On This Page, You Will Find:
- What the Global Talent Stream is and how it fits into the Global Skills Strategy
- Category A: designated referral partners and unique and specialized talent
- Category B: the global talent occupations list and its wage floors
- How the prevailing wage rule works
- The Labour Market Benefits Plan and annual progress reviews
- Fees, employer obligations and compliance
- Processing: the two-week service standard and where it stands in 2026
- Step-by-step: how employers and workers apply
- Hiring in Quebec
- Frequently asked questions
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is the fast-track route within Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program for employers hiring highly skilled foreign workers. It pairs an expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) with expedited work permit processing from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Global Skills Strategy.
ESDC’s published service standard for a GTS LMIA is 10 business days, and its own monthly figures show the stream is meeting it. IRCC’s two-week work permit target, however, is currently a goal rather than a guarantee – the department warns applicants that Global Skills Strategy applications will probably take longer than two weeks while it works through volumes.
The program requirements were last updated by ESDC on 24 April 2026. Several details commonly repeated online – including the occupations list and the wage floors – have changed, so this page reflects the current official text.
What the Global Talent Stream Is
The GTS is an employer-led stream. Foreign workers cannot apply to it directly; an employer must first obtain a positive GTS LMIA for the position, and the worker then applies for a Canada work permit using that decision letter.
It sits inside the broader Global Skills Strategy, which also includes a dedicated service channel for employers making job-creating investments and short-term work permit exemptions for highly skilled workers.
Those exemptions are narrower than often described. A worker in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation can work without a permit for up to 15 consecutive days once every six months, or up to 30 consecutive days once every 12 months. Researchers at publicly funded, degree-granting institutions get one 120-day period every 12 months.
What Are The Global Talent Stream Requirements?
Category A: Referral Partners and Unique Talent
Category A is for innovative companies referred to the stream by one of ESDC’s designated referral partners. Applications submitted to Category A without a completed referral form are treated as incomplete and are not processed.
The referral partner must confirm that the company is operating in Canada, has a focus on innovation, is willing and able to scale up, is filling a genuinely unique and specialized position, and has already identified a candidate for it.
A position counts as unique and specialized only if it meets all of the following:
- Pay of at least $38.46 an hour and a base salary of at least $80,000 a year, or the prevailing wage if higher – the employer must meet both the hourly and the annual figure.
- Advanced knowledge of the industry.
- An advanced degree in an area of specialisation of interest to the employer, and/or a minimum of five years of experience in the field.
Category A is designed for very small volumes – typically one or two positions a year. ESDC will consider additional referrals only where the referral partner reconfirms eligibility and the extra position pays at least $72.11 an hour, equal to a base salary of at least $150,000, or the prevailing wage if higher. There is no flexibility on that figure.
The designated partner list was last revised in April 2025 and now groups partners by region. It includes pan-Canadian bodies such as the Business Development Bank of Canada, Invest in Canada, TECHNATION, the Council of Canadian Innovators and NRC-IRAP, alongside dozens of provincial and municipal economic development agencies. Employers should check the current list on the ESDC page before approaching a partner, because entries are added and removed.
Category A: List of ESDC Designated Partners
- Under Global Talent Category A, employers must be referred by one of the following (subject to change)
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- BC Tech Association
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office
- Communitech Corporation
- Council of Canadian Innovators
- Economic Development Winnipeg
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
- Government of Alberta, Alberta Labour
- Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology
- Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Education and Training
- Government of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- Government of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade – Ontario Investment Office
- Government of Prince Edward Island, Island Investment Development Inc.
- Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Immigration and Career Training – Employer Services Branch
- Halifax Partnership
- ICT Association of Manitoba (ICTAM)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Accelerated Growth Service
- Invest Ottawa
- London Economic Development Corporation
- MaRS Discovery District
- National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
- Privy Council Office, Special Projects Team
- Vancouver Economic Commission
- Venn Innovation
- Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
Quebec Designated Partners
- Investissement Quebec
- Montréal International
- Québec International
- L’Association québécoise des technologies
Category B: The Global Talent Occupations List
Category B needs no referral. It is open to any employer in Canada hiring for an occupation on ESDC’s global talent occupations list, which was last updated in December 2022 and now runs wider than the tech-only list many summaries still describe.
Occupations paid at the prevailing wage include:
- Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
- Civil engineers (21300), electrical and electronics engineers (21310), mining engineers (21330) and aerospace engineers (21390)
- Computer engineers, except software engineers and designers (21311)
- Mathematicians and statisticians (a subset of 21210; actuarial roles are excluded)
- Data scientists (21211), cybersecurity specialists (21220), business system specialists (21221) and information systems specialists (21222)
- Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230), software engineers and designers (21231), software developers and programmers (21232)
- Web designers (21233) and web developers and programmers (21234)
Four entries carry their own wage floors. Employers must meet the hourly rate; the annual figures are illustrative only:
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310): $41.35 an hour, about $86,000 a year
- Computer network and web technicians (22220): $40.87 an hour, about $85,000 a year
- Information systems testing technicians (22222): $41.03 an hour, about $85,000 a year
- Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager in visual effects and video games (a subset of 51120): $40.87 an hour, about $85,000 a year
- Digital media designers (a subset of 52120): $38.46 an hour, about $80,000 a year
The two subset occupations require a minimum of three years of relevant experience – reduced from the five years that older versions of the list specified.
Comprehensive List Of Global Talent Stream Jobs
The table below sets out the current global talent occupations list. Where the wage column says “prevailing wage”, the employer must pay the prevailing wage for the occupation and region. Where a figure is shown, the employer must meet the hourly rate or the prevailing wage, whichever is higher; the annual salary is illustrative.
| NOC 2021 | Occupation | Minimum hourly wage | Illustrative annual salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21300 | Civil engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21330 | Mining engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21390 | Aerospace engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| Subset of 21210 | Mathematicians and statisticians (actuaries and related occupations are excluded) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21211 | Data scientists | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21221 | Business systems specialists | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21222 | Information systems specialists | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21233 | Web designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | $41.35 | About $86,000 |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians | $40.87 | About $85,000 |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians | $41.03 | About $85,000 |
| Subset of 51120 | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – visual effects and video games. Requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience. | $40.87 | About $85,000 |
| Subset of 52120 | Digital media designers. Requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience. | $38.46 | About $80,000 |
Figures reflect the ESDC global talent occupations list as published on the Global Talent Stream requirements page, last updated 24 April 2026. Always confirm the current figure on the ESDC page before submitting an application.
Global Talent Stream: Employer Benefits
Employers who use the Global Talent Stream (GTS) benefit from fast-track processing, making it one of the quickest pathways to hire foreign talent in Canada. Once approved for the GTS, employers enjoy a streamlined process that includes two-week processing for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and two-week work permit approval. This fast turnaround allows companies to fill critical roles quickly, minimizing disruptions to business operations and ensuring they remain competitive in their industries.
A key requirement for accessing the GTS is the submission of a strong Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP), which outlines how the employer will contribute to Canada’s economic growth. Employers must demonstrate how hiring foreign talent will create positive impacts, such as job creation for Canadians or investments in training and upskilling local workers. For example, a tech company may highlight how hiring specialized talent will allow them to expand operations, create additional jobs for Canadians, or offer internships and training programs to local workers.
By submitting a well-crafted LMBP that showcases these benefits, companies not only fulfill program requirements but also position themselves as contributors to Canada’s workforce development and economic prosperity, making them more likely to gain approval under the GTS. This combination of fast processing and demonstrated benefits offers employers a powerful tool for growth.
Step-by-Step Guide for Employers and Foreign Workers under the Global Talent Stream
Step 1: Employer Applies for the LMIA
- Identify the need for global talent: Employers determine that there is a shortage of local skilled workers in a specialized role and decide to use the Global Talent Stream (GTS) to hire a foreign worker.
- Contact a Designated Partner (for Category A only): If applying under Category A, the employer needs to be referred by a designated partner. Category B doesn’t require this step.
- Prepare the LMIA Application: Employers fill out the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application for the GTS. This application demonstrates that hiring foreign workers will address specific skill shortages in Canada. Employers must also ensure they are eligible under the GTS by meeting the program’s criteria.
- Submit the LMIA Application: The completed application is submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) along with a $1,000 processing fee per worker.
Timeline: Once submitted, the LMIA will be processed within 2 weeks.
Step 2: Submit the Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)
- Prepare the LMBP: The Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) outlines how hiring foreign workers will benefit the Canadian labor market. Employers must show how they plan to create jobs for Canadians, invest in training, or enhance productivity. For instance, tech companies often commit to creating more jobs, offering internships, or training Canadian staff.
- Submit the LMBP Alongside LMIA: The LMBP is submitted together with the LMIA application. Employers work closely with ESDC to develop and finalize the plan.
Timeline: The LMBP is evaluated as part of the 2-week LMIA processing time.
Step 3: Workers Apply for a Work Permit
- Receive the Approved LMIA: Once the LMIA is approved, the employer provides the foreign worker with the approval details.
- Prepare the Work Permit Application: The foreign worker applies for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), using the positive LMIA as part of the application.
- Submit the Work Permit Application: The foreign worker submits the work permit application online, along with required documents such as a job offer letter, the LMIA approval, and proof of qualifications.
Timeline: The work permit is typically processed within 2 weeks.
Summary of Timelines
- LMIA and LMBP Submission: 2-week processing by ESDC.
- Work Permit Application: 2-week processing by IRCC after LMIA approval.
This expedited process allows employers to fill critical positions within about a month from the start of the application, providing fast access to global talent.
What is the Labour Market Benefits Plan?
A key requirement for GTS is the Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP).
Developed with ESDC, it must show how hiring a foreign worker will help a company either create jobs for or transfer skills to Canadians. It also allows the ESDC to track a company’s progress.
The LMBP features mandatory and complementary benefits.
Under Category A, the mandatory benefit is creating jobs, whether directly or indirectly, for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Under Category B, the mandatory benefit is to increasing skills and training investments for Canadians and permanent residents.
The LMBP must also provide two complementary benefits, which cannot be the same as the mandatory benefit. These include, but are not limited to:
- Job creation,
- Investment in skills and training,
- Transferring knowledge,
- Enhanced company performance and
- Implementing best practices or policies as an employer for your workforce.
Global Talent Stream: General Requirements
Business Legitimacy
Employers must provide evidence they are actively engaged in the business needing the temporary worker. The business must provide a good or service related to the job offer.
Employers new to TFWP must submit one document as proof. Returning employers are not required to re-submit documents, but may be asked for additional proof.
Allowable documents include a Canadian business licence, legal incorporation forms, tax documents and attested documents.
Recruitment
Employers are encouraged to actively seek to hire Canadians and permanent residents before looking abroad for workers. A description of how this has been done will be requested.
Wages
Wages must match the prevailing amount paid to Canadians and permanent residents for the same position.
Job Duties and Working Conditions
Workers hired under TFWP must only do the job they were hired for. Foreign workers are covered by the same laws that protect Canadians and permanent residents. Exploitation of a foreign worker violates Canadian law.
Provincial and territorial laws cover standards such as:
- Hours of work (including overtime)
- Compensation
- Working conditions
- Termination of employment
Workplace Safety
Foreign workers must be covered by provincial or territorial workplace safety insurance where required by law. Any private plan must match or better the terms of the provincial or territorial plan.
Language Restriction
A job can only require English or French when advertised. If other languages are essential, justification is required at the application stage.
Unionized Positions
For positions covered by a union, the foreign worker must be treated the same as Canadians and permanent residents also covered by that union, in terms of wages and terms and conditions.
Employer Compliance
Employers must comply with all general requirements of the TFWP.
Employers in Quebec
Quebec employers are able to take full advantage of the Global Talent Stream. The key difference is that Quebec employers must submit their application simultaneously to ESDC and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion.
Global Talent Stream FAQ
Is the Global Talent Stream still two weeks?
The LMIA side is holding up: ESDC's service standard is 10 business days and its reported average for July 2026 was 10 business days. The work permit side is less certain, because IRCC currently advises that Global Skills Strategy applications will probably take longer than two weeks.
What does the Global Talent Stream cost?
The employer pays $1,000 for each position requested on the LMIA application, and cannot recover it from the worker. The worker pays $155 for the work permit and $85 for biometrics if they are required.
Which jobs qualify under Category B?
Only occupations on ESDC's global talent occupations list. It covers computer and information systems managers, several engineering occupations including civil, electrical, mining and aerospace, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, software and web roles, and specified technician, visual effects and digital media design positions.
Can a company apply if it has no referral partner?
Yes, provided the role is on the global talent occupations list. Category B requires no referral. If the occupation is on the list, ESDC will assess the application under Category B regardless.
What happens if an employer misses its Labour Market Benefits Plan commitments?
ESDC reviews progress annually. An employer found not to have made reasonable efforts, or that fails to complete a review on time, will generally receive negative decisions on GTS applications for two years. Access to other TFWP streams is not affected.
Can a worker apply to the Global Talent Stream directly?
No. The stream is employer-driven. A worker needs a job offer from a Canadian employer that has obtained a positive GTS LMIA, and then applies to IRCC for the work permit using that decision letter.