• The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, designed to help companies rapidly hire foreign workers to drive innovation and remain competitive.
• Employers and foreign workers must satisfy specific criteria to participate in the GTS, focusing on filling labor gaps while ensuring fair wage standards and contributing positively to the Canadian economy.
• The GTS process, including application procedures and fees, aims for efficiency, with most applications processed within 10 business days, highlighting a system built to streamline the integration of global talent in Canadian industries.

Imagine a world where borders don’t limit innovation, where Canadian companies can swiftly blend the expertise of highly skilled foreign workers into their teams to spark growth and compete on a global scale. That’s the vision behind the global talent stream, part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It’s a bespoke solution for firms needing that extra edge—whether it’s the genius of data scientists, the ingenuity of software engineers, or the visionary minds behind technical pipeline development. By utilizing temporary foreign talent, companies can access a diverse pool of talent to drive their success.

The GTS does more than simply filling vacancies; it elevates Canadian businesses by assimilating unique and specialized talent into the workforce. Tapping into the global talent pool allows companies to access a vast wealth of knowledge and experience, which can revolutionize their operations and magnify their market impact.

The GTS is tailored to different needs via two distinct lanes. Category A is the express entry stream for companies recognized as innovative powerhouses, those on the cusp of significant expansion and in dire need of specialized talent to leap forward. These firms must catch the eye of referral partners who vouch for their need to import unique minds that are hard to find in the local labor market.

On the other side of the coin is Category B, which caters to the ongoing demand for specific roles that Canadians are less available to fill, as outlined in the global talent occupations list. Think of Category B as the open call for highly skilled global talent where no referral is necessary, just the need and the will to harness foreign expertise to reinforce Canada’s workforce. This list includes software engineers (and even civil and electrical), data administrators, web designers and more.

Moving on to the details—what are the prerequisites to join this talent revolution? Employers, it’s your turn to rise to the occasion. The stage is set for you to showcase your business legitimacy, your compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program’s regulations, and your commitment to fair wage standards. It’s not just about finding the right fit; it’s about upholding the integrity of the program and ensuring that hiring foreign workers benefits everyone involved. To hire foreign workers, you must adhere to these guidelines and prioritize ethical practices.

For skilled workers, this is a stepping stone into a world of opportunity, albeit one that brings with it the responsibility of meeting the program’s criteria. You’ll need to prove your worth—not just through your skills and experience but also through your potential to contribute to the Canadian economy and its workforce. It’s a gateway to a new chapter, where you can bring your expertise to a market that values and nurtures global talent.

Employers, it’s time to get things in order. Participating in the GTS means adhering to a set of standards designed to protect both your company and the foreign talent you’re looking to hire. From ensuring your workplace is free from abuse to collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada on a Labour Market Benefits Plan, your role is crucial in nurturing a positive environment for innovation. Your responsibilities extend beyond adhering to the rules; you must also commit to job creation and contribute to the skill development of Canadian workers.

Remember, this isn’t a one-and-done deal. The commitments you make in your Labour Market Benefits Plan are subject to annual reviews. Failing to show progress towards these commitments can put future applications at risk, so it’s not just about opening doors for global talent—it’s about keeping them open through continuous, meaningful engagement.

For the foreign worker eyeing Category A of the GTS, it’s essential to understand that standards are high, and the bar is set at a minimum annual salary of CAD $80,000—or higher if the prevailing wage demands it. This isn’t a random number; it’s reflective of the value and experience you’re expected to bring to the Canadian market. With an advanced degree or at least five years of specialized experience under your belt, you could be just the candidate a Canadian company is searching for.

True, the stakes are high, and so are the rewards. Meeting these eligibility criteria isn’t just about getting your foot in the door; it’s about stepping into a role that’s been waiting for someone with just your kind of exceptional talent. It’s an opportunity to make a significant impact and lay down roots in an economy that thrives on innovation and diversity.

While the application process may appear daunting, rest assured, you’re not alone on this journey. TFWP officers are your guides, ready to assist and ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible. From ensuring your employment agreements are airtight to keeping your Labour Market Benefits Plan up-to-date, each step you take is a stride towards a successful partnership between Canadian businesses and foreign workers.

Keep an eye on the calendar, though! The validity of a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is set to change from 12 to 6 months after April 30, 2024. It’s all part of staying agile in a fast-moving global talent marketplace, where being prepared and proactive is the name of the game. Most employers will work with an immigration attorney to apply for an LMIA on behalf of their new hire.

For Category A applicants, the designated referral partner plays an essential role. These partners are the gatekeepers, ensuring that only the most innovative and scalable Canadian companies can tap into this exclusive talent pipeline. They’re not just any organizations; they’re provincial programs and innovation hubs like MaRS Discovery District, with their finger on the pulse of Canada’s tech landscape.

Without a referral, your application is a ship without a sail. Ensure you have this crucial piece of paperwork in hand, as it speaks volumes about your company’s legitimacy and the critical need for the specialized talent you seek to hire.

Category B is where the broader market kicks in. Here, companies have the freedom to hire for roles that are hot in demand, without the need for a referral. This category is all about filling gaps in the labour market efficiently, ensuring Canadian businesses remain competitive and innovative. Just make sure the wages you offer are aligned with Canadian standards, fulfilling both the median wage requirements and the established wage floors.

It’s a win-win scenario. Canadian companies, especially in British Columbia, get the skilled workers they need, and foreign professionals find rewarding opportunities in a thriving economy. Category B is a testament to Canada’s commitment to harnessing global talent to drive progress and prosperity.

How does one go about finding a job that qualifies for GTS? For starters, take a look at the Global Talent Occupations list (Category B) to see which roles are in demand. If you have experience in one of these areas, look for open roles in Canada that match these occupations.

Service Canada also publishes a quarterly list of all employers that were issued a positive LMIA. Global talent stream isn’t the only program that uses the LMIA, but this list can be filtered to show the Global talent stream program only. While this may not include every single employer that uses GTS, it can provide a starting point.

Finally, if you already work in one of these occupations for a U.S. employer, you can take this job to Canada and work remotely through the GTS with the help of Syndesus. This is particularly useful for tech workers nearing their last attempts at the H-1B lottery.

Let’s discuss the investment in your future. For employers, a non-refundable processing fee of $1,000 per position is the cost of entry into the GTS. But the return on that investment can be game-changing, especially when you consider the efficiency of the process. With applications typically processed within 10 business days—a benchmark successfully met 80% of the time—the path from application to arrival of your new talent is astonishingly swift.

For those handling multiple applications, there is some good news. If you’re applying for six positions or more, you can now handle your processing fees through online banking, simplifying the financial logistics of bringing in the best and brightest from around the globe.

A harmonious work environment stems from mutual respect and compliance with rights and responsibilities. For employers, this means offering fair wages and maintaining a workplace that meets the highest standards of safety and ethics. And for the foreign workers, it’s about ensuring your talents are utilized correctly and that your rights are protected. After all, the strength of the GTS lies in its ability to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Canadian businesses and global talent.

Don’t forget, this partnership goes beyond the workplace. Employers are also responsible for providing mandatory and complementary benefits like workplace safety insurance and health coverage that kicks in from day one—benefits that can’t be deducted from the foreign workers’ pay. It’s about building a foundation of trust and support that allows everyone to thrive.

Provincial programs, such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, serve as a vital link in the GTS, guiding skilled workers and permanent residents into specific regions. These programs help to tailor the entry of global talent to the unique needs of each province, ensuring that both the local economies and the foreign workers benefit from the best possible fit.

By working in tandem with the GTS and the federal government, provincial programs add another layer of depth to Canada’s strategy in attracting top-tier talent. It’s about creating a seamless experience for skilled workers, from the global stage right to the heart of Canadian industries, be it in bustling Ontario or the picturesque landscapes of Nova Scotia.

As the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the GTS has churned out some impressive success stories. Canadian businesses like EventMobi, Platterz, and Sheba Microsystems have all seen remarkable growth thanks to the specialized talent they’ve brought in through the GTS. It’s not just about filling a position; it’s about bringing in someone who can truly make a difference, driving innovation and enhancing company performance.

These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. The GTS is addressing the tech talent shortages head-on, enabling Canadian businesses to scale up and compete globally. By bringing in experienced data scientists software engineers, the GTS is not only boosting individual companies but also elevating Canada’s position on the world stage as a hub of innovation and business acumen.

By bridging the gap between Canadian companies and highly skilled global talent, the GTS creates opportunities that transcend borders and industries. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to being a competitive, forward-thinking nation—one that recognizes the value of diversity and specialized expertise.

Whether you’re an employer ready to take your business to new heights or a skilled worker seeking a new frontier, the GTS offers a fast-track pathway to success. So why wait? Take that first step towards an exciting future in one of the world’s most dynamic and welcoming countries.

*The content and materials available via Path to Canada are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice

The Global Talent Stream in Canada is an expedited immigration program allowing employers to bring in skilled global talent without the need to actively advertise the position. It provides expedited access to unique and highly skilled temporary foreign workers.

The Global Talent Stream program is designed to speed up the process, aiming for a 10-business-day service standard with an 80% success rate in meeting this target.

If you’re looking for a high wage stream in Canada, the high-wage LMIA stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program might be a good option for you as it requires the job salary to be higher than the average wage of the province.

To get a work permit in Canada quickly, use the Global Skills Strategy for two-week processing times on eligible work permit applications. Applying online, submitting a complete application, and including necessary documents like medical exams and police certificates can also speed up the process.

The Global Talent Stream has two categories: Category A is for innovative companies referred by a designated partner, needing specialized talent to grow, and Category B is for companies hiring for in-demand occupations listed by ESDC, where there’s a scarcity of domestic workers. So, the stream includes both innovative companies and those hiring for in-demand occupations.