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Global Talent Stream: Fast-Track Immigration

Home » Work » LMIA – Based Work Permit » Global Talent Stream
by Kathy Watkins

Streamlining Global Talent Recruitment in Canada

In today’s globalized world, where economies and industries are deeply interconnected, the need for specialized skills is truly international. One remarkable initiative that addresses this demand is the Global Talent Stream, a program that simplifies the process for employers seeking specific expertise, thus speeding up the hiring timeline.

At Immigration to Canada, we understand how crucial it is to swiftly and efficiently onboard skilled professionals from around the globe. The Global Talent Stream plays a pivotal role in enhancing diversity and driving innovation across various Canadian sectors. Whether it’s technology, healthcare, or other specialized fields, the program paves the way for talented individuals to make a meaningful impact on Canada’s dynamic workforce.

This initiative is designed to assist Canadian employers in swiftly hiring foreign talent for specialized roles, especially when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available. By easing the recruitment process, the Global Talent Stream enables companies to efficiently fill critical roles that require niche expertise, thereby contributing to the growth and competitiveness of industries in Canada.

Global Talent Stream

Understanding the Global Talent Stream

Immigration to Canada offers efficient, responsive, and reliable services through the Global Talent Stream (GTS) to simplify the process for skilled international professionals seeking employment with Canadian companies aiming to grow within Canada and compete on a global scale.

The GTS is particularly advantageous for highly skilled foreign professionals interested in joining innovative Canadian businesses. These businesses must receive a recommendation from a designated referral partner approved by Service Canada. To be eligible, the Canadian company you’re applying to must hold a position that is both highly skilled and in demand, as listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Global Talent Stream

Applicants interested in the Global Talent Stream (GTS), a part of Immigration to Canada’s services, must ensure that their prospective employer meets specific criteria. Here’s a breakdown based on application categories:

Category A Candidates

To qualify for Category A, you must secure a job offer from an employer that a designated referral partner recommends to the GTS. Below is a list of these designated referral partners you’ll want to consult.

Category B Candidates

For those skilled foreign professionals whose job titles appear on the global talent occupations list, you can apply under Category B. Under this category, your prospective employer doesn’t need a referral.

As a Category B applicant, make sure your future employer complies with the rules and regulations for hiring a temporary foreign worker (TFW) as per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and Act.

LMIA Processing Fee Details

Your potential Canadian employer must afford the 1,000 CAD Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee necessary for your employment. Payment can be made using:

Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable if the employer decides to withdraw or cancel the application or if the decision is unfavorable. However, a refund is possible if the employer was charged mistakenly. As a TFW, you won’t need to pay the LMIA fee.

Recruitment Costs for Applicants

Your future employer should be prepared to cover various recruitment costs, including:

To avoid a negative LMIA decision, it is crucial that any representatives or organizations involved in your recruitment do not charge or take recruitment fees from you directly or indirectly.

Guidelines for Recruiters and Employers

Recruiters

Recruiters or representatives working on behalf of Canadian employers must be able to perform specific tasks to qualify. These tasks include:

Keep in mind that your prospective Canadian employer is accountable for the actions of anyone recruiting on their behalf.

New Canadian Employers

Prospective Canadian employers must demonstrate that they have actively worked to create a workplace environment free from abuse. They must also not have associations with any employer deemed ineligible to hire TFWs through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

A Canadian workplace without abuse includes proactive steps to prevent and address workplace misconduct.

Labor Market Benefits Plan

Employers, in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), are required to develop a Labor Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). This plan must outline commitments to activities that have a lasting, positive impact on the Canadian labor market.

The LMBP aids employers in identifying and tracking job experiences, skills, training, and other relevant activities that contribute to benefiting the Canadian economy. Commitments within the LMBP are separated into mandatory and complementary benefits.

Wages

For eligibility under the TFW program through the GTS, your prospective Canadian employer must offer wages comparable to those of Canadian permanent resident employees in the same role, at the same location, with similar skills and experience.

In the GTS, the prevailing wage is defined as:

Only guaranteed wages will be considered to determine the offered wage rate. This excludes:

Global Talent Stream

Working Conditions and Responsibilities

Immigration to Canada, your go-to company for Canadian immigration, is here to guide potential employees through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities when hired under the Global Talent Stream (GTS) program.

Duties and Rights of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs)

Your Canadian employer can only employ you through the TFWP if you perform tasks related to the Global Talent Stream occupation for which you were hired. As a TFW, you have the same protections as all workers in Canada.

Employers are required to: 

Health Insurance Requirements

To qualify as a highly-skilled TFW recruited through the GTS, your employer must cover the cost of your private health insurance to address emergency medical needs until you qualify for Canada’s provincial or territorial health insurance. An inspector from ESDC/Service Canada will check the employer’s health insurance policy to confirm you’re not being charged for it.

Workplace Safety Standards

Confirm that your Canadian employer can cover you through the area’s workplace safety insurance provider, as mandated by Canadian law. If legislation within the province or territory permits employers to opt for private insurance, the employer must ensure that:

If you need information on the equivalency of a private insurance plan, reach out to the local workplace safety authority.

Employment Agreement Essentials

Your Canadian employer must provide a complete and signed employment agreement on your first working day if recruited via the GTS. This agreement should:

For questions about private insurance equivalency, contact the appropriate local workplace safety authority.

Unionized Job Roles

If your potential employment in Canada involves a unionized position, your employer is obliged to:

Navigating the Global Talent Stream Program

If you’re looking to work in Canada, the Global Talent Stream is an excellent pathway. Your future Canadian employer can submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application up to six months before your intended start date. At Immigration to Canada, we provide you with the necessary guidance in this process.

Online LMIA Application Process

The quickest way your employer can submit an LMIA application is through the LMIA Online Portal. This platform is a reliable and secure way to interact with Service Canada.

To begin, your employer needs a Canada Job Bank account. Here’s a step-by-step guideline on what they need to do:

Step 1: Register for a Job Bank for Employers Account
Registering takes about 10 minutes, and Job Bank takes approximately five business days to process a new employer file.

Step 2: Use the LMIA Online Portal
With their Canada Job Bank login, your employer can access the LMIA Online Portal using their account information for authentication.

Step 3: Complete the Application
Your employer will need to fill out the LMIA application form and submit all necessary documents that prove their business’s legitimacy. For GTS Category A only, a referral form from a designated partner is required.

Submitting a PDF Application by Email

If the online method isn’t feasible, your employer can apply for an exemption and obtain a PDF LMIA application form through the LMIA webpage. In cases where multiple positions are being filled simultaneously, including yours, your employer must fill out the Global Talent Stream – Annex 1 Additional Occupation form (EMP5625) instead of separate applications for each position. For Category A, referral documentation from a designated partner is necessary.

Applying for the Global Talent Stream

Once you submit your application with Immigration to Canada to be hired by a qualified Canadian employer through the Global Talent Stream (GTS), here’s what you can look forward to:

Positive LMIA Outcome

When your employer obtains a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), they will receive a decision letter confirming the approval. Starting from May 1st, 2024, a positive LMIA will be valid for up to six months from the date of issuance. Upon receipt of the positive LMIA letter, your employer is required to provide you with a copy of the confirmation letter along with the employment contract. You will need to include this positive LMIA confirmation letter, as well as the employment contract signed by both you and your employer, in your work permit application. 

FAQ
Can foreign workers bring their families under the Global Talent Stream?

Yes, workers with a Global Talent Stream work permit can bring family as dependents, but separate visa applications and eligibility criteria must be met.

What advantages come with the Global Talent Stream?

The GTS offers quicker processing times for skilled jobs, access to high-demand positions, competitive salaries, family assistance, and paths to permanent residency.

Is permanent residency possible through the Global Talent Stream?

Yes, workers in the GTS may qualify for permanent residency via pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs, meeting criteria in work experience, language, and education.

How long is the GTS work permit valid?

GTS work permits typically last up to two years, with extensions possible if employment conditions remain stable and program criteria are met.

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