What is the Global Talent Stream (GTS) and How Does it Work?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a Canadian immigration program that aims to address talent shortages in the country by facilitating the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers for Canadian companies. Introduced by the Canadian government, the program seeks to promote economic growth by helping businesses recruit top-tier talent from around the world.

In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of the GTS program, including how it operates and the advantages it provides to both Canadian employers and foreign workers alike. With its focus on attracting top talent from across the globe, the GTS offers a valuable pathway for skilled professionals seeking to build a career in Canada.

Table of Contents

What is the Global Talent Stream?

The Global Talent Stream program is a fantastic option for Canadian employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers in certain high-demand occupations. By streamlining the visa and work permit application process, the program enables businesses to quickly fill talent gaps and boost their growth.

The GTS operates with impressive efficiency, with a two-week processing standard for work permit applications and a six-month standard for Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications. This significantly reduces the wait time for employers looking to hire foreign workers.

The GTS is split into two categories: Category A and Category B. Category A is for high-growth companies with a unique need for specialized talent that’s not readily available in the Canadian labor market. Category B is for eligible occupations, including jobs in technology, engineering, and scientific fields, among others, listed on the Global Talent Stream occupation list.

Eligibility Requirements

The Global Talent Stream program has specific eligibility criteria that both the employer and foreign worker must meet to qualify for the streamlined and expedited visa and work permit application process.

For the employer, they must demonstrate that the position they are seeking to fill through the GTS is a high-skilled job and that they have made reasonable efforts to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. Furthermore, the employer must be committed to creating jobs for Canadians and transferring knowledge to Canadian workers.

As for the foreign worker, they must have a job offer in a qualifying high-skilled occupation from an eligible employer. They must also have the required education, experience, and skills necessary for the job, as well as meet the language requirements for the position and pass a criminal background check.

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria may differ based on whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside of Canada.

List of eligible NOC codes for the GTS program

The Global Talent Stream program has made it easier for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers in specific occupations. However, to qualify for expedited processing, the job offer must fall under one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes under Category A or Category B.

Category A includes high-demand occupations that require at least a university degree. Occupations such as Computer and Information Systems Managers (NOC 0213), Civil Engineers (NOC 2131), Mechanical Engineers (NOC 2132), Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 2133), Information Systems Analysts and Consultants (NOC 2171), and Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 2173) are just a few examples of eligible NOC codes.

Category B includes occupations that are in high demand in certain regions of Canada or require at least a college diploma. Eligible NOC codes under this category include Industrial Electricians (NOC 7242), Welders (NOC 7237), Chefs (NOC 6321), Butchers (NOC 6331), Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 5241), and Interactive Media Developers and Programmers (NOC 5241).

It’s important to keep in mind that the eligible NOC codes may change over time, so it’s advisable to consult the official Government of Canada website for the most recent information.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Apply for the GTS Program

If you’re interested in applying for the GTS program, here’s what you need to know about the application process:

Step 1: Find an employer in Canada The first step in the GTS application process is finding a Canadian employer who is willing to sponsor you for a job offer under the GTS program. Your employer will need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Step 2: Determine your eligibility Once you have secured a job offer, you will need to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the GTS program. This includes having the necessary skills and experience for the job and meeting the language requirements.
Step 3: Gather your documents You will need to gather all the required documents for your GTS application. This includes your passport, work experience letters, educational credentials, language test results, and any other supporting documents.
Step 4: Submit your application Once you have all your documents in order, you can submit your GTS application. You will need to provide your LMIA number and a job offer letter from your employer.
Step 5: Wait for a decision After you submit your GTS application, you will need to wait for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your application is approved, you will be issued a work permit. If your application is refused, you will be provided with the reasons for refusal.
Step 6: Arrive in Canada Once you receive your work permit, you can make arrangements to travel to Canada to begin working for your employer.

It is important to note that the processing time for GTS applications varies depending on the country of residence and the complexity of the application. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned arrival in Canada to allow for sufficient processing time.

Benefits of the Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a game-changer for both employers and foreign workers alike, offering a range of benefits including:

Speedy processing times: Unlike other work permit processing times, the GTS program is renowned for its two-week standard processing time, making it an attractive option for employers and workers alike.
LMIA exemption: Employers can hire foreign workers without having to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which can be a long and complex process.
Open work permits for spouses/common-law partners: The program extends benefits to the spouse or common-law partner of GTS applicants, providing them with an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
Flexibility for workers: GTS work permits are generally issued for a period of two years, allowing foreign workers to gain valuable Canadian work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Opportunities for permanent residency: Through the GTS program, foreign workers have a unique opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada through a range of immigration pathways, including the popular Express Entry system.
Access to a diverse pool of talent: Employers benefit from having access to a global pool of highly skilled workers, which helps them address labour shortages and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
Reduced recruitment costs: The GTS program also cuts down recruitment costs for employers as they are not required to advertise job positions in Canada or conduct extensive recruitment efforts.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) program is an advantageous route for Canadian employers looking to swiftly and smoothly hire top-tier foreign workers. Thanks to its straightforward application process and accelerated processing times, the GTS program simplifies the task of filling skill shortages, bolstering Canada’s economic growth. Additionally, the program presents coveted prospects for skilled foreign workers to obtain work experience and potentially secure permanent residency in Canada. All in all, the GTS program is a mutually beneficial solution for both Canadian employers and foreign workers seeking to advance their careers in Canada.