What is Canada Global Talent Stream?

Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of the Global Talent Strategy, which aims to attract highly skilled global talent to Canada to address labor shortages in specific industries.

This immigration stream is designed to hire foreign workers as quickly as possible with processing times for the global talent visa taking as little as two weeks. In return, skilled workers who fit the Global Talent Stream criteria have a pathway to Canadian permanent residency, and citizenship, and can even move their U.S.-based jobs to Canada without visa hassles.

Category A: Designated Partner Referral

Category A of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed for innovative companies that want to hire highly skilled foreign workers. To qualify, they must demonstrate that they are hiring foreign workers with unique skills not readily available in the Canadian labor market.

To qualify under Category A, employers must be referred by a designated referral partner of the Global Talent Stream.

Key Features of Category A:

Designated Partners:

The designated referral partners are organizations that support businesses looking for talent and are recognized by the Canadian government.  These partners typically include industry associations, innovation hubs, and other entities that help identify and verify the talent needs of employers such as the  Canadian Technology Association (CTA) and the Vancouver Economic Commission.

Referral Requirement:

Employers must receive a referral from a designated referral partner to be eligible to apply. Once referred, employers can submit their application under Category A, including details about the foreign worker they wish to hire and the specific expertise they bring.

The employer must also provide information on how the hiring of foreign worker and their expertise will contribute to their business and the Canadian economy.

Employers should ensure they provide all required supporting documents as part of the identity verification process. Specific requirements for these documents can vary based on the applicant’s location and type of passport, so it is advisable to review official guidance thoroughly before submission.

Category B – In-Demand Occupation

Category B of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed to help Canadian employers hire temporary foreign workers to fill positions in certain high-demand occupations that are listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. This category focuses on roles where there is a recognized shortage of skilled talent in the Canadian labor market. Here’s a detailed overview of Category B:

Key Features of Category B:

In-Demand Occupations List:

Category B is centered around a specific list of high-demand occupations. This list is periodically updated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to reflect current labor market needs.

The list generally includes occupations in fields such as technology, engineering, and other specialized sectors where there is a notable shortage of qualified candidates in Canada.

Eligibility for Employers:

Employers must be hiring for positions that fall under one of the occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List.

Unlike Category A, Category B does not require a referral from a designated partner. However, employers must demonstrate that they meet the criteria for hiring foreign talent and that the role is on the in-demand list.

Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):

For Category B, employers still need to provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that shows the position is not filled by a Canadian worker. This LMIA process verifies that there is a genuine need for the foreign worker in the listed occupation.

Employers must ensure they are paying the prevailing wage to Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). This wage must align with what is paid to Canadian employees for similar roles, and employers must regularly review and adjust wages to meet the prevailing wage rate throughout the employment term.

Application Process:

Employers submit their applications through the Global Talent Stream, providing evidence that the job offer falls within one of the specified in-demand occupations. They must also detail how the hiring of the foreign worker will contribute to their business and the Canadian economy.

Examples of In-Demand Occupations for Canada’s Global Talent Stream:

While the specific occupations on the list may change, examples often include roles such as:

• Software engineers and designers
• Data scientists
• Electrical engineers
• IT project managers
• Computer systems analysts
• Electronics engineering technologists

Employers hiring for these in-demand occupations must meet wage floors, ensuring they adhere to the minimum wage standards set by the Global Talent Stream program.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada Global Talent Stream – Canada Work Permit

Fill this Form to Check Your Eligibility for Canada Global Talent Stream Work Permit – Do I Qualify.

You need to have skills and experience that align with the occupation being offered in Canada. For Category A, this means having unique or specialized skills. For Category B, it means your skills should match one of the high-demand occupations listed.

Ensure that your education and professional credentials meet the job requirements. You must have a valid job offer from an eligible Canadian employer.

1. Verify if the job you’re being offered falls under one of the high-demand occupations for Category B with the Global Talent Occupations List.
2. If you’re an employer, check if you can obtain a referral from one of the designated partners if you are applying under Category A.
3. Ensure that both you (as a foreign worker) and your employer meet all the eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of your skills and experience, the job offer, and any required LMIA or referral letters.

How To Apply for Global Talent Stream

You must first meet the requirements to apply for a Global Talent visa including job skills requirements and a job offer. Here’s a list of what you need to be eligible for the Global Talent visa.

Job Offer:

You must have a valid job offer from an eligible Canadian employer who is participating in the Global Talent Stream.

Skills and Experience:

You need to have the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job offer. For Category A, this means having unique or highly specialized skills. For Category B, your skills should match one of the high-demand occupations listed.

Work Permit Requirements:

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit, including health and security clearances.

Documentation:

Provide all necessary documentation, including proof of your qualifications, the job offer, and any required referrals or LMIA approvals.

Application Process:

Apply for a work permit once your employer’s application is approved. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate, including proof of job offer and qualifications.

Costs:

Canada doesn’t want prices to get in the way of the Global Talent Visa applicants. Applicants only pay the work permit fee and a biometrics fee. The work permit fee is CAD $155 and the biometrics fee is CAD $85. If you need to travel for interviews, biometrics appointments, or to relocate to Canada, these costs are additional and should be considered.

Move US job to Canada using GTS

Moving a U.S. job to Canada using the Global Talent Stream (GTS) is the best H-1B alternative for employers and employees involves. The GTS is a streamlined pathway designed to help Canadian employers fill highly skilled positions with global talent quickly and also U.S. Employers to relocate their tech talent to Canada and protect them from U.S visa woes.

If your U.S. Employer has a office in Canada

GTS program can be straight process if you US company has an entity in the US.

Get in Touch with Canadian EOR

If your US firm does not have an office in Canada, a Canadian Employment of Record provider can help you move your U.S job to Canada. You can move to Canada on a closed work permit sponsored by Canadian EOR and still continue working for your current U.S firm. Your tax, benefits, payroll will be handled by the EOR.

For more details, Check your eligibility to move your U.S job to Canada – Do I Qualify?