Work in Canada
Canada's Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) was initiated in June 2017 through a collaboration between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This program supports Canadian employers in hiring highly-skilled global talent, enhancing their competitive edge on a global scale. Once approved, employers can fast-track the hiring process of foreign nationals under the Global Skills Strategy.
Understanding the Global Talent Stream
The GTS is part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), designed specifically to expedite the work permit process for eligible Canadian employers. This facilitates quicker integration of global talent into the Canadian workforce, supporting businesses that require specialized skills unavailable domestically.
Program Requirements:
- Application Fee: A non-refundable $1000 CAD is charged per application.
- Business Legitimacy: Documentation proving the legitimacy of the business is required.
- Labour Market Benefits Plan: Employers must demonstrate that hiring through the GTS will have positive long-term effects on the Canadian labor market.
Categories within the GTS
Category A: To qualify, employers must receive a referral from one of GTS’s designated partners to hire unique and specialized talent. These partners include various innovation-focused and economic development organizations across Canada.
Category B: Employers looking to fill positions listed on the Global Talent Occupations List will apply under Category B. This includes several high-demand tech-related occupations such as computer and information systems managers, engineers in various disciplines, and specialists in data science, cybersecurity, and web development.
How to Apply for the Global Talent Stream:
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers start by obtaining a positive LMIA, confirming no Canadian worker is available for the role.
- Work Permit Application: Following a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.
Expedited Processing:
- LMIA Processing Time: Approximately 8 days.
- Work Permit Processing: Under two weeks for GTS candidates.
Financial Aspects:
- Work Permit Fee: $155 CAD.
- Québec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) Fee (if applicable): $210 CAD.
- LMIA Fee: $1000 CAD, paid by the employer.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Each GTS applicant must collaborate with ESDC to develop a plan demonstrating their commitment to positively impacting the Canadian labor market. This includes direct or indirect job creation and enhancing skills and training for Canadian workers.
Considerations for Permanent Residence
While the GTS does not directly lead to permanent residence, experience gained in Canada through this stream may enhance eligibility for permanent immigration programs. Prospective applicants should explore various pathways for transitioning from temporary to permanent residence.
The GTS streamlines the process for employing global talent in specialized sectors, facilitating innovation and growth within Canada’s industries. Employers and potential candidates are encouraged to assess their eligibility and apply under the appropriate category to leverage this opportunity.
