The Canada Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialized program designed to fast-track the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers by Canadian employers. Through a partnership between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the GTS helps companies compete globally by streamlining access to international talent. Launched in June 2017, the GTS falls under the umbrella of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and offers expedited work permit processing through the Global Skills Strategy.
What Is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of Canada’s broader TFWP. It focuses on helping Canadian employers secure highly skilled international workers to fill specialized positions quickly. By simplifying certain processes, including Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements, GTS gives businesses a competitive edge on the international stage.
This program’s key attraction is its promise of rapid processing times—both for LMIAs and work permits. Successful applicants can often begin work in Canada in as little as two weeks, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria.
GTS Program Requirements
Employers must meet core criteria before they can hire workers through the Global Talent Stream. These requirements ensure that only qualified employers with genuine labour needs gain access to this expedited pathway.
1. Processing Fee
Employers must submit a CAD $1,000 application fee (per position requested) when applying under the GTS.
2. Business Legitimacy
Like all TFWP applicants, employers must prove that their business is legitimate, providing documentation to demonstrate financial stability and active operations in Canada.
3. Labour Market Benefits Plan
A Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) is mandatory for GTS employers. This plan outlines how hiring through the GTS will create lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market. Generally, Category A applicants must commit to job creation, whereas Category B applicants must commit to increased skills and training investments for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
4. Positive LMIA
Although the GTS involves an LMIA, it’s streamlined compared to regular TFWP streams. Employers need not prove extensive recruitment efforts but still require ESDC approval before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit.
Two Categories of the Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream accepts applications through two distinct categories: Category A and Category B. Each category has unique eligibility requirements, although both share the common elements mentioned above.
Category A
Category A is for employers referred by one of the GTS’s designated partners. These employers must be seeking unique and specialized talent—individuals who possess advanced industry knowledge, have at least five years of specialized experience, and often command a salary of at least CAD $80,000.
Designated Referral Partners for Category A
Employers must secure a referral from a designated partner organization. Below is a partial list of these referral partners:
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Council of Canadian Innovators
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Accelerated Growth Service
- Invest in Canada
- TECHNATION
- Various provincial and regional economic development agencies (e.g., Invest Ottawa, Toronto Global, Vancouver Economic Commission)
Note: Quebec employers should consult the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) website for designated referral partners located in Quebec.
Unique and Specialized Talent Requirements
- Advanced industry knowledge and education
- At least five years of specialized experience
- Typically paid a minimum annual salary of $80,000 CAD
Category B
Category B targets highly skilled foreign workers filling positions listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. These occupations are considered in high demand, with a shortage of qualified workers in Canada.
Below is the Global Talent Occupations List, which identifies eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes for Category B:
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21300 | Civil engineers |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 21330 | Mining engineers |
| 21390 | Aerospace engineers |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 21210 (subset) | Mathematicians and statisticians (excluding actuaries & related occupations) |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists |
| 21221 | Business system specialists |
| 21222 | Information systems specialists |
| 21233 and 21234 | Web designers, developers, and programmers |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| 21223 | Database analysts and administrators |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22220 | Computer network technicians (Computer network and web technicians) |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
| 51120 (subset) | Producer, technical, creative, and artistic director/project manager – VFX & gaming |
| 52120 (subset) | Digital media designers |
Note: Employers must meet both the specific occupation requirements and the minimum wage requirement to qualify under Category B.
How to Apply for the Global Talent Stream
Applying to the GTS is a two-step process involving both employer and employee.
Step 1: Employer Applies for LMIA
The employer submits an LMIA application under the GTS, paying the CAD $1,000 fee and providing all necessary documentation, including the Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Step 2: Employee Applies for a Work Permit
Once a positive LMIA is granted, the foreign worker can apply for a Canadian work permit. Applicants may consider hiring an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer or consultant to guide them through the process.
GTS Work Permit Processing Time
One of the standout benefits of the Global Talent Stream is expedited processing:
- LMIA Processing: The Global Talent Stream LMIA process typically averages around eight business days.
- Work Permit Processing: Qualified GTS candidates can receive work permit approval in as little as two weeks.
For applicants intending to work in Quebec, a Québec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) is also required. Fortunately, the CAQ is similarly expedited under the GTS.
Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)
A Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) is mandatory for all GTS employers. This plan outlines how hiring foreign workers will contribute positively to Canada’s labour market over time.
- Category A: Employers must commit to job creation—direct or indirect—for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- Category B: Employers must commit to increased skills and training investments for Canadians and permanent residents.
The LMBP is formulated in collaboration with ESDC to ensure accountability and the long-term effectiveness of the GTS program.
Costs for Coming to Canada Through the Global Talent Stream
Foreign nationals and employers incur different fees when applying through GTS:
- Global Talent Stream Processing Fee: CAD $155 for a work permit application.
- Quebec CAQ Fee (if applicable): CAD $210.
- LMIA Fee: CAD $1,000, payable by the employer.
In total, costs for the foreign worker can range from CAD $155 to $365, depending on whether they need a CAQ for Quebec. The LMIA fee remains the employer’s responsibility.
Global Talent Stream Work Permit Restrictions
A work permit issued through the Global Talent Stream is a closed work permit, linking the foreign worker to a specific employer. If the worker wishes to change employers or job roles, they may need to reapply for a new permit or seek another valid work permit option.
Is the Global Talent Stream LMIA-Exempt?
The GTS is not LMIA-exempt. However, the LMIA requirements are far less cumbersome than other TFWP streams. Employers do not have to show detailed proof of efforts to hire a Canadian or permanent resident first, substantially easing the burden of LMIA submission.
Permanent Residence Through the Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream itself provides a temporary work permit and does not directly grant permanent residency. However, working in Canada can significantly improve a candidate’s eligibility for various Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry. By gaining Canadian work experience, foreign workers can enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, often paving the way to permanent residence down the line.
Conclusion
The Canada Global Talent Stream (GTS) offers a strategic avenue for Canadian employers seeking highly skilled professionals and for foreign workers aiming to expedite their journey to work in Canada. With streamlined LMIAs, short processing times, and a supportive framework that fosters long-term labour market benefits, GTS stands out as one of Canada’s most efficient work permit programs.
Whether you’re an employer scouting global talent or a skilled foreign professional looking to tap into Canada’s innovation landscape, the GTS can fast-track your objectives. By understanding each category’s requirements, preparing comprehensive documentation, and complying with the Labour Market Benefits Plan, you can maximize the chances of a successful application and help shape Canada’s global competitive edge.