Canada Global Talent Stream Work Permits
Employers in high-growth industries or those looking to hire IT professionals can apply for work permits under the Canadian Global Talent Stream (GTS) and take advantage of expedited processing times of just two weeks. This program was introduced to help companies quickly bring foreign talent to Canada to support their expanding businesses.
Global Talent Stream Occupation List | ||
No. | Occupation | NOC No. |
1 | Computer and information systems managers | NOC 0213 |
2 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | NOC 2147 |
3 | Mathematicians and statisticians | Subset of NOC 2161 |
4 | Information systems analysts and consultants | NOC 2171 |
5 | Database analysts and data administrators | NOC 2172 |
6 | Software engineers and designers | NOC 2173 |
7 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers | NOC 2174 |
8 | Web designers and developers | NOC 2175 |
9 | Computer Network technicians | NOC 2281 |
10 | Information systems testing technicians | NOC 2283 |
11 | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game | Subset of NOC 5131 and specific rules apply |
12 | Digital Media and Design | Subset of NOC 5241 and specific rules apply |
Wages for the Global Talent Stream
Employers must comply with wage conditions when hiring skilled foreign workers through the GTS. These workers must be paid at least the prevailing wage, which is defined as the highest of the following:
- The median wage for the occupation listed on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank;
- The wage ranges an employer currently pays employees in the same role at the same location, with comparable skills and experience;
- The minimum wage floor set in the Global Talent Occupations List (if applicable).
Employers must ensure that the salary meets the highest of these standards:
- The applicable minimum wage for the occupation, as identified in the Global Talent Occupations List for highly-skilled positions;
- The wage range for employees in the same position with comparable skills and experience in the same location;
- The median wage on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, which is listed by job title or National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Employers wishing to hire skilled workers through the Global Talent Stream must work with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan. This plan outlines the positive contributions that foreign workers will bring to the Canadian labour market, as well as the activities the employer will undertake to promote job creation and investments in skills and training.
Employers must commit to increasing investments in skills and training for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, employers are required to pledge two complementary benefits, supported by defined activities. These benefits may include, but are not limited to, creating jobs, investing in training, transferring knowledge to Canadian workers, and improving company performance. Examples of supporting activities include hiring more Canadian workers, offering training programs for current employees, providing paid internships or co-op opportunities for students, and increasing revenue or investments.
Work Permit Exemptions
Under the Global Talent Stream, two categories of workers are now exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit:
- Highly-skilled workers in NOC skill type 0 or skill level A occupations can work in Canada for up to 15 days within a six-month period, or 30 days within a 12-month period, without needing a work permit.
- Researchers working on projects at publicly funded degree-granting or affiliated research institutions can enter Canada for up to 120 days in a 12-month period without a work permit.
