Hire Foreign Workers Through the Global Talent Stream

In 2017, the Government of Canada launched the Global Talent Stream (GTS) program to address skill shortages and streamline the process of hiring specialized global talent. Designed to process applications within 10 business days, GTS is a key tool for companies looking to employ Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). This guide provides detailed information about the program, its categories, requirements, processing times, and benefits.

What is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an accelerated branch of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) program. It allows employers to:

• Quickly hire highly skilled global talent.
• Retain current employees who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents.

Unlike traditional LMIA applications, GTS eliminates the need to advertise the position. Instead, employers apply directly to Service Canada for processing.

GTS Processing Time in 2024

One of the major advantages of GTS is its fast processing time:

• LMIA Approval: 10 business days in 80% of cases, starting the first business day after the application is received.
• Work Permit: 2 weeks, processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 80% of cases (for applications outside Canada).

Additionally, the worker’s family (spouse and children) also benefit from expedited processing times.

Global Talent Stream Categories

GTS has two main categories:

Category A

This category is designed for innovative companies in Canada seeking to scale and requiring highly specialized foreign workers. Key requirements include:

• A referral letter from a designated Service Canada partner.
• Ideal for technology, research, or STEM-based companies.

Category B

This category is aimed at companies needing to fill high-demand positions listed on the GTS occupations list. Key features include:

• No referral letter required.
• Applicable to positions such as engineers, IT specialists, web designers, and more.

GTS Wage Requirements

Wage requirements differ depending on the category:

Category A

• First 2 positions: Annual salary of at least CAD 80,000 or the prevailing wage, whichever is higher.
• Additional positions: Annual salary of at least CAD 150,000 or the prevailing wage, whichever is higher.

Category B

• Annual salary must align with the prevailing wage range for the occupation.

Note: Wages must be competitive with those offered to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in similar roles and locations.

Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)

The Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) is a mandatory component of GTS applications. Employers must:

• Commit to one mandatory activity and at least two complementary activities that benefit the Canadian labor market.

Mandatory Commitments

• Category A: Create jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Category B: Invest in training and skill development for Canadian workers.

Complementary Commitments

Employers must also commit to at least two complementary activities that support the Canadian labor market. Examples include:

• Hiring underrepresented groups (e.g., women, Indigenous people, or persons with disabilities).
• Increasing wages, benefits, or working conditions for Canadian employees.
• Supporting education or training initiatives for Canadians.
• Sharing knowledge and skills with Canadian workers through mentorship or training.
• Enhancing workplace diversity and inclusion.

These complementary commitments are designed to align with the employer's industry and workforce needs while contributing to Canada’s economic growth and talent development.

Progress Reviews

Service Canada conducts annual reviews to evaluate compliance with LMBP commitments. Failure to meet these commitments may result in penalties or disqualification from future program participation.

Employer Compliance

Employers participating in GTS must:

• Comply with federal, provincial, and territorial labor laws.
• Provide a detailed, signed job offer to the foreign worker.
• Maintain records of recruitment, applications, expenses, and correspondence for at least six years.
• Notify Service Canada of any changes to the worker’s employment conditions.
• Ensure that employment conditions align with the job offer and GTS application throughout the approved duration of employment.

Benefits of the GTS Program

For Employers:

• Quick processing (10 business days for LMIA).
• Access to global talent to address critical skill shortages.
• Retain current employees without permanent residency.
• Flexibility to hire an unlimited number of foreign workers.

For Employees:

• Opportunity to live and work in Canada with their families.
• Pathway to permanent residency after one year of continuous work experience.

Tips for Success with GTS

1. Prepare a Strong Application: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
2. Develop a Comprehensive LMBP: Clearly define activities that benefit the Canadian labor market.
3. Maintain Compliance: Keep detailed records and meet GTS commitments.
4. Consult Experts: Work with immigration professionals to navigate the process efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many categories does GTS have?

• Two: Category A (innovative companies) and Category B (specific occupations).

Is there a limit to the GTS program?

• No, there is no limit on the number of foreign workers that can be hired. The target number of TFW hires is agreed upon with ESDC during the LMBP meeting.

Can a GTS application be refused?

• Yes, if the application or LMBP commitments do not meet Service Canada’s standards.

Start Your GTS Application with Immigria

Navigating the complexities of GTS and Canadian immigration can be challenging. The team of professionals at Immigria, including regulated immigration consultants, is here to assist you with personalized legal services for all business immigration needs. With years of experience in this program, we can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to partner with your company.

This version enhances clarity, corrects minor grammatical errors, and ensures consistency in headings, formatting, and phrasing. Let me know if you'd like any further refinements!

Source: IRCC

Adapted by Immigria Editorial Team