What is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an accelerated LMIA processing stream operated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for highly skilled tech and STEM workers. Designed to bring world-class talent to Canadian tech employers quickly.

Key feature: 2-week processing target for both the LMIA (ESDC) and the work permit (IRCC).

Two GTS Categories

Category A — High-skill, low-volume

• For foreign workers in a NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupation
• Employer must be referred to GTS by a designated partner (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada partners like MaRS, Communitech, BDC, etc.)
• Wage at or above the GTS prevailing wage

Category B — Global Talent Occupations List

• For foreign workers in specific in-demand NOCs:
  • NOC 21210 — Mathematicians, statisticians, actuaries
  • NOC 21211 — Data scientists
  • NOC 21220 — Cybersecurity specialists
  • NOC 21222 — Information systems specialists
  • NOC 21231 — Software engineers and designers
  • NOC 21232 — Software developers and programmers
  • NOC 21311 — Computer engineers
  • NOC 22220 — Computer network and web technicians
  • NOC 41401 — Web designers and developers
  • Plus several other specialized roles
• No designated partner referral required
• Wage at or above the GTS prevailing wage

Why GTS

• 2-week processing target vs. 3-6 months for standard LMIA
• No advertising requirement that's typical for standard LMIA — no Job Bank posting for 4+ weeks
• Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) — employer commits to training Canadians as a quid pro quo
• Spouse + children get accompanying status (SOWP for spouse, K-12 for children)

Eligibility

For the foreign worker:

• Qualified for the specific NOC (education + experience matching the role)
• Genuine job offer from a Canadian GTS-eligible employer
• Wage at or above prevailing GTS wage

For the employer:

• Either designated-partner referral (Category A) or operating in GTS Occupations List (Category B)
• Commitment to a Labour Market Benefits Plan
• Meet GTS wage criteria

Pathway to PR

GTS work counts as Canadian work experience for Express Entry CEC (TEER 0/1 work permits qualify). GTS holders are typically Express Entry CEC eligible 12 months after start of work — competitive CRS profiles often reach PR in 18-24 months from GTS arrival.

Halani's note

GTS is increasingly used by Halani's tech clients from Pakistan, India, Dubai, and Manila to enter Canada quickly. Combined with strong CRS profiles, the GTS-to-PR pipeline is among the fastest for software / data professionals.