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Global Talent Stream Canada

The Global Talent Stream is an LMIA stream for eligible Canadian employers hiring highly skilled foreign workers. Category A and Category B use different eligibility routes, and employers must meet wage, business-legitimacy and Labour Market Benefits Plan requirements.

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Overview

What is the Global Talent Stream?

The GTS is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It provides an LMIA route for eligible employers seeking certain highly skilled foreign workers. The worker still needs the appropriate work permit after the employer obtains a positive LMIA.

Eligibility

Category A and Category B

Category A

An eligible employer must generally be referred by a designated GTS referral partner and seek unique and specialized talent.

Category B

An employer may qualify when hiring for an occupation on the Global Talent Occupations List. A referral is not required for Category B.

Key requirements

Employer obligations under GTS

Employers must meet requirements relating to business legitimacy, wages, job duties, working conditions, worker protections and compliance. A Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) is a core requirement and Service Canada can review progress against the employer's commitments.

Application process

How the Global Talent Stream process works

  1. Determine whether Category A or B applies.
  2. Confirm employer and job eligibility.
  3. Obtain Category A referral if required.
  4. Prepare the LMIA and LMBP.
  5. Complete Service Canada assessment.
  6. If positive, the worker applies for an employer-specific work permit.
Documents

Documents commonly involved in GTS

  • business legitimacy documents;
  • job description, NOC and wage evidence;
  • Category A referral material where applicable;
  • unique-talent evidence for Category A;
  • LMBP information;
  • employment agreement; and
  • worker qualification documents.
Processing

Does GTS guarantee fast processing?

No. GTS is designed for expedited employer processing and eligible workers may benefit from faster Global Skills Strategy targets, but service standards are not guarantees.

Common issues

Common GTS application problems

  • Category A without an eligible referral;
  • Category B occupation not on the current list;
  • weak business legitimacy;
  • wage below requirements;
  • vague LMBP commitments; and
  • assuming a positive LMIA automatically grants a work permit.
Professional support

How Argus can help with Global Talent Stream immigration

Argus can assess how the proposed hire fits GTS, coordinate immigration documents, review the relationship between the LMIA and work permit and prepare or review the worker's application. Employer-side scope is confirmed in the retainer.

FAQs

Global Talent Stream FAQs

Is GTS an LMIA?

Yes, it is a specialized TFWP LMIA stream.

What is the difference between Category A and B?

Category A generally needs a designated referral; Category B is based on listed in-demand occupations.

Is an LMBP required?

Yes.

Does GTS guarantee two-week processing?

No.

Official information

Current government sources

Immigration rules can change. These pages were reviewed against current official sources on September 23, 2026:

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Every application depends on the individual facts and the rules in force when you apply. A consultation can help identify the requirements, documents and issues most relevant to your situation.