What is the Global Talent Stream and How Does It Work?

Last Updated On : August 13 , 2024

A Canadian immigration program called Global Talent Stream (GTS) was created to make it easier for Canadian businesses to hire highly talented overseas workers.

The Global Skills Strategy (GTS) was introduced on June 12, 2017, with the goal of assisting forward-thinking companies in their search for specialized people to improve their operations and competitiveness in the global market.

With the help of this program, skilled workers can start working in Canada much faster by allowing work permits and visas to be processed more quickly.

Understanding the Global Talent Stream (GTS)

When Canadian workers are unavailable, the Global labour Stream is intended to assist Canadian firms in promptly gaining access to highly trained international labour.

People with specialized talents in particular occupations can expedite the processing of their work permits with the help of this IRCC global talent stream initiative.

Among the GTS work permit's main advantages are:

Applications for work permits are typically processed in two weeks.
Streamlined Process for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Adaptable hiring standards
The Government of Canada is providing dedicated support.

Eligibility for global talent stream: Who Can Apply?

There are two eligibility categories available for the Canadian Global Talent Stream Visa program:

Category A: For employers recommended by one of the approved partners of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). These companies have to be employing distinct and skilled individuals.

Category B: For companies looking to fill positions on the Global Talent Occupations List with highly qualified international workers. Data scientists, software developers , and computer engineers are among the jobs on this list.

The GTS Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Global Talent Stream application process entails the following crucial steps:

Find out your eligibility (A or B).
Create an LMBP (Labour Market Benefits Plan).
Send ESDC the GTS application.
Obtain a favorable LMIA
A foreign employee requests a work permit.

An essential element is the LMBP, which describes how the company will strengthen the Canadian labour market by investing more in training, creating jobs, or transferring skills.

GTS Work Permit: Fast-Track to Canada

The faster work visa application process is one of the most attractive aspects of the Global Talent Stream visa procedure. The foreign worker has two weeks to apply for a work permit when a company receives a positive LMIA through the GTS.

For a maximum of three years, GTS work permits are normally valid for the length of the job offer. Depending on the employer's ongoing eligibility and the demands of the labour market, extensions can be available.

Costs associated with Canada's Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Cost Type	Amount (CAD)	Paid By	Notes
Global Talent Stream Application Fee	$1,000	Employer	Per position
Employer Compliance Fee	$230	Employer	Per work permit application
Work Permit Application Fee	$155	Employee	Paid when applying for the work permit
Biometrics Fee	$85	Employee	One-time fee for most applicants
Open Work Permit for Spouse/Partner	$255	Employee's spouse/partner	If applicable
Study Permit for Dependent Children	$150	Employee	Per child, if applicable
Medical Examination	Varies	Employee	If required, costs vary by provider
Police Clearance Certificate	Varies	Employee	If required, costs vary by country
Document Translation	Varies	Employee	If records aren't in French or English
Immigration Lawyer/Consultant Fees	Varies	Typically Employer	Optional, but common for complex cases
Relocation Costs	Varies	Negotiable	Often covered partially or fully by employer

Note: An overview of the possible expenses related to the GTS procedure is given in this table. Actual expenses could differ depending on particular circumstances and modifications to government rules or regulations.

Impact on Canadian Innovation and Economy

Canada's innovation ecosystem and economy have experienced growth thanks to the implementation of the Global Talent Stream program. By allowing skilled workers to enter the country the GTS has played a role, in fostering advancements enhancing global competitiveness and supporting the expansion of businesses, across Canada.

Numerous well-established organizations and digital startups have demonstrated their ability to promote innovation and fill critical positions through the use of the GTS.

For instance, a Vancouver-based AI company was able to expand its research team and achieve noteworthy strides in the field of natural language processing technology by employing specialized machine learning workers via the program.

Challenges and Criticisms

Some people are against the Global Talent Stream, despite its general success. Among the problems are:

Potential labour relocation in Canada; an over reliance on foreign talent at the expense of the development of domestic skills.

Ensuring that companies aren't misusing the program in order to hire personnel at a reduced cost To ease these concerns, the government has put safeguards in place, such as requiring businesses to demonstrate their commitment to employing Canadians and developing their abilities.

The Future of the Global Talent Stream

As long as Canada is a worldwide center of innovation, the global talent stream process is likely to evolve. Potential future developments include the following:

The growth of the Global Talent Occupations List
Combining economic immigration efforts with other ones
Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure the program's integrity

The government remains committed to enhancing the GTS to better meet the changing needs of the Canadian labour market while maintaining its main objective of attracting the best talent from throughout the globe.

Tips for a Successful GTS Application

The following suggested practices should be considered by overseas workers and enterprises when utilizing the Global Talent Stream:

Find out the Global Talent Stream requirements thoroughly before applying.
Make a comprehensive and useful plan for labour market gains.
Verify that every record is accurate and complete.
Construct a defense that highlights the foreign worker's essential abilities that are unavailable domestically.
Keep yourself informed about any changes or enhancements made to the program.

Conclusion: Embracing Global Talent in Canada

The Global Talent Stream represents Canada's proactive approach to address skills gaps and foster innovation in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. Canada is making a name for itself as a top destination for talent worldwide by offering a streamlined path for foreign workers with advanced abilities.

Anticipated benefits of the effort include securing Canada's economic future, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that firms in the country have access to the specialized skills needed to thrive in the twenty-first century.

With the Global Talent Stream, employers looking to fill critical roles with qualified individuals and experienced professionals looking for new opportunities can both gain from a promising approach to expand Canada's diverse and dynamic workforce.