The
Global Talent Stream (GTS) helps eligible Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign workers through an expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. It supports businesses hiring unique specialists or filling positions on Canada’s Global Talent Occupations List.For workers, a positive GTS LMIA can support an application for an
employer-specific work permit. Eligible applicants may also qualify for faster processing under the Global Skills Strategy.However,
LMIA approval and work permit approval are separate decisions. Understanding both stages helps employers and workers prepare a realistic application.
What Is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is part of Canada’s
Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for an LMIA before the worker applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit.There are
two categories:
| Category | Intended use | Referral required? |
|---|
| Category A | Innovative Canadian businesses hiring unique and specialized talent to help them grow | Yes, from a designated referral partner |
| Category B | Canadian businesses hiring workers for occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List | No |
An applicant’s qualifications alone do not establish eligibility. The employer, position and application must meet the relevant category’s requirements.
Global Talent Stream vs. Global Skills Strategy
Global Talent Stream and
Global Skills Strategy (GSS) describe different parts of the hiring process.
| Term | What it covers |
|---|
| Global Talent Stream | The employer’s LMIA application under Category A or B |
| Global Skills Strategy | Faster processing for eligible work permit applications |
GSS can cover workers with a positive GTS LMIA. It can also cover certain
LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits for jobs classified under TEER 0 or 1.For these processing routes, applicants must apply online from outside Canada.
GTS itself requires an LMIA; the existence of LMIA-exempt options under GSS does not change that requirement.Applicants considering an exemption can also review our guide to the
International Mobility Program.
Global Talent Stream Requirements for Employers
Employers should establish the correct category, confirm the job’s classification and prepare evidence supporting their business and hiring needs.The government’s application checklist includes:
- Documents supporting business legitimacy, such as tax records and a business licence.
- Information about the position and proposed employment.
- A Category A referral, where applicable.
- A Labour Market Benefits Plan.
- Any required provincial registration or supporting documents.
Employers can review the
official Global Talent Stream application instructions before preparing their submission.
Category A: Unique and Specialized Talent
Category A requires a referral from a
designated referral partner. It is intended for innovative businesses seeking specialized workers who can help them expand.A referral is therefore an essential part of this category, rather than an optional endorsement.For the first two approved Category A positions in a calendar year, employers must meet both the
$38.46 hourly minimum and
$80,000 annual base salary, or a higher prevailing wage.Additional positions may be considered exceptionally, with minimums of
$72.11 an hour and $150,000 annually, or a higher prevailing wage. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
Category B: Listed Occupations
Category B applies to positions on the
Global Talent Occupations List. Employers do not need a designated referral partner for this category.The list includes occupations in software development, engineering, data science and other technical fields.
Global Talent Stream Occupation List and NOC Codes
The following are
selected eligible Category B occupations using NOC 2021 codes:
| NOC code | Occupation |
|---|
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrators |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers |
This is a selection, rather than the complete list. Some listed occupations have additional experience requirements or specific wage floors. Check the
complete occupation list and program requirements when assessing a position.The NOC assessment should reflect the
actual job duties, rather than relying solely on a job title. ESDC reviews the employer’s proposed classification.
What Is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?
A
Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) records the employer’s commitments to creating lasting benefits for Canada’s labour market.The mandatory benefit depends on the category:
- Category A: Job creation for Canadians and permanent residents.
- Category B: Increased investment in skills and training for Canadians and permanent residents.
Employers must also commit to
at least two complementary benefits, with activities supporting each commitment. These must differ from the mandatory benefit.ESDC conducts annual progress reviews. Employers should therefore plan commitments they can measure and document throughout the employment period.
How to Apply for the Global Talent Stream
The process involves coordinated employer and worker applications.
1. Confirm the Category and Position
The employer identifies whether Category A or B fits the proposed hire and checks the duties, NOC code and employment terms.Category A requires the appropriate referral documentation.
2. Prepare and Submit the LMIA Application
The employer gathers supporting documents, completes the LMBP requirements and submits the GTS LMIA application.Provincial requirements should be checked early because additional registration or documentation may be necessary.
3. Receive the LMIA Decision
A positive LMIA supports the worker’s next application.
It does not, by itself, authorize the worker to start working in Canada.The worker then needs to follow the applicable
Canadian work permit process.
4. Submit the Work Permit Application
For a GTS-supported application, IRCC identifies the following employer documents:
- An employment contract.
- A job offer letter.
- The positive GTS LMIA decision letter.
Applicants must also provide the documents required by their personal checklist. These may include certified translations, an upfront medical examination and country-specific documents.When completing the online questionnaire, applicants must correctly identify that their employer’s LMIA was issued under GTS.
5. Complete Biometrics Where Required
To qualify for faster GSS processing, applicants who need biometrics must provide them
within two weeks of receiving their biometric instruction letter.
Global Talent Stream Processing Time
There are
two separate processing stages.
| Stage | Published target | What applicants should understand |
|---|
| GTS LMIA | 10 business days for 80% of applications | Incomplete files or unanswered requests can cause delays |
| Eligible GSS work permit | Two weeks | This is a processing aim, rather than a guaranteed approval date |
ESDC’s LMIA service standard begins on the business day after it receives the application. Keeping knowledgeable employer contacts available can help prevent delays.
As of November 4, 2026, IRCC’s Help Centre warns that GSS applications will probably take longer than two weeks. Applicants should account for this warning when planning travel and employment start dates.Review the
Global Skills Strategy processing instructions before applying.
Global Talent Stream Fees
The principal federal application fees are:
| Fee | Amount in CAD |
|---|
| GTS LMIA processing fee | $1,000 per position |
| Work permit processing fee | $155 per person |
| Biometrics, if required | $85 per person |
The employer
cannot charge or recover the LMIA processing fee from the worker.Work permit and biometrics fees are separate from the employer’s LMIA fee. Medical examinations, translations, professional services and applicable provincial fees can increase the total cost.
Global Talent Stream in Quebec
Employers hiring in Quebec must account for both federal and provincial requirements.For positions lasting more than 30 consecutive days, LMIA applications must be submitted simultaneously to
Service Canada and Quebec’s immigration ministry, MIFI. Quebec also has its own submission requirements.Employers should check the applicable provincial documents and fees before filing.
Can Family Members Apply With a GTS Worker?
Accompanying family members may benefit from faster processing when they apply at the same time, submit complete applications and meet the biometrics deadline where required.Each family member must qualify for the visitor status, study permit or work permit they request.
Faster processing does not establish eligibility for a family member’s permit.Does the Global Talent Stream Lead to Permanent Residence?
The Global Talent Stream is a temporary work route. Workers considering permanent residence need to qualify separately under an immigration program.Canadian employment gained after arrival may help a worker meet the requirements of the
Canadian Experience Class.For that program, qualifying experience generally includes at least
one year of authorized, paid Canadian work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 within the previous three years. Applicants must also meet language and other eligibility requirements.Obtaining a GTS work permit does not guarantee eligibility, an Express Entry invitation or permanent residence.
Finding Global Talent Stream Jobs in Canada
Use the occupation list to identify potentially eligible roles, then assess actual vacancies and employers separately.A useful job search starts with:
- Roles matching your experience and main duties.
- Employers hiring for those positions.
- Confirmation that the employer is prepared to assess GTS eligibility and complete the LMIA process.
An eligible occupation is not a job offer. Similarly, a business appearing in industry news or previous immigration records does not establish that it currently has a suitable vacancy.
Assess Your Global Talent Stream Options
A practical assessment should consider the
employer, position, category, wage and worker’s qualifications together. Reviewing these factors before filing can identify gaps in the proposed application.To discuss a potential hire or Canadian job offer, complete the
CanadaPass free assessment form or
book a consultation.
