An existing partnership between the Immigration, Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship (IRCC) and ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) led to the launch of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) in 2017.
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an excellent pathway to assist Canadian employers in hiring foreign talent with high-end skills and also lead them to compete with other international individuals.
Only those employers who receive approval through this program will be able to accomplish the hiring process concerning foreign nationals under the Global Skills Strategy.
What is the Global Talent Stream all about?
The Global Talent Stream comes under the category of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The main aim of the Global Talent Stream is to carry out the process of work permits for specific Canadian employers to let them compete on an international level.
Only approved employers under the GTS can continue with the successful process of hiring international or global talent with the appropriate skills.
There are primarily two categories through which GTS applications are processed. There are a few common requirements for eligibility but the two categories have a unique set of eligibility requirements attached to them.
GTS eligibility requirements
The Global Talent Stream or GTS functions in the two categories A and B. Both the categories have their unique requirements and they even share some common requirements.
- Application Fee– Employers who are willing to apply for the GTS need to pay the processing fee of $1000 CAD application fee.
- Business Authenticity– Employers who are willing to apply for GTS (through TFWP) should also display proof of the authenticity of their business.
- Creating a Labour Market Benefits Plan– If an employer needs to apply through the GTS, he should develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan with the ESDC. The plan will help in proving that the business and its activities will contribute to Canada’s labor market.
Global Talent Stream comes under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Therefore, all employees who wish to apply through this program must get a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) before they hire a foreign national. Apart from meeting the general requirements, they should ensure to meet the other requirements of either Category A or Category B (depending on what they choose to apply).
Category A- other requirements
The specific requirements for GTS Category A are given below:
- If an individual seeks to qualify for GTS, he should come under category A of being a unique and special talent.
- Your advanced knowledge of the industry will determine your unique talent.
- Apart from having advanced knowledge, you will also need to have advanced education.
- You should hold a minimum of 5 years of experience in a specialized field.
- You can earn up to at least $80, 000 CAD annually as a unique and specialized talent.
Category B requirements
As per the occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List, there is a need for foreign nationals having appropriate skills and talents to fill in the positions. The Global Talent Occupations List is as follows:
| National Occupations Classification (NOC) code | Occupation title |
| 213 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| Sub-set of 2161* | Mathematicians and statisticians * Positions for actuaries or related occupations are excluded from this subset. |
| 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
| 2172 | Database analysts and data administrators |
| 2173 | Software engineers and designers |
| 2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers |
| 2175 | Web designers and developers |
| 2281 | Computer network technicians |
| 2283 | Information systems testing technicians |
Employers must qualify the eligibility with the talent meeting both occupation and minimum wage requirements.
What is the process of applying for Global Talent Stream (GTS)?
You can apply for a Work Permit through the Global Talent Stream with just two steps. The steps are as follows:
- Candidates matching the eligibility requirement must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA. The employer is responsible for paying the charges for LMIA after applying for it. Even a third-party representative could do this.
- The employer can apply for Canada’s work permit once he receives the LMIA.
- The employer will need to submit essential documents based on your unique profile.
- You might also hire an immigration attorney in Canada to make the application process easier.
Processing time for GTS
The Global Talent Stream provides the best benefit of providing the work permit at a faster pace. The processing time is just two weeks. But before applying for the work permit the candidates must ensure that they possess a positive LMIA. An average processing time could be faster than usual, that is, within 8 days.
If the candidates are looking forward to applying for work in Quebec, then they will need a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ). The application process for CAQ is also accomplished faster specifically for GTS applicants.
Significance of Labour Market Benefits Plan
GTS applicants are supposed to collaborate with the ESDC and create a Labour Market Benefits Plan to display that the activities taking place under the stream will positively impact the Canadian labor market.
Category A will cater to jobs applicable to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The job creation process could either be direct or indirect.
Category B applicants will require to enhance their skills and invest in training for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
General FAQs
What is the cost of coming to Canada through GTS?
It will cost around $155 to $365 to come to Canada through GTS, the travel cost will also depend on where you choose to work.
The GTS work permit’s processing fee costs around $155 CAD.
If you intend to work and stay in Quebec you are liable to pay for CAQ with a processing fee of $210 CAD.
The application fee for LMIA should be paid by the employers and the fee is $1000 CAD.
What is the GTS work permit type?
GTS work permits are closed work permit types. GTS candidates will be able to work under only that employer who is mentioned on the permit.
Is GTS work permit-exempt?
GTS doesn’t exempt the employer from providing an LMIA but the process is quite simplified. Employers under the GTS aren’t required to provide any proof regarding the efforts they put into recruiting a Canadian citizen or permanent citizen.
This makes it convenient for them to submit an LMIA.
Is it possible to get permanent residence through GTS?
GTS is in no way a permanent immigration program because it is a program for temporary residence for a Canadian work permit.
To increase the chances of becoming eligible for Canadian permanent residence, one must start working in Canada.