What is Canada’s Global Talent Stream?
The Canada Global Talent Stream (GTS) helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign workers for roles they cannot fill locally. Managed by ESDC and IRCC, it streamlines hiring for priority fields (e.g., IT, engineering, science) and can support future Canada PR pathways through experience gained in Canada.
The stream has two categories: Category A (referral + unique and specialized talent) and Category B (roles on the Global Talent Occupations List).
Canada GTS Requirements & Eligibility
Category A (referral based):
- Employer is referred by a designated partner.
- Hire is for unique and specialized talent. Note: Employers must pay CAD $80,000+ annually (or higher if the prevailing wage exceeds this).
Category B (occupation list):
- Role is on the Global Talent Occupations List.
- No referral required.
- Salary must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the position.
How to Apply (Worker vs Employer)
As a foreign worker, you cannot apply to GTS directly. A Canadian employer applies and includes you in the submission. Your first step is securing a valid job offer from an employer who qualifies for GTS (check the occupation list and designated partners below).
Employee Benefits Under GTS
- Fast Canada Work Permit processing (often ~2 weeks).
- No traditional LMIA delays (process is streamlined under GTS).
- Open work permit possible for spouse/common-law partner.
- Strong pathway to Canada PR via Express Entry/PNP thanks to Canadian work experience.
Global Talent Occupations (NOC 2021 – Selected)
Wage must meet prevailing wage (some roles list specific minimums; Quebec may have unique thresholds).
- 20012 — Computer & Information Systems Managers
- 21300 — Civil Engineers
- 21310 — Electrical & Electronics Engineers
- 21330 — Mining Engineers
- 21390 — Aerospace Engineers
- 21311 — Computer Engineers (except software)
- 21210 (subset) — Mathematicians & Statisticians (excludes actuaries)
- 21220 — Cybersecurity Specialists
- 21221 — Business Systems Specialists
- 21222 — Information Systems Specialists
- 21211 — Data Scientists
- 21223 — Database Analysts & Data Administrators
- 21230 — Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developers
- 21231 — Software Engineers & Designers
- 21232 — Software Developers & Programmers
- 21233 — Web Designers
- 21234 — Web Developers & Programmers
- 22310 — Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technologists & Technicians (≥ $86,000/yr or $41.35/hr, or prevailing wage; Quebec differs)
- 22220 — Computer Network Technicians (≥ $82,000/yr or $39.42/hr, or prevailing wage; Quebec differs)
- 22222 — Information Systems Testing Technicians (≥ $85,000/yr or $41.03/hr, or prevailing wage; Quebec differs)
- 51120 (subset) — Producer/Technical/Creative/Artistic Director & Project Manager — VFX & Video Games (3+ yrs industry experience; ≥ $85,000/yr or $40.87/hr, or prevailing wage; Quebec differs)
- 52120 (subset) — Digital Media Designers (3+ yrs in skills like 3D, FX, UI/UX, VR/AR, etc.; ≥ $80,000/yr or $38.46/hr, or prevailing wage; Quebec differs)
Designated Partners (Category A Referrals)
- Accelerate Okanagan
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- BC Tech Association
- Burlington Economic Development Corporation
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Cape Breton Partnership
- City of Brampton
- City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office
- City of Mississauga
- Communitech Corporation
- Council of Canadian Innovators
- Economic Development Winnipeg
- Edmonton Economic Development
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Genesis (Newfoundland)
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
- Government of Alberta — Alberta Labour
- Government of British Columbia — Ministry of Jobs, Trade & Technology
- Government of Manitoba — Manitoba Education & Training
- Government of Nova Scotia — Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Government of Ontario — OINP (Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration)
- Government of Ontario — Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade (Ontario Investment Office)
- Government of Prince Edward Island — Island Investment Development Inc.
- Government of Saskatchewan — Ministry of the Economy
- Halifax Partnership
- Tech Manitoba
- ISED Canada — Accelerated Growth Service
- Invest Ottawa
- Invest in Canada
- Kingston Economic Development Corporation
- Launch Academy
- London Economic Development Corporation
- MaRS Discovery District
- NRC-IRAP
- Privy Council Office — Special Projects Team
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Regional Municipality of York
- Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
- Toronto Global
- Town of Oakville
- Vancouver Economic Commission
- Venn Innovation
- Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
- WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation
Get Expert Immigration Advice & Guidance
The Global Talent Stream is a fast path to a Canada Work Permit and a powerful stepping-stone to Canada PR via Express Entry and PNPs. If you’re aiming to work in Canada or transition to PR, our ICCRC/RCIC-registered team can help.
Contact: +91-9019-400-500 · [email protected]
FAQs
1) Can candidates apply to GTS on their own? No. Only a Canadian employer files under GTS and lists the foreign worker on the application.
2) Do I need a referral for Category B? No. Category B is for roles on the Global Talent Occupations List; no referral needed (but wage and job criteria apply).
3) How fast is processing under GTS? When criteria are met, work permits can be processed in about two weeks, helping employers fill roles quickly.
4) Does GTS help with PR later? Yes. Canadian work experience gained via GTS can strengthen Express Entry or PNP applications for Canada PR.
