The Global Talent Stream (GTS), a program under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), makes it easier for Canadian employers to bring in highly skilled international professionals. It’s one of the fastest pathways for bringing in global talent, with streamlined processing times and strong support from the government.
If your business is looking to hire top developers, engineers, IT specialists, or other in-demand experts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Global Talent Stream, from its benefits and categories to the requirements, wage rules, timelines, and a clear step-by-step application process.
Why the Global Talent Stream Matters
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed to help companies quickly hire unique, in-demand international talent. It’s a fast-track system that fuels Canada’s innovation and growth goals.
Faster Hiring
The Global Talent Stream is designed to move quickly compared to other immigration routes. LMIA approvals often take just 3–4 weeks, with work permits usually processed in about 20 business days. Many companies get talent started remotely so projects don’t lose momentum.
Stability for Employers and Workers
Closed work permits allow companies to keep their foreign hires in Canada for up to three years. This gives employers the stability to plan long-term, and it helps workers settle in and focus fully on their roles.
Support for Business Growth
The GTS makes it easier for companies to innovate, compete globally, and scale faster. In short, the program helps you grow without worrying about talent shortages holding you back.
Relocation Support That Eases the Transition
Hiring from abroad is also about making sure new team members can settle in smoothly. That’s why a full hands-on relocation support is provided to take the stress out of moving to Canada.
- Dedicated Relocation Coordinator providing practical guidance, answering general relocation questions, and connecting hires with trusted realtors and partner providers as needed.
- City Guides with essential information on neighbourhoods, schools, hospitals, banking, SIN numbers, and more, to help newcomers get comfortable faster.
This kind of support eases the transition for employees so they can focus on contributing to their new role from day one.
Pro Tip: If this is your first time applying, consider working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). VanHack’s Global Mobility Team alone has processed over 700 applications, and once you go through the process once, it becomes much easier.
Category A vs. Category B: Which One Do You Need?
When applying under the Global Talent Stream, you’ll first need to figure out whether your application belongs in Category A or Category B.
Category A – By Invitation Only
- Requires a referral letter from one of the official GTS partner organizations. Without this endorsement, you cannot apply under Category A.
- The referral serves as proof that your company is innovative and that the position you’re filling is a specialized and unique role.
- Because this pathway relies on an official partner’s invitation, it is not open to everyone—if you don’t receive a referral, you’ll have to apply through Category B instead.
Category B – For High-Demand Tech Jobs
- No referral is required, making this the most accessible route for most employers.
- To qualify, the role you’re hiring for must be listed on the official Global Talent Occupations List, which identifies jobs facing critical shortages in Canada.
- This list includes a wide range of in-demand tech and engineering roles, such as software developers, computer engineers, web designers, IT analysts, and other specialized positions.
Employers must also pay at least the prevailing market wage (the typical market rate in their region or higher) for their region, ensuring fair compensation for foreign talent.
For the majority of companies, Category B is the right choice, since it is open to any employer filling roles from the shortage list, without needing an invitation or referral.
The Global Talent Occupations List (Category B Roles)
Here are some of the eligible roles under Category B in 2025, along with their National Occupations Classification (NOC) codes:
- 20012: Computer and information systems managers
- 21311: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants
- 2172: Database analysts and data administrators
- 21231: Software engineers and designers
- 2174: Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- 21233/21234: Web designers and developers
- 21310: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- 22222: Information systems testing technicians
- Subset of 52120: Digital Media and Design professionals
If you’re looking to hire software developers, IT analysts, or even an entire engineering team, chances are your roles fall under this list.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Global Talent Stream
Applying for the GTS is a clear process once you know the steps. Here’s how it starts:
Step 1: Pick Your Candidate (or Apply Without One)
- Employers can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a specific candidate in mind, or they can start the process using an Unnamed LMIA if they haven’t found the right person yet.
- This option gives you flexibility, it means you can begin the paperwork while you’re still sourcing talent, so there’s no need to delay your hiring timeline.
VanHack makes it easy to find vetted candidates from abroad to fill your tech roles, often within just a few hours. We also help you set up interviews, streamlining the process so you can hire faster. Working with a recruitment partner that connects you to vetted global candidates can help you line up interviews quickly and move from selection to onboarding.
Overall, the process from interview to having your new hire in the office typically takes around 4–6 weeks, making it one of the fastest pathways to bring international talent into your office.
If you’re trying to scale quickly, it makes sense to kick off the LMIA process right away. Check out our Guide for International Hiring with an Unnamed LMIA to see how you can put this strategy into action.
Step 2: Complete the Required Application Forms
Once you’ve chosen your candidate (or decided to move forward with an Unnamed LMIA), the next step is to complete and submit the necessary paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Global Talent Stream Application Form (EMP5624): This is the main form for your LMIA application. It provides the government with details about your company, the role, and your hiring needs.
- Global Talent Stream Annex 1 – Additional Occupation: If the position you’re hiring for is on the Global Talent Occupations List, you’ll also need to include this annex to give more information about the role and its requirements.
- Proof of Business Legitimacy: Employers must show that they are financially stable and operating as a legitimate business in Canada. Typically, this means submitting recent tax documents, incorporation records, or financial statements to prove your ability to pay the temporary foreign worker.
- Processing Fee of $1,000 per application: Every LMIA application requires a processing fee of $1,000 per worker. This is a non-refundable fee that must be paid when you submit your forms.
The Government of Canada provides a Global Talent Stream Applicant Guide, which walks you through each form and requirement step by step. It’s worth reviewing to make sure your application is complete and accurate.
Step 3: Apply Online via the LMIA Portal
Your official application is submitted through the Government of Canada’s LMIA Portal. This is where you’ll upload all required forms, supporting documents, and proof of payment for the processing fee.
Step 4: Work with Services Canada on a Labour Market Benefits Plan
- After your application is received, a Services Canada team member will reach out to you by phone or email to begin reviewing and processing your application.
- Together, you’ll create a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP), which outlines how hiring a foreign worker will have a positive impact on the Canadian labour market, such as by transferring knowledge, creating new jobs, or strengthening innovation in your company.
- Think of this step as a partnership. Services Canada works closely with employers to make sure the process runs smoothly and that your plan demonstrates real benefits to Canada’s workforce.
If it all goes well, you’ll get your LMIA, usually within 10 business days, and now your candidate needs to help get this across the finish line!
Step 5: Candidate Applies for a Work Permit
Once your LMIA is approved, you’ll receive a letter that includes an LMIA number. Share this number with your candidate, as it is required for them to move forward with their work permit application.
- Candidates apply for their work permit online through the IRCC (CIC) website, where they’ll be asked to provide supporting documents, including their job offer and LMIA details.
- As part of the process, the candidate and any accompanying family members must complete a medical exam. These exams must be done by a doctor from the official Approved Panel Physicians List, to make sure medical results are recognized by Canadian immigration authorities.
To make things easier, direct your candidate to the official Work Permit Application Guide, which walks them through the application step by step.
If they run into questions along the way, you can also refer them to the government’s guide on How to Apply to Work in Canada. This provides clear answers and detailed instructions to help them complete their application correctly.
Wage Requirements: How Much Should You Pay?
Employers are required to pay foreign hires the prevailing market rate for the specific role and location. In other words, the salary offered must be at least what is standard in your region for that occupation.
To determine the right wage level, you can use the official NOC Wage Report Tool, which provides up-to-date benchmarks for different occupations across Canada. This ensures you stay compliant with program rules while offering fair pay.
If you’re unsure or new to hiring international talent, VanHack can guide you in setting competitive and compliant compensation packages. We know the going rates for tech professionals across Canada and can provide expert advice to make sure your offers attract top candidates while meeting government requirements.
Ready to Hire?
The Global Talent Stream is one of Canada’s most powerful hiring tools, helping companies quickly access the world’s best tech talent. Whether you’re looking for just one great developer or building out a full engineering team, the GTS can help you bring the right people on board, sometimes even faster than you’d expect. It’s designed to make hiring international talent simpler, so your business can stay competitive, innovate quickly, and keep growing without long delays.
Ready to grow your team with international tech talent? Book a free consultation with VanHack and start connecting with top professionals today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timelines can vary depending on the role, documentation, and candidate, but here’s what most employers can expect:
- LMIA Approval: Usually takes about 3–4 weeks once your application is submitted.
- Work Permit Processing: Typically completed within 20 business days after the LMIA is approved.
How soon can I get tech workers on-site?
From start to finish, the entire process usually takes around 3–4 months.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for relocation to be complete. Start your new hire as a remote contractor during the transition period so they can begin contributing right away.
Can I apply without a candidate?
Yes. With an Unnamed LMIA, you can secure approval even if you haven’t identified a temporary foreign worker (TFW) yet. This gives you flexibility to start the process early while you continue sourcing talent.