Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialized program designed to attract exceptionally skilled individuals and address the evolving demands of the Canadian job market.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) oversees the Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). GST was launched in June 2017 as a two-year pilot initiative with the primary objective of facilitating the entry of qualified foreign professionals into specific occupations facing critical shortages in Canada.
This initiative expedites processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and subsequent work permits.
Eligibility for a Job Offer:
The job position must fall under one of two categories:
- Category A: To qualify for GTS Category A, a Canadian employer must receive a recommendation from one of GTS’s approved partners.
- Category B: Employers seeking eligibility under GTS Category B must actively recruit highly skilled foreign workers to fill positions in high demand as per the Global Talent Occupations List.’
Eligibility for Foreign Workers:
- Requirements and Experience: Foreign employees must meet education, training, and work experience criteria relevant to the offered position.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French may be required, depending on the nature of the work position.
Application Process:
- Step 1: Employer Preparation – Employers must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and have a clear understanding of the position they intend to fill before applying to the GTS.
- Step 2: LMIA Application – Employers must submit an LMIA application to ESDC, providing detailed information about the job, including responsibilities, qualifications, and efforts made to recruit Canadians.
- Step 3: Labour Market Benefits Plan – Employers must submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan outlining their contributions to the Canadian job market alongside their LMIA application.
- Step 4: LMIA Evaluation – ESDC evaluates the LMIA application and the accompanying Labour Market Benefits Plan to determine if the employer meets the GTS criteria.
- Step 5: Work Permit Application – Once the employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign employee may apply for a work permit.
- Step 6: Work Permit Issuance – Upon approval of the work permit application by IRCC, the foreign worker receives their work permit, allowing them to enter Canada and commence employment.
As of March 2024, the average processing time for an LMIA under the GTS is ten business days.
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