The Global Talent Stream (GTS) helps Canadian employers quickly hire highly skilled foreign workers to fill specialised positions. It offers faster processing for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and work permits, with a target processing time of two weeks. The GTS has two categories – A and B – each with different eligibility criteria.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Overview of Canada’s Global Talent Stream
- Eligibility and requirements for Category A
- Full job list and NOC codes for Category B
- Employer responsibilities and LMIA process
- Wages, work conditions, and compliance rules
What is the Global Talent Stream?
Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It helps Canadian businesses hire highly skilled foreign workers quickly to support innovation and economic growth.
Employers can apply under:
- Category A: For innovative firms hiring unique and specialised talent, referred by a designated partner.
- Category B: For employers hiring workers in specific in-demand tech and engineering jobs listed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Category A Requirements
Employers applying under Category A must:
- Be referred by one of the designated referral partners of the GTS.
- Operate in Canada and focus on innovation.
- Be growing or scaling up and hiring for a unique and specialised position.
The position must include:
- A wage of at least $38.46/hour ($80,000/year) for up to two hires per year.
- For more than two hires per year: $72.11/hour ($150,000/year).
- Advanced knowledge of the industry.
- An advanced degree and/or five years of specialised experience.
Designated partners must confirm that:
- The position is truly unique and specialised.
- The foreign worker meets the requirements.
Applications without a referral form will be rejected.
Designated Referral Partners for Category A
To apply under Category A of the Global Talent Stream, employers must be referred by one of the program’s designated referral partners. These partners verify the legitimacy and eligibility of innovative Canadian firms seeking to hire uniquely skilled foreign workers.
Below is the complete list of designated referral organisations, grouped by region:
Pan-Canadian
- 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
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Industry Skills Directorate
- Invest in Canada
- National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
- Privy Council Office, Special Projects Team
- TECHNATION
Atlantic Canada
Multiple Provinces
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
New Brunswick
- Ignite Fredericton
- Government of New Brunswick – Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
- Venn Innovation
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Genesis
Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton Partnership
- Government of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Halifax Partnership
Prince Edward Island
- Government of Prince Edward Island, Island Investment Development Inc.
Central Canada
Ontario
- Burlington Economic Development Corporation
- City of Mississauga
- Communitech Corporation
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Government of Ontario – Labour, Training and Skills Development – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Government of Ontario – Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade – Ontario Investment Office
- Invest Brampton
- Invest in Hamilton
- Invest Ottawa
- Invest Sudbury
- Invest Windsor-Essex
- Kingston Economic Development Corporation
- London Economic Development Corporation
- MaRS Discovery District
- Ontario East Economic Development Commission (OEEDC)
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Regional Municipality of York
- Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
- Toronto Business Development Centre
- Toronto Global
- Town of Oakville
- Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
Quebec
- Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Quebec’s MIFI (French only) (Quebec’s designated referral partners)
Western Canada
Alberta
- Calgary Economic Development
- Edmonton Metropolitan Region Economic Development Company (Edmonton Global)
- Government of Alberta
British Columbia
- Accelerate Okanagan
- BC Tech Association
- Government of British Columbia – Ministry of Municipal Affairs
- Kootenay Association for Science & Technology
- Launch Academy
- Metro Vancouver Regional District / Invest Vancouver
- Venture Kamloops
Manitoba
- Economic Development Winnipeg
- Government of Manitoba – Manitoba Education and Training
- Tech Manitoba
Northwest Territories
- Government of the Northwest Territories – Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Saskatchewan
- Government of Saskatchewan – Ministry of Immigration and Career Training
Category B: Global Talent Occupations List
These jobs are eligible under Category B. No referral is needed.
NOC 2021 | Occupation | Minimum Wage |
20012 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage |
21300 | Civil engineers | Prevailing wage |
21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers | Prevailing wage |
21330 | Mining engineers | Prevailing wage |
21390 | Aerospace engineers | Prevailing wage |
21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage |
21210* | Mathematicians and statisticians (*excluding actuaries) | Prevailing wage |
21211 | Data scientists | Prevailing wage |
21220 | Cybersecurity specialists | Prevailing wage |
21221 | Business system specialists | Prevailing wage |
21222 | Information systems specialists | Prevailing wage |
21233 | Web designers | Prevailing wage |
21223 | Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage |
21231 | Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage |
21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers | Prevailing wage |
21232 | Software developers and programmers | Prevailing wage |
21234 | Web developers and programmers | Prevailing wage |
22310 | Electrical and electronics technologists and technicians | $41.35/hour or $86,000/year |
22220 | Computer network technicians | $40.87/hour or $85,000/year |
22222 | Information systems testing technicians | $41.03/hour or $85,000/year |
51120** | Creative & artistic project managers in VFX/video games **3+ years in industry and specific skills required | $40.87/hour or $85,000/year |
52120*** | Digital media designers ***3+ years in 3D, UX, AR/VR or similar | $38.46/hour or $80,000/year |
Employer Requirements
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Fees
- $1,000 per position (non-refundable unless paid in error).
- Can be paid by credit card, certified cheque, or online banking (for 6+ positions).
Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)
Employers must commit to long-term benefits for Canada’s workforce. Requirements differ:
- Category A: Must create jobs for Canadians/permanent residents.
- Category B: Must increase training or skills development.
- At least two additional complementary commitments are also required.
Progress reviews are held annually and failure to meet commitments may result in suspension from the GTS.
Wages and Working Conditions
- Employers must offer the highest of:
- Regional median wage from Job Bank
- Existing employee wages for the same role
- GTS minimum wages for Category A or Category B
- Unionised jobs must comply with collective agreements.
- Wages must be reviewed yearly and never fall below LMIA-stated amounts.
Recruitment and Advertisement
While GTS has no mandatory recruitment requirement, employers are encouraged to try hiring Canadian citizens and permanent residents first.
Employment Conditions and Protections
Employers must:
- Pay workers for all time worked (including overtime).
- Provide private health insurance if public coverage is not yet available.
- Provide workplace safety insurance and a fair, abuse-free work environment.
- Offer employment agreements in English or French.
- Use only English or French as a job requirement unless another language is essential.
Third-Party Representatives and Recruiters
- Employers may use authorised immigration representatives.
- TFWs must not be charged recruitment or processing fees.
- Employers are responsible for anyone recruiting on their behalf.
Employer Compliance and Inspections
Employers must comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and GTS-specific conditions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time for a Global Talent Stream application?
The target processing time is two weeks for both the LMIA and work permit once a complete application is submitted.
Do I need a referral to apply under Category B?
No. Only Category A requires a referral. Category B is open to any employer hiring for occupations on the global talent list.
Can I hire more than two workers under Category A?
Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances and if you meet stricter wage and reporting requirements.
Are there recruitment requirements under the GTS?
There’s no formal requirement, but employers are encouraged to try hiring Canadians or permanent residents first and must describe recruitment efforts.
What happens if I fail to meet LMBP commitments?
You may be suspended from using the GTS for two years. However, this doesn’t affect your ability to use other Temporary Foreign Worker Program streams.
