The Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program designed to help Canadian businesses attract highly skilled foreign workers in order to accelerate economic growth and job creation in Canada. The program is a joint initiative between Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Under this program, Canadian employers can hire skilled foreign workers on a temporary basis with expedited processing times for work permits. This is an excellent opportunity for both Canadian employers and international workers to benefit from a streamlined immigration process.
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Global Talent Stream: Category A or Category B
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) has two categories, Category A and Category B, each with their own specific requirements. Here are the requirements for each category:
Category A:
- Referral by a Designated Partner: Companies applying through the Category A stream must be referred by one of the designated partners, such as the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, or the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
- Job Offer: The company must provide a job offer letter to the foreign worker that outlines the job duties, salary, and benefits.
- Labour Market Benefits Plan: The company must develop and implement a Labour Market Benefits Plan that shows how the hiring of the foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labour market.
Category B:
- Labour Market Benefits Plan: Similar to Category A, the company must develop and implement a Labour Market Benefits Plan that outlines how the hiring of the foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labour market.
- Advertisements and Recruitment: The company must demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before considering foreign workers. This may include advertising the job on various platforms and attending job fairs.
- Job Offer: The company must provide a job offer letter to the foreign worker that outlines the job duties, salary, and benefits.
- Wages: The company must offer a competitive wage that meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the occupation in the region.
It is important to note that these requirements are not exhaustive, and there may be additional requirements depending on the specific circumstances of the company and the foreign worker. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide guidance and assistance in navigating the GTS application process and ensuring that all requirements are met.
Global Talent Stream Application
To apply for the Global Talent Stream program, you must follow these steps:
- Employer Applies: Your Canadian employer must apply to become a Global Talent Stream employer and get approval from Employment and Social Development Canada.
- Job Offer: Once your Canadian employer is approved, they will offer you a job and provide you with a unique 15-digit identification number.
- Work Permit Application: You can apply for a work permit online or by paper and include your job offer and unique identification number.
- Processing Time: Under the Global Talent Stream program, work permit applications are typically processed within two weeks.
How to Apply for a Work Permit
To apply for a work permit under the Global Talent Stream program, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer that is listed as an approved Global Talent Stream employer. The Global Talent Stream employer will provide you with a unique 15-digit identification number that you will need to include in your work permit application.
Once you have the job offer and unique identification number, you can apply for a work permit online or by paper through the normal work permit application process. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as your passport, job offer letter, and educational qualifications.
Document Check List for Global Talent Stream Application
If you meet the requirements for the Global Talent Stream program in Canada, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Job offer letter from a Canadian employer approved for the GTS program in Canada.
- LMIA exemption number and Employer Compliance fee payment receipt.
- Valid passport.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof of qualifications and work experience.
- Police certificate from the country or countries where you have lived for six or more months since the age of 18.
- Medical exam.
Permanent Residence
The Global Talent Stream program does not lead to permanent residence in Canada. However, skilled foreign workers who gain Canadian work experience through the Global Talent Stream program may be eligible for permanent residence through other immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Program.
How Titan Law Can Help
If you are interested in applying for the Global Talent Stream program, or any other Canadian immigration program, our team at Titan Law can help you navigate the process. We are a leading immigration law firm in Vancouver, BC and our team of experienced lawyers can help you with your business immigration needs. Contact us today to book a free consultation and get started on your journey to Canada.
FAQs
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program designed to help Canadian employers access highly skilled foreign workers to fill specific in-demand positions. It is a fast-track visa program that allows eligible employers to obtain a work permit for a foreign worker within two weeks. The GTS has two categories, Category A and Category B, each with their own specific requirements. If a foreign worker is granted a work permit under the GTS program, they can work in Canada for up to two years.
To get a job in the Global Talent Stream, you must first find an eligible employer who is willing to hire you. The employer must then apply for the GTS program on your behalf and provide a job offer letter that outlines the job duties, salary, and benefits. The employer must also provide a Labour Market Benefits Plan that shows how the hiring of the foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labour market.
If a foreign worker is granted a work permit under the Global Talent Stream program, they can work in Canada for up to two years. After the initial two-year period, the work permit may be extended or the foreign worker may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
To be eligible for the Global Talent Stream program, a foreign worker must demonstrate that they have the necessary language proficiency to perform the job duties. While IELTS is a commonly accepted language test, there are other tests that may be accepted, such as the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).
The Global Talent Stream program is designed for highly skilled foreign workers who are in-demand in Canada. To be eligible for the program, a foreign worker must have specialized, high-level skills and experience in a specific occupation that is included in the Global Talent Occupations List. Additionally, the job offer must be made by a Canadian employer who is eligible to participate in the GTS program. Finally, the foreign worker must meet all of the requirements of the GTS program, including language proficiency and necessary qualifications.
