Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Global Talent Stream
grant_single|update April 6, 2025
Canada
Skilled foreign workers to help innovative firms grow
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate February 18, 2021
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program provides Canadian employers with access to highly skilled international workers to enhance competitiveness and growth, with employment durations typically up to 3 years, extendable in exceptional cases. This initiative supports innovative firms and those needing specialized expertise to fill in-demand positions.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program provides streamlined processes to support businesses in accessing the specific global talent they need to innovate and grow. It requires employers to have plans that will positively impact the Canadian labor market.
- Hiring unique and specialized temporary foreign workers who are essential for scaling up and growth.
- Filling highly skilled positions in demand according to the Global Talent Occupations List.
- Developing a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) to demonstrate a commitment to beneficial activities for the Canadian labour market.
- Regular progress reviews to ensure compliance and effectiveness of the LMBP commitments.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 25,000
Recruit a specialized chef to introduce exotic culinary techniques in our restaurant
$ 50,000
Hire a specialized AI scientist to develop and implement machine learning models
$ 60,000
Hire a cybersecurity specialist to bolster our online security measures against increasing cyber threats
$ 40,000
Hire an international architectural consultant for a new sustainable building project
$ 30,000
Engage a foreign logistics expert to optimize our supply chain management process
$ 20,000
Invite a foreign agronomist to modernize local farming techniques and increase crop yield
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for hiring through the Global Talent Stream (GTS) requires companies to meet specific criteria related to their operations and the positions they intend to fill.
- The company must be an innovative firm in Canada referred to Service Canada by a designated referral partner, requiring unique and specialized temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to scale-up and grow (Category A).
- The company must need to fill in-demand, highly skilled positions from the Global Talent Occupations List (Category B).
- The company must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) that outlines employer-specific commitments to activities positively impacting the Canadian labour market.
- Employers in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Nova Scotia must apply for an employer registration certificate with the province and include it with the LMIA application.
- For positions in Quebec, LMIA applications must be submitted simultaneously to Service Canada and Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI).
- The company must gather and submit supporting documents for business legitimacy assessment and LMIA application, including business licenses, CRA tax documents, and recruitment and advertisement documents.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is intended for innovative firms in Canada needing unique and specialized temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to scale up and grow. It also applies to firms requiring highly skilled workers for positions on the Global Talent Occupations List. Firms must be referred by a designated referral partner or need to fill an in-demand, highly skilled position to qualify.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Global Talent Stream grant assists Canadian firms in expanding their workforce by hiring highly skilled foreign talent. It supports innovative businesses ensuring long-term benefits to the local labor market and filling in-demand positions.
- Hiring highly skilled temporary foreign workers to support business growth and competitiveness.
- Developing a Labour Market Benefits Plan to demonstrate positive impacts on the Canadian labor market.
- Filling highly skilled positions as listed in the Global Talent Occupations List.
- Applying for extended employment duration for high-wage positions when justified.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for innovative firms in Canada, specifically those based in designated provinces for certain components. It aligns with regional workforce needs and requires specific registrations based on the province.
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
- Quebec
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Global Talent Stream aims to provide a client-focused service to help access highly skilled global talent quickly.
- Employers must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan to demonstrate positive impacts on the Canadian labour market.
- LMBP progress reviews are conducted annually, separate from other compliance-related activities under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
- The employment duration approved through a Labour Market Impact Assessment for high-wage positions may last up to 3 years and longer in exceptional circumstances.
- Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the expected job start date.
- There is a service standard for LMIA processing of 10 business days for 80% of applications.
- Faster work permit processing, within 2 weeks, is available for highly skilled global talent workers whose applications are approved.
- If hiring in certain provinces such as Quebec, specific procedural requirements must be jointly met with provincial offices alongside federal requirements.
- An additional certificate of registration is necessary for hiring in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Nova Scotia.
- Employers can make name changes on a positive LMIA, but must follow detailed procedures and timelines, especially in Category A applications which need a new referral form.
- It's important to retain all documents used to support the LMIA application for at least 6 years.
Apply to this program
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