Fast-Track Innovation: Global Talent Stream Work Permit
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program developed by the Canadian government to assist employers in hiring highly skilled foreign workers. This program was created to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers in Canada’s technology sector and other industries.
The GTS program enables Canadian employers to obtain work permits for highly skilled foreign workers within two weeks. This program is designed to provide a faster and more efficient process for hiring highly skilled workers. The program provides an accelerated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process for eligible employers, which enables them to recruit highly skilled foreign workers more quickly.
To qualify for the GTS program, an employer must be referred by one of the GTS’s designated partners. These partners include Canadian Economic Development Agencies, which work with companies in specific regions, as well as Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, which works with companies in the tech industry.
The GTS program has two categories: Category A and Category B. Category A is for employers who have been referred by one of the GTS’s designated partners and have been identified as having unique and specialized talent needs. Category B is for employers who have a position that is included on the GTS’s list of in-demand occupations.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Stream (GTS) program in Canada vary depending on the category that an employer is applying for. Here are the eligibility requirements for each category:
Category A:
- The employer must be referred by one of the GTS’s designated partners, which include Canadian Economic Development Agencies and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
- The employer must be hiring for a position that is considered unique and specialized, and that cannot be easily filled by a Canadian worker.
- The employer must be committed to creating jobs for Canadians and to transferring skills and knowledge to Canadian workers.
Category B:
- The employer must be hiring for a position that is included on the GTS’s list of in-demand occupations, which is regularly updated by the Canadian government.
- The employer must be able to demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to recruit Canadian workers for the position but have been unable to fill it.
- The employer must be committed to creating jobs for Canadians and to transferring skills and knowledge to Canadian workers.
In addition to these requirements, all employers must meet the following criteria:
- They must be registered and in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- They must have a business operating in Canada.
- They must be able to demonstrate that they have a track record of compliance with Canadian immigration and labour laws.
- They must provide a job offer letter to the foreign worker outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
- They must pay the foreign worker the prevailing wage for the position in the region where the worker will be employed.
How to apply?
To apply for the Global Talent Stream (GTS) in Canada, an employer must follow these steps:
- Determine if your company is eligible: As mentioned earlier, the GTS program has specific eligibility requirements. Before you start the application process, make sure that your company meets the eligibility criteria for the GTS category you wish to apply for.
- Find a designated partner: If you are applying for Category A, you must be referred by one of the GTS’s designated partners. These partners include Canadian Economic Development Agencies and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Contact a designated partner to request a referral.
- Submit your application: Once you have been referred by a designated partner, you can submit your application for the GTS program. The application process varies depending on the category you are applying for. You will need to provide information about your company, the position you are hiring for, and the foreign worker you wish to hire.
- Pay the fees: There are fees associated with applying for the GTS program. The fee for Category A is CAD 1,000, while the fee for Category B is CAD 230.
- Wait for a decision: After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will need to wait for a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) and the foreign worker will be able to apply for a work permit. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.
Who is a designated partner?
A designated partner is a Canadian organization that has been approved by the Canadian government to refer employers to Category A of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) program. To apply for the program, an employer must be referred by one of these designated partners. The designated partner will assess the employer’s eligibility and determine if they meet the specific requirements for the GTS category they are applying for. If the designated partner determines that the employer is eligible, they will provide a referral to the employer. Working with a designated partner can help employers streamline the GTS application process and increase their chances of success. They can provide guidance on the eligibility requirements, help with the application process, and provide support throughout the entire process of hiring highly skilled foreign workers.
List of Designated Partners for Category A (as of December 2021):
Pan-Canadian
The Atlantic Region
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Central Canada
Ontario
Quebec
Western Canada
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Candidates to the Global Talent Stream must collaborate with ESDC to create a Labour Market Benefits Plan that will benefit the Canadian labour market. Applicants in Category A must create jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, while Applicants in Category B must expand investments in skills and training for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.