Canada’s booming economy is fueled by global innovation, and the Global Talent Stream (GTS) offers a fast-track immigration pathway for employers looking to hire highly skilled foreign workers. Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the GTS helps Canadian companies fill specialized roles with global talent—often with a processing time of just two weeks.
But to benefit from this streamlined process, both employers and candidates must meet specific criteria set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Who Can Apply Under the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is designed for two categories of employers:
Category A:
This stream is for innovative firms in Canada referred by one of ESDC’s designated referral partners. Companies must be hiring unique and specialized talent that can help them scale or grow in global markets.
Category B:
Employers hiring highly skilled foreign workers for occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List fall under this category. Specified roles are in-demand and face a domestic labor shortage, making international recruitment essential.
Global Talent Occupations List — Key Roles
The occupations under Category B typically focus on advanced technology and engineering roles, including but not limited to:
| NOC code 2011 | NOC code 2021 | Occupation | For illustrative purposes only
Minimum wage requirement (annual salary) |
Minimum wage requirement (hourly rate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0213 | 20012 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2131 | 21300 | Civil engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2133 | 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2143 | 21330 | Mining engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2146 | 21390 | Aerospace engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2147 | 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| Sub-set of 2161* | Sub-set of 21210* | Mathematicians and statisticians *Positions for actuaries or related occupations are excluded from this subset. | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2171 | 21211 – Data scientists
21220 – Cybersecurity specialists 21221 – Business system specialists 21222 – Information systems specialists 21233 – Web designers |
Information systems analysts and consultants | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2172 | 21211 – Data scientists
21223 – Database analysts and data administrators |
Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2173 | 21231 – Software engineers and designers
21211 – Data scientists |
Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2174 | 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
21232 – Software developers and programmers 21234 – Web developers and programmers |
Computer programmers and interactive media developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2175 | 21233 – Web designers
21234 – Web developers and programmers |
Web designers and developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2241 | 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | $86,000 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
$41.35 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
| 2281 | 22220 | Computer network technicians (NOC 2021 occupation: Computer network and web technicians) |
$85,000 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
$40.87 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
| 2283 | 22222 | Information systems testing technicians | $85,000 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
$41.03 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
| Sub-set of 5131** | Sub-set of 51120** | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game **The position must require a minimum of 3 years of experience in the visual effects, video game or animation industries in 1 or a combination of the following roles: producer, technical director, creative director, artistic director or project manager, senior coordinator, department manager, with 3 years of job experience in at least 1 or more of the following skills relevant to the visual effects, video game or animation industries: surfacing and look development; character or simulation rigging; matte painting; managing budgets or teams; or technical pipeline development and application for visual effects, video games, or animation production. | $85,000 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
$40.87 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
| Sub-set of 5241*** | Sub-set of 52120*** | Digital media designers ***The position must require a minimum of 3 years of job experience in at least 1 of the following digital media design skills: 3D modeling, compositing, paint and roto, layout and match move, digital environment and Matte painting, texture, lighting shading, character effects, effects and simulations, design and scenario, rigging, user interface or user experience, responsive design (for gaming), virtual reality, augmented reality, digital media animation, levels editing for digital media design, software editing for digital media design, pipeline software development or applications relevant for digital media design | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
$38.46 or higher prevailing wage
If you’re submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult the MIFI website (French only) for wage floors |
These roles requires specific qualifications and an offer of employment that meets or exceeds the median wage level for the occupation and region.
Employer Requirements
Employers using the Global Talent Stream must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP), outlining how hiring a foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labor market in the long term. Commitments typically include:
- Increasing skills and training for Canadians.
- Transferring knowledge to Canadian workers.
- Creating more jobs in Canada.
The employers are also required to meet minimum wage thresholds and workplace standards to ensure fair and ethical treatment of international employees.
Why Choose This Pathway?
For both employers and skilled workers, the Global Talent Stream offers:
- Quick Processing: Work permit applications are processed in as little as two weeks.
- Reduced Paperwork: Streamlined documentation makes the process efficient.
- Access to Top Talent: Employers can recruit globally to find the right skill fit.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., our legal team specializes in Canadian immigration pathways, including the Global Talent Stream. Whether you’re an employer seeking international experts or a professional aiming to work in Canada, we can guide you through the application process, ensuring compliance and maximizing success.
Contact us today to start your Global Talent Stream journey with confidence.
