Canada is one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse countries, with a thriving economy, high quality of life, and a strong tradition of inclusiveness and multiculturalism. As a result, it is no surprise that many foreign workers are eager to come to Canada to work, live, and contribute to the country’s continued success. The Global Talent Stream program, which was introduced by the Canadian government in 2017, is designed to make it easier and more efficient for Canadian employers to bring in the foreign talent they need to grow their businesses and succeed in the global economy.
What is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track immigration program designed to help Canadian employers bring in highly skilled foreign workers quickly and easily. It is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and is specifically designed for Canadian employers who are looking to fill in-demand positions with highly skilled workers from outside of Canada. The Global Talent Stream program is intended to provide a faster and more flexible way for Canadian employers to access the talent they need to succeed in the global economy.
History of the Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream was introduced in 2017 as part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to support innovation and competitiveness in the country. The program was designed to help Canadian employers access the talent they need to grow and succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. The GTS has two categories, Category A and Category B, each of which has its own eligibility requirements and processing times.
Category A is for foreign workers with exceptional talent, such as computer and information systems managers, architects, engineers, and life scientists. Category B is for foreign workers with in-demand skills, such as financial auditors and accountants, registered nurses, and retail trade supervisors. Both categories have different processing times, with Category A having a processing time of 10 business days or less and Category B having a processing time of two weeks or less.
Global Talent Occupations List
The Global Talent Stream has two categories, Category A and Category B. The occupations eligible for each category are as follows:
Category A (exceptional talent)
- Computer and information systems managers
- Architects and engineers
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
- Life scientists
- Physical and earth scientists
- Medical scientists
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Veterinarians
- Engineers
- Computer engineers (except software engineers/designers)
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Database analysts and data administrators
- Software engineers and designers
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Web designers and developers
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
Category B (in-demand skills)
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations
- Administrative assistants
- Retail trade supervisors
- Chef and specialist chefs
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- Occupational or physical therapist
- Medical laboratory technologists
- University professors and lecturers
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Financial and investment analysts
- User support technicians
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Note: This list is subject to change and may be updated periodically to reflect the changing needs of the Canadian labor market.
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Employers
Canadian employers interested in using the Global Talent Stream program must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- The employer must be a Canadian company operating in Canada.
- The employer must have a valid Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- The employer must demonstrate a need for the foreign worker’s skills and how they will support the growth of the company.
- The employer must provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application and a job offer to the foreign worker.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers interested in coming to Canada under the Global Talent Stream program must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- The foreign worker must have the skills and qualifications necessary to perform the job offered by the Canadian employer.
- The foreign worker must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained an LMIA under the Global Talent Stream program.
- The foreign worker must be able to meet the requirements of the relevant immigration program, including health and security checks.
Advantages of the Global Talent Stream
There are several advantages to using the Global Talent Stream program, including:
Faster processing times: Employers who use the GTS program can expect their LMIA applications to be processed in two weeks or less, compared to the standard processing time of several months.
Access to a larger pool of talent: The Global Talent Stream program enables Canadian employers to access a larger pool of highly skilled foreign workers who can help them remain competitive and innovative.
Cost savings: By using the Global Talent Stream program, Canadian employers can save money and reduce the administrative burden of the immigration process.
Enhanced flexibility: The Global Talent Stream program provides employers with more flexibility in terms of the number of foreign workers they can hire and the duration of their work permits.
Positive impact on the Canadian economy: The Global Talent Stream program helps to support the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian economy by attracting top talent to the country.
How to Apply for the Global Talent Stream
To apply for the Global Talent Stream program, Canadian employers must first submit an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada. The application must include information about the job offer, the foreign worker’s qualifications, and the employer’s commitment to meet the Global Talent Stream requirements.
Once the LMIA has been approved, the employer can then submit a work permit application for the foreign worker. The work permit application must include the LMIA, the job offer, and proof of the foreign worker’s qualifications and language proficiency.
The work permit application can be submitted online or at a visa office outside of Canada. The processing time for a work permit application under the Global Talent Stream program is typically two weeks or less.
The differences between the Global Talent Stream and other immigration programs in Canada
The Global Talent Stream and other immigration programs in Canada have several differences, including:
Eligibility criteria: The Global Talent Stream is specifically designed for highly skilled workers in high-demand occupations, whereas other programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, and International Mobility Program have broader eligibility criteria.
LMIA requirement: The Global Talent Stream requires a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer, while the International Mobility Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA under specific criteria.
Points-based system: The Express Entry program uses a points-based system to assess applicants, while the Global Talent Stream and International Mobility Program do not have a specific points system.
International agreements: The International Mobility Program is designed for workers who are exempt from the LMIA requirement based on international agreements, whereas the Global Talent Stream and Express Entry do not have this aspect.
Processing time: The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track immigration program and has a processing time of 2 weeks, whereas other programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program have a longer processing time.
Each immigration program in Canada serves a different purpose and has different eligibility criteria, processing times, and requirements. It is important to understand the specific requirements of each program and choose the one that best fits your individual circumstances.
The processing time for Category A is 10 business days or less.
The processing time for Category B is two weeks or less.
Yes, foreign workers under the Global Talent Stream can bring their families with them to Canada.
Yes, an employer can use the Global Talent Stream program to hire multiple foreign workers, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and provide a valid LMIA for each worker.
Canadian employers who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a valid Canada Revenue Agency business number and demonstrating a need for the foreign worker’s skills, are eligible to apply for the Global Talent Stream program. Foreign workers with the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job offered by a Canadian employer and who meet the requirements of the relevant immigration program are also eligible to apply.