The Canadian GTS is the component of the TFWP, which was created to let Canadian businesses attract talent from other countries as soon as possible. This blog will give a comprehensive guide on GTS such as its prerequisites, how to apply, the advantages of the program, and a look at the other related programs.
The Global Talent Stream is a new work permit system adopted by the Canadian government to enable employers in Canada to access foreign-qualified workers. It is divided into two categories:
Category A: For employers who have been recommended by a specific partner and for hiring different and peculiar employees.
Category B: When hiring foreign workers for the positions that are available on the Global Talent Occupations List, including IT, engineering, and science.
To qualify for the GTS, employers must meet the following requirements:
Have superior knowledge and experience within the subject area of the relevance of the project.
Possess the educational attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Be paid a wage as per the Canadian standard wage for the particular job.
The procedure for applying for the Global Talent Stream is fairly streamlined. Here are the steps:
First, the employers have to assess if they fall into either of the two categories of Category A or Category B.
Employers must submit a complete application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), including:
A duly filled GTS application form.
The Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) defines the employer’s obligations concerning job creation, skills and training investments, and the provision of substantial value to the Canadian labor market.
Certified copies of the job offer and the details of the remunerations that are being offered.
The GTS targets applications submitted to be processed within 10 business days and thus is considered one of the fastest work permit programs in Canada.
After the application has been approved the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The work permit is also processed within the same time frame of 10 business days.
The GTS offers several benefits for both employers and foreign workers:
Fast Processing Times: The applications and permits for work are issued in 10 business days at most.
Access to Global Talent: Helps employers to secure talented people from all over the world to work for them.
Increased Competitiveness: Supports business competitiveness by providing the right skills at the right time to organizations.
Expedited Work Permit: Employment authorization is provided quickly and this assists the workers to begin working as early as possible in Canada.
High Salaries: The GTS vacancies are usually advertised with pay that can be considered rather attractive.
Pathway to Permanent Residence: The GTS work experience could also be useful to make one eligible for the permanent residence programs.
One of the key components of the GTS is the Labour Market Benefits Plan. Employers must commit to creating lasting benefits for the Canadian labor market through the LMBP. Here are some of the commitments:
Category | Benefit |
Category A | Creating jobs for Canadians and permanent residents |
Category B | Enhancing skill development and training opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents |
In addition to mandatory benefits, employers must commit to achieving at least two complementary benefits, such as:
Complementary Benefit | Description |
Job Creation | Hiring additional Canadians and permanent residents |
Skills and Training Investments | Providing co-op or internship opportunities, and enhancing educational partnerships |
Knowledge Transfer | Ensuring that highly skilled TFWs directly supervise and mentor Canadian workers |
Company Performance | Increasing revenue, employment, or investment at the firm |
To understand the unique advantages of the GTS, let's compare it with other popular work permit programs in Canada.
Feature | Global Talent Stream | Intra-Company Transfer | Provincial Nominee Program |
Processing Time | 10 business days | Varies | Varies (usually longer) |
Skill Level | High | High | Varies |
Job Offer Requirement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pathway to Permanent Residence | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Employer Requirements | Designated partner or in-demand occupation | Established a relationship with the parent company | Provincial nomination |
Worker Requirements | Highly skilled, high salary | Senior or managerial role | Varies by province |
The wages provided to Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) must align with those paid to Canadian citizens and permanent residents employed in the same role, at the same location, and possessing equivalent skills and experience. For the Global Talent Stream, employers are required to pay the prevailing wage, which is determined by taking the highest of the following criteria:
Wage Requirement | Description |
Regional Median Hourly Wage | Posted on Job Bank |
Wage Range for Current Employees | Must be similar to current employees' wages with similar skills and experience |
Category A | $38.46 per hour for the first two positions, $72.11 for additional positions |
Category B | Minimum wage specified in Global Talent Occupations List |
The program also has the general condition that employers are obliged to follow all the requirements of the program. The TFW Program has structures in place to detect and confirm employer compliance and employers who do not will feel the pinch. Annual progress reviews of the LMBP are conducted to see how the employers are implementing their obligations.
Here are some application tips for both employers and workers:
Make sure that your application is fully and accurately completed and that your principal employer contact is reachable in case ESDC has some questions.
It is essential to create the LMBP that will include all the promises and the positive impact on the Canadian labor market.
Make sure that you qualify for the job in terms of the education and experience level needed for the job.
Ensure that you have all the documents that will be required during the processing of your documents such as proof of qualification and work experience.
Global Talent Stream is a remarkable program for employer from Canada who wants to hire employees with exceptional qualifications within a short period. The GTS assists organizations to remain relevant and meet demands that require specific skills in the market through quick processing and ease in the application process.
To foreign workers, the GTS means the chance to enter the Canadian labour market and perform occupations that are in demand and well-paid with the option to get a permanent residence. By understanding the GTS's requirements and benefits, employers and workers can take full advantage of this valuable program.