Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialized program under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program that allows eligible Canadian employers to expedite the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers in select occupations. Designed to boost innovation and address skills shortages, the GTS helps fast-track the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and supports Canada’s economic growth in technology and other key sectors.

As a subcategory of the Closed Work Permit stream, the Global Talent Stream allows workers to receive a job-specific work permit tied to the employer who obtained a GTS-based LMIA. What makes the GTS unique is its commitment to faster processing—both the LMIA and the work permit can be processed in as little as two weeks, making it ideal for urgent, high-demand positions.

The Global Talent Stream is divided into two categories:

• Category A: For employers referred by a designated referral partner who are hiring unique and specialized talent.
  
  
• Category B: For employers hiring foreign workers in occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List, including software engineers, data scientists, and web developers.
  
  

To participate, employers must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP), which outlines their commitment to activities that will positively impact the Canadian labor market. This may include job creation, investment in skills development, or improving the employer’s workplace diversity.

The Global Talent Stream is especially appealing for employers in fast-paced industries such as IT, engineering, fintech, and biotechnology, where delays in hiring could impact competitiveness. The program’s flexibility and speed help businesses remain agile while also ensuring foreign workers are brought in under fair conditions.

For foreign professionals, the GTS offers a rapid route to employment in Canada, often leading to long-term opportunities such as permanent residence under the Express Entry system. To learn more about how this program fits into broader Canadian work and immigration pathways, visit our Work and Closed Work Permit sections.

Book a consultation with RightWay Canada to find out whether the Global Talent Stream is right for your situation. Whether you’re an employer or a skilled professional, our immigration experts can help you navigate the requirements and secure your work authorization quickly and efficiently.