Global Talent Stream
What is
Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is Canada's
initiative to address its need for highly skilled workers efficiently. As part
of the Global Skills Strategy, the GTS allows Canadian employers to expedite
the hiring of foreign workers for specialized occupations where Canadians are
not readily available. Canada aims to process work permit applications
under the Global Talent Stream in just two weeks, making it the fastest
immigration pathway for eligible workers seeking opportunities in Canada.
Introduced in June 2017, the Global Talent
Stream operates within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which
includes various streams designed to address specific labor market needs by
bringing in temporary foreign workers. It focuses specifically on highly
skilled individuals in fields like engineering and technology. Managed jointly
by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and
Social Development Canada (ESDC), the GTS has facilitated the successful
relocation of tens of thousands of skilled foreign workers to Canada. This
program is crucial for Canada to meet its workforce demands amidst a
historically high job vacancy rate.
The Global Talent Stream serves not only to
fill immediate skill gaps but also to maintain Canada's competitiveness in the
global market, particularly in comparison to more restrictive immigration
policies in the United States, such as those affecting the H-1B visa program.
Unlike the H-1B, spouses and partners of GTS applicants can obtain open work
permits in Canada, offering greater flexibility in employment options. For
Canadian employers, the GTS streamlines the hiring process by exempting them
from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement, which is
typically time-consuming and complex.
Instead,
employers need to demonstrate eligibility under one of two categories:
- Category A - Designated Partner Referral: Employers must be referred by a GTS designated partner
organization and hire unique and highly specialized talent. The position
must offer a salary of at least CAD $80,000 per year (or higher if the
prevailing wage for the occupation is higher), and the employee must
demonstrate advanced industry knowledge through an advanced degree or
extensive experience.
- Category B - In-Demand Occupation: Employers must hire for a position listed on the Global Talent
Occupations List, which includes high-skilled and in-demand roles. The
salary offered must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the position.
Once eligibility is confirmed, employers can
submit their application through the GTS webpage, providing detailed
information about the employer, the foreign worker, and the job offer specifics
including compensation and benefits. Each application must also include a
Labour Market Benefits Plan outlining how hiring a foreign worker will benefit
the Canadian labor market.
Employers are required to pay a processing fee
of CAD $1,000 per foreign national they intend to hire. Successful applications receive a positive LMIA, allowing the foreign
worker to apply for a work permit. Work permit applications under the GTS are
also expedited, typically processed within 10 business days, facilitating quick
entry into the Canadian workforce for skilled professionals.
In summary, the Global Talent Stream is a
vital pathway for Canadian employers seeking to fill critical roles swiftly
with highly skilled workers, enhancing both their business operations and
Canada's overall economic competitiveness in the global arena.
Contact
Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance
Need Canadian immigration assistance? Visa Nexa Inc.
is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to
the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in
Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming
Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The
Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in
Canada!
Click here to fill the CONTACT US form
