Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC)

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC) program?

To be eligible for the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC) program, you must: • The company must be identified and referred by a designated referral partner. • The company must be making a significant investment in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC)?

You can contact Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Q: Where is the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC) available?

The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC) program is available across Canada.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Guidance for companies hiring temporary foreign workers

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 1, 2023
Closing date : March 31, 2024

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) is designed to help Canadian employers attract top international talent swiftly through prioritized processing, with key features including faster application processing times and work permit exemptions. While there isn't a monetary funding amount attached to this initiative, it provides significant value by reducing hiring timelines and associated costs through streamlined processes for eligible high-skilled workers, their families, and employers meeting specific criteria.

Activities funded

Recruitment of highly skilled foreign workers for priority occupations.
Facilitation of international researcher placements at Canadian publicly funded institutions.
Support for employers making significant investments in Canada through dedicated advisory services.
Assistance to universities bringing research chair holders to Canada.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 18,000

Employ foreign IT specialists to upgrade cybersecurity systems

$ 30,000

Contract foreign healthcare professionals for specialized patient services

$ 15,000

Hiring 5 skilled masons from overseas for large-scale construction project

$ 17,000

Engage international marketing experts for global expansion strategy development

$ 17,000

Recruit international chefs for new gourmet restaurant opening

$ 25,000

Hire seasonal agricultural workers from Mexico for harvest season

Eligibility

The company must be identified and referred by an official referral partner.
The company must be making a significant investment in Canada.
Universities are eligible if they support publicly funded research chair holders coming to Canada.

Who is eligible?

Employers making significant investments in Canada
Universities supporting publicly funded research chair holders

Eligible geographic areas

There are specific geographic areas mentioned for this grant.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria include:

Employers who make a significant investment in Canada
Universities that support publicly funded research chair holders coming to Canada

How to apply

Gather Required Documents

Obtain necessary documents from the employer, including a job offer and, if applicable, a positive LMIA decision letter.
Ensure all documents are complete and meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements.

Complete Online Application

Create an account and log in to the work permit application portal.
Select "Online" and choose the country or territory from which you are applying.
Download and complete the application ensuring all sections are filled accurately.

Submit Supporting Documentation

Include police certificates and certified translations of documents not in English or French, if required.
Upload all required documents, including any country-specific visa office requirements.

Pay Processing Fees

Submit payment for the processing fees as instructed on the application portal.

Submit Biometrics

Complete and submit biometrics within 2 weeks of the application submission, if required.

Finalize and Submit Application

Review the application to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Submit the final application online.

Confirmation and Monitoring

Receive confirmation of submission with an application number for your records.
Monitor application status through the online portal.

Additional information

The dedicated service channel (DSC) provides access to an account manager for guidance and support during the process.
Applicants and their accompanying family members must apply at the same time to be eligible for expedited processing.
Certified translations are required for documents not in English or French, even if local visa office requirements allow other languages.
After a short-term work exemption, specified waiting periods apply before the exemption can be used again (6 or 12 months depending on exemption length).

Documents and links

Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC)

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — Dedicated service channel (DSC). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.