The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialized Temporary Foreign Worker Program stream for qualifying employers hiring highly skilled global talent. This page focuses on the employer’s LMIA, wage, business-legitimacy and Labour Market Benefits Plan obligations. Workers can also review our Global Talent Stream , Worker & Work Permit Guidance.
Category A
Category A is for qualifying innovative companies referred by a designated GTS referral partner and hiring an individual with unique and specialized talent to help the business scale and grow. The referral and talent requirements must be established with evidence.
Category B
Category B is for employers hiring highly skilled foreign workers in occupations appearing on the Global Talent Occupations List. The occupation and wage must meet the current GTS requirements.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Every GTS employer works with the program to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan. Mandatory benefits depend on the category and are accompanied by complementary commitments that demonstrate positive and lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market.
Fee and processing standard
The LMIA processing fee is generally $1,000 per position. Service Canada currently maintains a 10-business-day GTS LMIA service standard, targeted for 80% of complete applications. Eligible workers may also qualify for accelerated work-permit processing under the Global Skills Strategy, but processing time is a service standard rather than a guarantee.
Employer preparation
- Confirm Category A referral or Category B occupation
- Meet the applicable wage requirement
- Establish business legitimacy
- Prepare the Labour Market Benefits Plan
- Comply with workplace, health-insurance and employment-agreement requirements
- Coordinate the subsequent work-permit application
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.