Guide to the Global Talent Stream

Thu Jun

Admin

In a rapidly evolving global economy, the ability to attract and retain top-tier international talent has become a cornerstone of national competitiveness. Canada, a global leader in immigration and workforce development, continues to build upon its commitment to innovation through the Global Talent Stream (GTS). Launched in 2017 as part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the GTS is designed to help high-growth companies in Canada quickly hire the specialised talent they need to innovate and scale.

This article explores the current structure of the Global Talent Stream, its key trends, and projections for the future of this program.

Understanding the Global Talent Stream

The GTS is divided into two distinct categories:

Category A: Employers must be referred by one of the GTS's designated referral partners and seek to hire individuals with unique and specialised talent to help the business grow and scale.
Category B: Employers looking to hire highly skilled temporary foreign workers (TFWs) for in-demand occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List do not require a referral.

In both cases, employers must comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and relevant regulations. Non-compliance can result in application denial and long-term restrictions from the program.

Application Requirements

To participate in the GTS, employers are required to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application and pay a processing fee of $1,000 CAD per position. While the fee is non-refundable under most circumstances, it ensures that applications are processed quickly, often within two weeks.

A pilot project has been introduced to streamline the payment process further, allowing online banking payments for applications with six or more positions.

Importantly, the fee must be paid by the employer and cannot be recovered, directly or indirectly, from the foreign worker.

Recruitment Fees

Recruitment costs can include advertising, agency fees, and consulting services. However, Canadian employers are strictly prohibited from passing any of these costs to the TFWs. Violations can result in a negative LMIA decision and jeopardise future participation in the program.

Employers may use third-party representatives, either paid (such as immigration lawyers or certified consultants) or unpaid (friends, family, or not-for-profits), but only paid representatives certified by specific regulatory bodies are authorised to collect fees.

The Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)

A distinctive feature of the GTS is the Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). Employers must collaborate with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to outline how their hiring of foreign talent will create positive and lasting impacts on the Canadian labour market.

Mandatory benefits vary by category:

Category A employers must focus on job creation for Canadians and permanent residents.
Category B employers are required to invest in skills and training for the domestic workforce.

Additionally, employers must commit to at least two complementary benefits, which may include:

Establishing educational partnerships
Providing internships or co-op placements
Knowledge transfer from foreign workers to local staff
Increasing diversity in the workplace
Enhancing company policies or practices

Progress Reviews

To ensure compliance, ESDC conducts annual progress reviews of the LMBP. These reviews assess whether employers are meeting their commitments and contributing positively to Canada’s labour market. Failure to demonstrate reasonable effort may result in a two-year suspension from the GTS.

These evaluations are separate from audits conducted to verify compliance with TFWP employment regulations, such as wage fairness, working conditions, and the treatment of workers.

Employers must prove that their business and job offers are legitimate by submitting relevant documents with their LMIA applications. New employers—those who haven’t hired TFWs in the past six years—are subject to additional scrutiny. They must demonstrate they provide a workplace free of abuse and are not affiliated with any employer banned from the TFWP.

Affiliation includes:

Shared control or ownership
Operations not conducted at arm’s length

The Global Talent Stream has redefined how Canada competes for high-calibre international talent. By balancing speed with accountability and focusing on lasting labour market benefits, the program has become an essential tool for economic growth. As global demand for specialised skills continues to rise, the GTS is expected to evolve further, helping Canada remain a top destination for both employers and skilled professionals alike.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

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