If you want to hire high skilled foreign workers, you can expedite the processing of your employee's work permit if you apply under the Global Talent Stream (GTS).

The government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) launched the Global Talent Stream in partnership.

The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. The main purpose of the GTS is to reduce the processing times of the work permit to help companies fulfill their need for skilled workers and fill shortages of skilled workers for certain occupations.

Who is Eligible to Apply Under the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

As a Canadian employer, you can apply for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under 2 streams by using the GTS:

Category A: To apply under Category A, you must have been referred to the program by 1 of the GTS's designated partners. You must also hire a foreign worker with unique skills and experience that can not be replaced by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Category B: If you are looking to hire a highly-skilled foreign worker in an occupation listed on the GTS's list, you can apply under Category B. These occupations are generally in-demand and have a shortage of domestic skilled labor.

These 2 categories have specific requirements. However, there are a few general requirements for the GTS:

• he employer must deposit a $1000 application processing fee
• The employers must prove the legitimacy of their business
• The employers must present the Labour Market Benefits Plan to demonstrate how their business operations will benefit the Canadian labor market in the long run.

As a foreign high-skilled worker, you must demonstrate 5 years of specialized experience in your profession with unique knowledge of the industry.

What are the Minimum Salaries for the Global Talent Stream?

If you are applying for Category A, then there is no flexibility in the wage requirements request.

As an employer, you must commit to an annual remuneration of at least $80,000 or an annual equivalent of the current salary for that occupation for the first 2 GTS requests.

If you want to hire 2 or more highly skilled foreign workers, then you must provide an annual salary according to the current wage for that occupation if it is higher than $150,000.

If you are applying for Category B, then the annual salary must be within the wage range that the employer is currently paying to the rest of the employees for the same position or the median wage as established by the government of Canada's Job Bank.

What is the Labour Market Benefits Plan?

If you are applying for the Global Talent Stream, then you will be required to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan with the ESDC.

The Labour Market Benefits Plan demonstrates how your business operations will positively impact the Canadian labor market.

If you are applying under Category A, then you must demonstrate how your business will directly or indirectly create employment opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

If you are applying under Category B, then you must demonstrate how your business will invest in improving skills and training for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In addition, employers applying to either category should commit to creating 2 or more benefits from this list:

• Job creation
• Investing in skills and training
• Transferring of knowledge to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Improving business performance
• Hiring more Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Training current employees for new skills
• Creating internship opportunities for local students
• Increasing profits and investment

The ESDC will conduct annual Progress Reviews to assess if the goals are being met. If you want to maintain your access to the GTS program, then you must respond timely to the progress reviews.

If you wish to hire temporary foreign workers for high salaried positions, you will be required to present a transition plan using a regular LMIA.

You must also demonstrate a Labour Market Benefits Plan and commit to investing in training and skill improvement of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

You must also demonstrate how you plan to shift from temporary workers to Canadian workers during the employment period of the employee.

Global Talent Stream LMIA Processing Times

The service standard is to have Global Talent Stream submissions processed within 10 business days.

Global Talent Stream LMIA Refusal

• Insufficient Labour Market Benefits Plan
• Employment duties do not align with one of the eligible occupations
• Employer does not meet the business requirements

How can I hire a temporary foreign worker under the GTS as an employer in Quebec?

As an employer-based in Quebec, you must submit your application to the Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion (MIDI) for consideration.

As an employee, am I eligible to apply for permanent residency under the GTS?

If you have 1 year of Canadian work experience under the GTS, then you are eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and several other Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams offered by the provinces and territories across Canada.

Can I directly apply for the GTS as a temporary foreign worker?

No, you can not directly apply for the GTS. If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, then your employer will be required to apply with your information. If their application is approved, then a positive LMIA will be issued. You can use this LMIA to apply for a temporary work permit that will be processed quickly.

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