost Advantage
in York Region
Within the Greater Toronto Area, York Region offers operational cost-saving advantages for businesses looking to leverage Canada’s largest business hub and the talent that lives here. Benefit from:
Competitive Business Costs
Flexible Real Estate Options
Federal & Provincial Funding Incentives
Canada's Universal HealthCare System
From Class A Office Buildings to Quality Coworking Spaces
York Region is home to many office towers and business parks with Class A amenities. There are also a variety of coworking operations that provide opportunity for small businesses, and entrepreneurs to access top-quality office space at a reduced cost. Greenfield development is also possible.
Ready For The
Next Step?