Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and was created to expedite the processing of work permits for high-skilled workers in specialized positions. In most cases, for a foreign worker to work in Canada, a Canadian employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This document is used to assess whether hiring a foreign worker for a specific position will have a positive or neutral impact on the local labour market. With GTS, the processing of the LMIA, which normally takes months, is shortened to only 10 days, and the work permit can be issued in as little as 2 weeks, meaning the position can be filled quickly. There are two categories under GTS: 

Category A: An employer obtains a referral from one of the stream’s designated referral partners (a list is available). To qualify, the company must be innovative and seek to fill a position which is high-skilled and requires unique and specialized knowledge to grow the business.  

Category B: An employer wishes to hire a foreign worker whose job description matches one of the listed in-demand occupations on ESDC’s Global Talent Occupations List, focused primarily on information technology and software.  Currently, they include (subject to change):

• • Computer and information systems managers
  • Computer engineers
  • Mathematicians and statisticians
  • Information systems analysts and consultants
  • Database analysts and data administrators
  • Software engineers and designers
  • Computer programmers and interactive media developers
  • Web designers and developers
  • Computer network technicians

Dependents of foreign workers in these categories are eligible to obtain work or study permits at the same time, also benefiting from expedited processing. This program provides many benefits to the employer, the applicant, and their families, and a lawyer can ensure your application is well-prepared to avoid hurdles and delays.