Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Global Talent Stream

Global Talent Stream Grant Overview

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program by Employment and Social Development Canada designed to help Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign talent in an expedited and predictable manner. This initiative allows innovative companies to fill specialized temporary foreign worker (TFW) positions that are either unique and specialized or highly in-demand as per the Global Talent Occupations List.

Detailed Explanation of the Global Talent Stream Grant

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) Grant is a pivotal program instituted by Employment and Social Development Canada. It is tailored to help Canadian businesses, especially those in innovative sectors, gain a competitive edge on the global stage by facilitating access to highly skilled foreign workers. This program has been crafted to ensure a quick, responsive, and predictable service for employers, making it easier and faster to bring in the talent they need. ### Program Objectives and Benefits The GTS program's main objective is to bolster the Canadian workforce by filling positions that require unique and specialized skills or that are in high demand. The benefits of this program are manifold: 1. **Expedited Process**: The program guarantees swift processing times, ensuring that employers can bring foreign talent on board without undue delays. 2. **Predictable Service**: Employers can expect a predictable service with clear guidelines and support throughout the application process. 3. **Enhanced Global Competitiveness**: By accessing the best talent worldwide, Canadian companies can innovate faster and remain competitive at an international level. ### Eligibility Requirements The GTS Grant operates under two categories: 1. **Category A**: This is for innovative firms in Canada that require unique and specialized talent. These firms must be referred by a designated referral partner. 2. **Category B**: This category is for firms needing to fill a highly skilled position listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. #### General Requirements - **Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)**: Employers must develop an LMBP that outlines the positive, lasting impact the hiring will have on the Canadian labour market. Progress reviews of the LMBP are conducted annually. - **Business Legitimacy**: Employers must provide documents to establish their business legitimacy, including the latest business license and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax documents. - **Provincial Requirements**: Employers hiring in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Quebec must adhere to additional provincial laws and requirements. ### Application Process #### Before You Apply Before commencing the application, employers should: - Determine if they need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). - Ensure that the application can be processed based on existing conditions. - Review program requirements and eligibility. - Prepare the necessary documentation, including business legitimacy and recruitment documents. - Complete the LMBP and gather any provincial certifications required. #### How to Apply Applications are submitted via the LMIA Online portal. Employers need to set up a Job Bank for Employers account to access the portal. The steps include: 1. **Sign into the LMIA Online**: Use the credentials of the Job Bank for Employers account. 2. **Create and Fill Out the LMIA Application**: Complete the application form and upload all necessary documents. 3. **Submit the Application**: Ensure all details are correct before submission. For Category A, upload the referral form from the designated partner. 4. **Pay the Processing Fee**: If applicable, the processing fee must be paid during submission. ### Post-Application Process After submitting the application, employers can expect: - **Faster Processing**: A turnaround of 10 business days for GTS applications, 80% of the time. - **Personalized Assistance**: Employers receive personalized support throughout the assessment process. - **Quick Work Permit Processing**: Approved foreign workers get their work permits processed within 2 weeks by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). ### Compliance and Monitoring Service Canada conducts regular assessments and audits to ensure employers comply with the program's conditions. Specific compliance activities include: 1. **Progress Reviews**: Annual reviews of the LMBP to assess the employer’s commitments to the Canadian labour market benefits. 2. **Inspections**: Service Canada may perform inspections to verify that employers are meeting the terms set out in their LMIA letter and annexes. ### Modifications and Cancellations If any changes need to be made to the TFW's terms and conditions of employment after receiving a positive LMIA, the employer must immediately notify Service Canada. Additionally, if an employer decides to cancel the job offer, they must inform both the TFW and the Employer Contact Centre. ### Documentation Retention Employers must retain all records associated with the application for at least 6 years starting from the TFW’s first day of work. These documents can be requested by Service Canada at any time to verify past compliance. ### Provincial Variations - **Quebec**: For positions in Quebec, the LMIA application must be submitted to both Service Canada and Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration. - **Other Provinces**: Specific rules apply to British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, including employer registration and certificates. ### Conclusion The Global Talent Stream Grant is an instrumental tool for Canadian employers looking to fill critical positions with highly skilled foreign talent. By offering an expedited and predictable process, it enables companies to innovate and stay competitive on a global scale. It is crucial for employers to adhere to all program requirements, maintain compliance, and ensure proper documentation to benefit from this robust program.