Under the Global Talent Stream, skilled workers can expect their Canada work permits and Canada visa applications processed within two weeks. GTS forms part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and also operates in Quebec, with slightly different requirements.
It helps high-growth companies bring in the talent they need quickly by cutting processing times for a Canada visa application from six months to just 10 business days.
A key element of the Global Talent Stream is that registered employers commit to creating jobs for Canadians and transferring knowledge to Canadian workers, under a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
The Global Talent Stream is part of a broader Global Skills Strategy to directly help Canadian businesses, including start-ups, thrive.
What is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track immigration program designed to help Canadian employers quickly bring in highly skilled foreign workers to fill critical labor shortages, particularly in the tech and IT sectors. Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the GTS aims to simplify and expedite the process for hiring global talent in specialized fields.
Employers can benefit from reduced processing times—usually around two weeks—compared to other immigration streams. This program focuses on two categories: Category A, for high-growth companies referred by a designated partner, and Category B, for employers seeking workers in high-demand occupations such as software engineering or information technology.
By supporting companies in accessing skilled labor swiftly, the GTS plays a crucial role in helping Canada maintain a competitive edge in global innovation while providing foreign workers with a pathway to Canadian employment and potentially permanent residency.
Why does Canada need the Global Talent Stream?
Canada needs the Global Talent Stream to address significant labor shortages, particularly in fast-growing industries like technology and information technology (IT). As the global demand for highly skilled workers continues to rise, Canadian companies often face challenges finding qualified professionals within the country.
The GTS helps Canadian employers stay competitive in the global marketplace by allowing them to quickly recruit specialized talent from around the world. This fast-tracked program enables businesses to innovate, scale, and grow, ultimately benefiting the Canadian economy. Without access to global talent, many companies could struggle to fill critical roles, potentially delaying projects and hindering economic development.
In addition, the GTS contributes to the diversification of the Canadian workforce and helps build stronger industries. By filling these high-demand positions, the program ensures that Canada remains a leader in innovation while fostering economic growth and creating more opportunities for all Canadians.
How The Global Talent Stream Works For Foreign Workers
The Global Talent Stream is an employer-led program that helps Canadian companies quickly hire highly skilled foreign workers to fill specialized roles in industries like technology and engineering. The program is designed to address labor shortages by allowing employers to directly recruit global talent when qualified professionals are not available locally.
Once a Canadian employer is approved to use the GTS, they can fast-track the process for hiring foreign workers, significantly reducing the time needed to bring talent to Canada. Employers take the lead in identifying and recruiting workers who meet the criteria, and once they submit an application, the typical processing time for a work permit is only two weeks.
For foreign workers, this employer-driven program provides an efficient route to Canadian employment, with the potential for long-term opportunities. It is a key pathway that allows companies to grow and innovate, while also giving workers the chance to establish their careers in Canada.
What Are The Key Elements Of The Global Talent Stream?
- Two-week standard for processing Canada work permit applications (and Canada visa applications when applicable) for highly skilled talent.
- Dedicated service for companies looking to make significant job-creating investments in Canada.
- Dropping of the work permit requirement for short-term highly skilled work (30 days or less in a 12-month period), and brief academic stays.
- Companies applying for workers through the Global Talent Stream will have access to the new streamlined application process that will provide:
- Client-focused service to help guide eligible employers through the application process and the development of the Labour Market Benefits Plan, with a service standard of 10 business days.
- Eligibility for workers to have their work permit applications processed in 10 business days.
What Are The Global Talent Stream Requirements?
Category A
Under Category A, foreign workers must possess a unique and specialized talent to qualify for a Canada work permit, defined as:
- Advanced knowledge of the industry.
- Highly paid position with a salary of usually $80,000 or more.
EITHER
- Advanced degree in an area of specialization of interest to the employer
OR
- Minimum of five years of experience in the field of specialized experience.
- 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
- Investissement Quebec
- Montréal International
- Québec International
- L’Association québécoise des technologies
Category B
What Jobs Are Covered By The Global Talent Stream?
Category B of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) focuses on high-demand occupations where there is a recognized shortage of skilled labor in Canada. Jobs typically covered under Category B include specialized positions in the technology and information technology (IT) sectors, engineering, and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
Some of the common roles include:
- Software Engineers and Designers
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
- Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators
- Web Designers and Developers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Digital Media Specialists
These positions are critical for driving innovation and economic growth in Canada, and the GTS allows employers to quickly recruit global talent with the expertise needed to fill these roles. The program helps businesses remain competitive and ensures that Canada’s industries can thrive in a global marketplace.
NOC code 2021 | Occupation | Minimum wage requirement (annual salary) | Minimum wage requirement (hourly rate) |
20012 | Computer and information systems managers | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
Sub-set of 21210* | Mathematicians and statisticians * Positions for actuaries or related occupations are excluded from this subset. | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21211 – Data scientists 21220 – Cybersecurity specialists 21221 – Business system specialists 21222 – Information systems specialists 21233 – Web designers | Information systems analysts and consultants | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21211 – Data scientists 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators | Database analysts and data administrators | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21231 – Software engineers and designers 21211 – Data scientists | Software engineers and designers | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers 21232 – Software developers and programmers 21234 – Web developers and programmers | Computer programmers and interactive media developers | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
21233 – Web designers 21234 – Web developers and programmers | Web designers and developers | prevailing wage | prevailing wage |
22220 | Computer network technician | $82,000 or higher prevailing wage | $39.42 or higher prevailing wage |
22222 | Information systems testing technicians | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage |
Sub-set of 51120* | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game Position requires a minimum of five years of experience in the visual effects, video game or animation industries in one or a combination of the following roles: producer, technical director, creative director, artistic director or project manager, with experience in at least one or more of the following skills relevant to the visual effects, video game or animation industries: surfacing and look development; character or simulation rigging; matte painting; or technical pipeline development and application for visual effects, video games, or animation production. | $78,000 or higher prevailing wage | $37.50 or higher prevailing wage |
Sub-set of 52120* | Digital Media and Design Position requires a minimum of five years of experience in at least one of the following digital media design skills: 3D modeling, virtual reality, augmented reality, digital media animation, levels editing for digital media design, software editing for digital media design, pipeline software development or applications relevant for digital media design. | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage |
* Quebec sets its own minimum wage floors for applications from within Quebec. Consult the Quebec immigration website for more information
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
What should a company do if it is not on the referral partner list?
If your company is not on the designated referral partner list for Category A of the Global Talent Stream, you can still apply under Category B, provided the role you're hiring for is on the Global Talent Occupations List. Category B doesn't require a referral partner.
How can foreign workers apply for Global Talent Stream roles from outside Canada?
Foreign workers cannot directly apply to the Global Talent Stream. Instead, they need to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer participating in the GTS. Once the employer receives an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the worker can apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What happens if the worker’s role is not on the Global Talent Occupations List?
If the role isn't on the Global Talent Occupations List, employers cannot apply under Category B. However, they may still qualify under Category A, provided they are referred by a designated partner. Employers could also explore other immigration programs, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
How long does it take to process a Global Talent Stream application?
Under the Global Talent Stream, both the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and the foreign worker's work permit are processed within two weeks each, making it one of the fastest pathways for hiring international talent in Canada. The entire process can typically be completed within a month.
What is the Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)?
The Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) is a key part of the Global Talent Stream application. Employers must outline how hiring foreign talent will benefit the Canadian labor market, such as by creating jobs or investing in training for Canadians. The LMBP is submitted with the LMIA application.
What are the fees for applying to the Global Talent Stream?
Employers must pay a $1,000 processing fee for each foreign worker they wish to hire through the Global Talent Stream. This fee covers the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application, which is required for the employer to obtain approval to hire foreign talent.
Can employers use the Global Talent Stream for multiple workers?
Yes, employers can use the Global Talent Stream to hire multiple foreign workers, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Each worker requires a separate LMIA application and a Labour Market Benefits Plan that demonstrates the positive impact on Canada’s labor market, such as job creation or skills development.
