Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Highly skilled workers  are an integral part of a thriving economy. They contribute to job creation, skills development, and training. But they’re just not easy to come by. That’s why when Canadian employers can’t find the skills they need locally, they consult the Global Talent Stream (GTS) to recruit highly skilled foreign workers in specialized occupations such as engineering and tech-related fields. To top it off, these workers can obtain Canadian work permits in as little as two weeks through the GTS!

What is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The GTS is a Global Skills Strategy introduced in 2017. The stream allows Canadian employers to expedite the hiring of foreign workers to fill specialized occupations when Canadians or permanent residents aren’t available for specific roles. According to data released in June 2019, within the first two years, nearly 40,000 foreign workers came to Canada through the GTS. And more than 1,100 Canadian employers have used the stream to recruit talented workers from abroad. 

How Do You Apply For the GTS?

Foreign Workers

Step 1: Assess your Skills and Check if you Qualify

It’s important to understand that you can’t directly apply to the GTS, only Canadian employers can. They apply to the GTS to become designated and to obtain labour market impact assessments so that they may hire eligible foreign workers. The first step is to check if you qualify as a highly skilled worker according to the criteria listed in Category A and Category B below.

Step 2: Secure a Job offer and Land a Job

You must obtain a job offer from an employer in Canada who qualifies for the GTS under Category A or Category B.

Step 3: Make the Application: Canadian Work Permit

You need to prepare a work permit application that includes your job offer letter and a copy of the LMIA given to you by your employer. You will also need a police clearance certificate and a medical exam.

When submitted, your work permit application will be processed in as little as 10 business days and soon you’ll be working in Canada! Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can also qualify for expedited visa processing when they apply for a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.

Canadian Employers

GTS Categories

Innovative employers, on the other hand, must qualify to hire foreign workers through one of two GTS Categories that meets their hiring needs. The employer must fill in an application with information regarding their company, the foreign worker they wish to hire, as well as the job offer, including details about compensation and benefits.

Labour Market Benefits Plan

The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which means that all employers applying to the GTS for the first time must also submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan demonstrating how they will benefit the Canadian labour market by hiring a highly skilled foreign worker. The application processing fee is $1,000 per foreign national.

How Does the GTS Work?

The GTS is divided into two categories. The categories describe the type of foreign workers employers can hire, the expected wages to be paid, and depending on the category chosen, employers may need to get a referral from a GTS designated partner.

Category A - Designated Partner Referral

For this category, Canadian employers must be referred by one of the GTS designated partner organizations,, and be hiring unique and specialized talent. What is considered unique and specialized talent? Foreign workers hired must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the industry through either a postgraduate degree in a specialized area or at least five years of experience in a specialized position plus they must be paid a minimum of CAD $80,000 per year (or higher if the annual prevailing salary for the occupation is above this level).

Once an employer finds an eligible candidate whom they wish to hire they must then find a designated referral partner to vouch for them by consulting the list above and contact those most relevant to their industry. The designated referral partner will check to see if the employer has a focus on innovation and is capable of growing and expanding.

Category B - In Demand Occupations

For this category, Canadian employers can hire a highly skilled foreign in an occupation that features on the Global Talent Occupation List. The worker must earn a salary equal to or above the prevailing wage rate for the job position.

Benefits of Working in Canada as a Skilled Worker

Canada makes it much easier, and faster for skilled foreign workers to obtain work permits and permanently settle in the country through visa programs like the GTS and Express Entry because Canada understands the value of bringing talented workers to the country. Working in Canada through the GTS also means your family gets to benefit from easy access to work and study permits.

It’s also in your best interest as a skilled worker to be recruited through the GTS program so that you can earn the highest prevailing wage rate for your job position. And we have to mention that Canada is the dream destination for tech professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With the beautiful natural surroundings and plenty of incredible activities to choose from, you’ll have the perfect work-life balance.

What’s the next step?

Both foreign workers and Canadian employers benefit from the Global Talent Stream (GTS). Workers get to make the most of the incredible economic opportunities in Canada and pave the way to a permanent future in the country. At the same time, employers gain the advanced skills their businesses need to remain globally competitive.

Get professional help and guidance with your Global Talent Stream (GTS) work permit application, or if you’re a Canadian employer, let us guide you through the LMIA application process so that you can easily hire a skilled worker in no time.

FAQs

What is the GTS process in Canada?

Especially when Canadians aren't available for these particular tasks, the Global Talent Stream is an immigration program that makes it simpler for Canadian firms to engage foreign employees for specialized vocations. Canada's response to an economy in desperate need of highly trained personnel was GTS.

Is an LMIA required for a GTS?

For employers recruiting foreign workers through the GTS, they are required to work with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan. Candidates for the GTS must have a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA application and associated costs must be covered by the employer.

How do I get a GTS work permit?

Follow the step-by-step process in the application form, which you can find online:

• Section 1: Global Talent eligibility
• Section 2: Employer business information
• Section 3: Employer contact information
• Section 4: Third-party information
• Section 5: Job offer details
• Section 6: Compensation and benefits
• Section 7: Work location
• Section 8: Labour Market Benefits
• Section 9: Mandatory Labour Market Benefit
• Section 10: Complementary labour market benefits
• Section 11: Signatures and declarations

Make sure to fill in your Processing fee payment form and Temporary Foreign Worker information template