Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a stream within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Applicants under the TFWP, apply for a temporary work permit to be able to come to Canada for a certain period of time to work.
Usually, this period is equal to 2 years. Often, after the end of this period, individuals can apply for immigration through the Canadian Experience Class.
The most important advantage of the Global Talent Stream is that is allows certain skilled workers, mostly in the IT industry, are able to obtain a work permit within two weeks of applying.
There are two categories under the Global Talent Stream. Category A is for the Canadian companies who are able to demonstrate a need to recruit unique specialized talent from other countries. Employers in Category A must obtain a referral to the Global Talent Stream from a designated referral partner.
Category B is more popular because it does not require a referral from a designated referral partner. This category is for Canadian employers who need certain highly skilled foreign workers for occupations in the Global Talent Occupations List.
The occupations in this list have been determined to be in demand. The list is updated periodically. As of December 2020, it includes the following occupations:
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NOC Code | Occupation | Minimum hourly rate | Minimum annual salary |
0213 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
Subset of 2161 | Mathematicians and statisticians (except actuaries and related occupations) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2172 | Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2173 | Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2175 | Web designers and developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
2281 | Computer Network technicians | $39.42 or higher prevailing wage | $82,000 or higher prevailing wage |
2283 | Information systems testing technicians | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage |
Subset of 5131 | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game (conditions apply) | $37.50 or higher prevailing wage | $78,000 or higher prevailing wage |
Subset of 5241 | Digital media and design (conditions apply) | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage |
The candidates in Category A must be offered an annual salary of at least CAD 80,000. The candidates in Category B must be paid the prevailing wage or higher.
Labour Marker Benefits Plan
Employers who wish to hire skilled workers through the Global Talent Stream must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plans in coordination with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
This plan must outline the benefits that hiring a foreign worker will bring to the Canadian labour market as well as activities that the employer will undertake to contribute to job creation, skill development and further training of employees.
Employers in category B are required to commit to investments in skills and training for citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
They employers must show that hiring a foreign worker will allow them to create jobs, develop skills of other employees and transfer the knowledge to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and/or improve the company performance.
Employers may be further monitored to demonstrate compliance with the Labour Market Benefits Plan and evaluate the success of the Global Talent Stream.
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For help with the Global Talent Stream (GTS), contact us and we will be glad to assist.
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This message is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration case manager with whom you work at Jane Katkova and Associates or send an email to support@katkova.com.