The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialised tier within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program designed to help innovative Canadian companies attract highly skilled global talent rapidly. Launched as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the GTS offers a service standard of 10–12 business days for LMIA processing — compared to 48–60 business days under standard streams — and pairs with an expedited two-week work permit processing commitment for eligible foreign workers. This makes the end-to-end LMIA-to-work-permit timeline as short as four to six weeks in ideal cases.
The GTS is available under two categories: Category A for unique, high-skill talent referred by a designated organisation, and Category B for positions on IRCC’s Global Talent Occupations List, which is dominated by technology and research roles. Employers using GTS must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) — concrete investments in Canadian workers — rather than the standard recruitment advertising and transition plan requirements.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: Employer LMIA fee: $1,000 per position (same as standard LMIA). Worker work permit: $155.
- Biometrics: $85 individual
- Processing Time: LMIA (employer): 10–12 business days (service standard: 2 weeks). Work permit (worker): ~6–8 weeks (or faster with Global Skills Strategy expedited work permit in 2 weeks).
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
Eligibility Requirements
- Category A: employer referred by a designated organization (for highly skilled unique talent)
- Category B: job on the Global Talent Occupations List (specialized tech and research roles)
- Employer must commit to investing in Canadians through a Labour Market Benefits Plan
- Two-week work permit processing for workers entering under GTS (Global Skills Strategy)
- Work permit issued free of charge to worker if applying at port of entry under GTS
- Designed to help innovative Canadian companies attract global talent rapidly
Category A vs. Category B
Understanding the two GTS categories is essential because they have different entry points and documentation requirements:
- Category A — The employer must be referred to ESDC by a designated partner organisation (such as a venture capital firm, business incubator, accelerator, or provincial agency on ESDC’s approved list). The referral attests that the employer is an innovative company with a genuine need for the unique talent being sought. Category A offers maximum flexibility — the position does not need to appear on any pre-approved list.
- Category B — The employer does not need a referral, but the position must appear on ESDC’s Global Talent Occupations List. This list includes roles such as software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, computer systems analysts, and certain engineering and research roles. Employers check the list directly to confirm eligibility.
Category A is better suited to start-ups and scale-ups with novel talent needs. Category B is better suited to established companies with standard tech role classifications already on the occupations list. Both categories require the Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Instead of traditional recruitment advertising and a Transition Plan, GTS employers submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). The LMBP commits the employer to investing in Canadian workers, skills development, or employment equity over the duration of the GTS work permits. Typical commitments include creating net new jobs for Canadians, training and upskilling current employees, investing in apprenticeship programmes, and increasing employment of under-represented groups.
The LMBP must include mandatory benefits (required commitments such as creating a minimum number of Canadian jobs) and complementary benefits (additional investments chosen from a menu of options). ESDC tracks compliance with the LMBP over time — employers who apply for additional GTS workers are expected to report progress against their commitments.
A well-structured LMBP demonstrates that the company’s global talent hiring is not simply displacing Canadian workers but is part of a broader growth strategy that will create downstream employment opportunities domestically.
Global Skills Strategy — Two-Week Work Permit
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) pairs with the GTS to offer expedited work permit processing. Foreign workers in GTS-approved roles — and certain other high-skill categories — can receive work permit decisions in approximately two weeks rather than the standard six to eight weeks. This accelerated service is available for workers applying at a Canadian visa application centre abroad, and in some cases at a port of entry.
The two-week work permit commitment applies when the employer and worker both meet GSS conditions. If the worker requires an Electronic Travel Authorization, visitor visa, or has a complex admissibility situation, the standard timelines may apply. Employers should confirm GSS eligibility with their representative before promising a specific start date to a prospective hire.
Fees and Process Summary
The GTS LMIA fee is the same as for standard LMIA streams: $1,000 per position paid to Service Canada by the employer. The worker pays $155 for the work permit, plus $85 biometrics if applicable. In some cases under the Global Skills Strategy, workers applying at a port of entry may be exempt from the work permit fee — this should be confirmed based on the specific circumstances.
The end-to-end process: employer obtains GTS referral or confirms Category B eligibility → employer files LMIA with LMBP (processed in ~2 weeks) → positive LMIA issued → worker applies for work permit (processed in ~2 weeks under GSS) → worker begins employment. In optimal conditions, the total timeline from LMIA application to work start is approximately 4–6 weeks.
How VGIS Can Help
GTS applications require careful LMBP structuring and precise documentation of the qualifying category. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, assists tech employers with Labour Market Benefits Plan preparation, GTS category determination, and rapid turnaround work permit filings. Book a paid consultation to determine whether your hiring need qualifies for the Global Talent Stream.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Employer LMIA fee: $1,000 per position (same as standard LMIA). Worker work permit: $155. |
| Biometrics | $85 individual |
Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.
Key Documents Required
- GTS LMIA application (Category A or B referral)
- Labour Market Benefits Plan
- Designated organization referral letter (Category A)
- Worker’s credentials and resume
- Employment contract
- Worker work permit application (IMM 1295)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every tech role qualify for the Global Talent Stream?
Not automatically. For Category B, the role must appear on ESDC’s Global Talent Occupations List, which covers a range of technology, engineering, and research positions but does not include all tech jobs. For Category A, a designated-organisation referral is required. Employers should confirm category eligibility before planning timelines around GTS processing speeds.
How do I find a designated organisation for a Category A referral?
ESDC maintains a list of designated partner organisations — these include major Canadian venture capital associations, provincial innovation agencies, academic research bodies, and accelerator programmes. Employers who are already in relationships with these organisations can request a GTS referral as part of their business engagement. Not all companies will have existing relationships, in which case Category B may be the more accessible route.
Can a GTS-approved employee apply for permanent residence?
Yes. GTS workers accumulate Canadian work experience that qualifies toward Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (for NOC TEER 0–3 roles, which virtually all GTS roles are). Technology occupations are also frequently targeted by category-based draws in Express Entry. The GTS period is an excellent time to build CRS points and file an Express Entry profile.
What happens if we don’t meet our Labour Market Benefits Plan commitments?
ESDC monitors LMBP compliance. Employers who fail to meet their commitments may face difficulties obtaining future GTS LMIAs, may be required to demonstrate remedial efforts, or may face broader TFWP compliance consequences. Commitments should be realistic and achievable before being submitted.
Is the two-week work permit processing guaranteed?
The two-week timeframe is a service standard, not an absolute guarantee. IRCC aims to meet it for eligible applications, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete, if the applicant requires additional admissibility screening, or during peak processing periods. Employers should build contingency time into hiring plans.
Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/global-talent.html
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.