If your business needs highly skilled tech talent and can’t find it in Canada, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) offers one of the fastest hiring routes available. It is a dedicated stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with a two-week processing standard for LMIAs and work permits in many cases. This guide explains how the Global Talent Stream works, who qualifies, and how to apply as an employer.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Global Talent Stream is a federal hiring program. It helps Canadian employers fill highly skilled roles when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available.
There are two main categories for employers under the Global Talent Stream.
To qualify under Category A, you must:
To qualify under Category B, you must:
For both categories, employers must:
Applying for the Global Talent Stream is an employer-driven process. Here are the main steps.
Start by confirming whether your role falls under Category A or Category B. For Category B, the job must match the official Global Talent Occupations List, which includes many software, engineering, and digital roles.
All Global Talent Stream employers must submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). This plan shows how hiring a foreign worker will create positive impacts for the Canadian labour market, such as:
Your commitments in the LMBP are assessed and monitored over time.
The Global Talent Stream is still an LMIA-based program, but it offers faster processing. You submit your application to Employment and Social Development Canada with:
GTS applications often follow a two-week processing standard for complete applications, though this is not always guaranteed.
Once the LMIA is approved, your chosen candidate applies for a work permit. Many work permits under the Global Talent Stream are also processed within two weeks.
If you want to compare the Global Talent Stream with other hiring programs, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter federal and provincial options by industry and province.
Missing LMBP details
Vague or unrealistic commitments can slow down or block approval. Your plan must show clear, measurable benefits for Canadians.
Offering below-market wages
For Category B roles, wages must meet or exceed the prevailing wage. Underpaying is a common reason for refusal.
Thinking GTS is LMIA-exempt
The Global Talent Stream still requires an LMIA. It is faster, but not exempt.
Forgetting provincial requirements
Employment standards and licensing rules still apply in each province or territory.
Q: Do I need an LMIA for the Global Talent Stream?
Yes. The Global Talent Stream is an LMIA stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, with expedited processing standards.
Q: How long does Global Talent Stream processing take?
Many complete applications follow a two-week processing standard for both the LMIA and the work permit, though timelines are not guaranteed.
Q: What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?
An LMBP is a required plan that explains how hiring a foreign worker will benefit Canada’s labour market through job creation, skills transfer, or training.
Q: Is the Global Talent Stream available in all provinces?
Yes. It is a federal program available across Canada, but employers must still meet provincial or territorial employment requirements.
Q: What jobs qualify under the Global Talent Occupations List?
The list includes many high-skill roles, especially in technology and engineering. The official list is maintained by the Government of Canada and may change over time.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and hiring programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile before you commit to a single pathway.
The Global Talent Stream can help your business access specialized talent quickly. Make sure you can meet all compliance requirements before you apply. It is also smart to compare the GTS with other federal and provincial hiring programs to see what fits your growth plans best. GrantHub helps you see which labour market and workforce programs align with your industry, location, and hiring goals.
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