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What is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

As one of the world’s top economies, Canada strives to remain competitive with other large economies such as the US, Germany, and France. One way to make this happen is to make it easier for professionals to move to Canada. Of course, Global Talent Stream is one of those approaches. Global Talent Stream makes obtaining an LMIA and the following work permit more accessible and faster.

Global Talent Stream categories

There are two categories under the Global Talent Stream program, namely:

• Category A: One of the GTS partners refers your employer to the government of Canada. Moreover, the employer, you, and the position must meet the requirements of this category (a.k.a. unique and specialized talent).
• Category B: The position must be one of those posted on the canada.ca website. They recently expanded the list. Furthermore, the job offer must meet the ESDC requirements.

Remember, the minimum salary must be the prevailing wage. There are situations where the annual salary must be greater than the prevailing wage and a set number. Here are some examples of those selected numbers.

• Category A: $80,000 per annum
• Category B, some of the NOC 2021 codes:
  • 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians: $86,000 per annum
  • 22220 – Computer network and web technicians: $85,000 per annum
  • 22222 – Information systems testing technicians: $85,000 per annum
  • Sub-set of 51120 – Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game: $85,000 per annum
  • Sub-set of 52120 – Digital media designers: $80,000 per annum

For these positions, the salary must be equal to or greater than the higher of these figures or the prevailing wage. For example, if the prevailing wage for NOC 22220 is $90,000 per year in a region, then the salary must be at least $90K per year. However, if the prevailing wage is $80,000 per year in another area, the compensation must be at least $85K. The currency is always the Canadian Dollar.

Processing times for Global Talent Stream LMIA and work permit

The ESDC service standard for processing a Global Talent Stream is ten business days. Most applicants also qualify for a two-week work permit processing time by IRCC. Consequently, if everything goes well, you could receive your LMIA and work permit in less than a month. However, consider the following.

• Some applicants may apply at the port of entry and receive their work permit on the same day. Therefore, they only face a 10-business-day LMIA wait time.
• For in-Canada applicants, the fastest option to receive the work permit is to flagpole. However, beware of potential complications.
• The exact processing times may not match the promises by ESDC or IRCC. Consequently, do not give yourself high hopes. Also, make sure to submit a complete package to both organizations.

Exemption from the recruitment efforts

The Global Talent Stream is exempt from the four-week mandatory recruitment efforts. Therefore, employers can save time and money when they hire a GTS applicant. However, it is in their best interest to share their efforts in hiring Canadians and permanent residents with ESDC.

Processing fee for Global Talent Stream LMIA and work permit

The processing fee for a Global Talent Stream LMIA is $1,000. Moreover, you must pay $155 for the work permit application. If you need to do biometrics, add another $85. Of course, if your family is accompanying you, add their government fees to these figures. For example, a $255 processing fee for the spouse’s C41 work permit or $150 for the child’s study permit. Consult with a professional for the exact fees.

Let us help!

Whether you are an employer or an employee, we can help you with the Global Talent Stream LMIA and work permit applications. Please use the following form to contact us. Alternatively, please book a consultation session with me or fill out our assessment form.