What is the Canada Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a specialised stream within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, run jointly by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and IRCC under the Global Skills Strategy. It pairs an expedited LMIA (10-business-day target) with a fast-tracked work permit (10-business-day target).
There are two categories: Category A for unique, high-skill talent referred by a designated partner organisation, and Category B for occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List. The employer submits a Labour Market Benefits Plan committing to hiring Canadians, training, knowledge transfer or R&D investment. Unlike the standard LMIA, no job advertising is required.
The permit does not grant permanent residence directly, but a qualifying job offer is one of the strongest PR bridges in Canada — see the FAQs.
Note: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration advice. Requirements change — verify current figures at the official government source before applying.
Do you qualify?
You must meet two requirements. The employer handles the LMIA application, including the Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Category A: the employer is referred by a designated GTS partner for a unique, highly skilled role. Category B: the role is on ESDC's Global Talent Occupations List — technology and digital occupations such as software developers, data scientists and IT/engineering managers, each tied to a specific NOC code.
The offered salary must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the specific NOC code and work location, as published on Job Bank. The employer cannot offer less than the prevailing wage, regardless of what you would accept.
The 2026 salary requirements
The Global Talent Stream has no fixed national threshold. The salary must meet the prevailing wage for the specific occupation and location, as published on Job Bank — the employer must offer at least the median wage for the NOC code in the work location, or the LMIA is refused.
The examples below are typical prevailing wage ranges for common tech occupations in major cities; the exact figure depends on the NOC code and economic region. Tax note: figures are gross in Canadian dollars. Federal income tax runs 15%–33%, provincial tax is additional (about 5–15%), and CPP and EI deductions apply.
What you need to apply
The employer handles the LMIA through ESDC. Once it is approved, you apply for the work permit through IRCC. The items below cover your stage — the work permit application.
If you do not have any of the documents below, read the FAQs section for further guidance.
Application timeline
Total from LMIA submission to starting work is 4–6 weeks in optimal conditions. For visa-required nationalities, add 1–3 weeks for the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and biometrics — a realistic total of 6–10 weeks.
Most common delay: incomplete LMIA applications. An incomplete file loses expedited processing, and the Labour Market Benefits Plan must be detailed and credible — vague commitments to "hiring Canadians" are insufficient.
The employer prepares the LMIA including the Benefits Plan, job description, prevailing-wage evidence, and the Category A referral or Category B confirmation. No advertising is required. The employer pays the CAD $1,000 processing fee. ESDC targets 10 business days.
Handled by: your employer
ESDC issues the positive LMIA. The employer sends you the LMIA letter and the employment offer.
Handled by: your employer
Apply online through IRCC (fee CAD $155). If you are visa-required, apply for the TRV at the same time and give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (CAD $85). Under the Global Skills Strategy, IRCC targets 10 business days.
Handled by: you
IRCC processes the work permit and any TRV. Visa-required nationalities may see 1–3 extra weeks for TRV processing and biometrics appointments.
Handled by: IRCC
Travel to Canada and present your approval (the port-of-entry letter) at the border, where the work permit is issued. Begin employment.
Handled by: you
Frequently asked questions
The work permit is employer-specific — tied to the sponsoring employer, role and location. To change employers, the new employer must file a new GTS LMIA, and you cannot start with them until the new work permit is issued.
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner receives an open work permit — they can work for any employer in any role. Dependent children can study at Canadian schools. Family members from visa-required countries apply for their own TRVs.
Not directly, but it is one of Canada's strongest PR bridges. A valid LMIA-supported job offer adds 50 CRS points (or 200 for senior-management NOC 00 roles) to an Express Entry application, and supports Provincial Nominee Program applications in most provinces. Many GTS holders transition to PR within 1–2 years.
The employer pays the LMIA fee (CAD $1,000). You pay the work permit fee (CAD $155), biometrics (CAD $85) and any medical or police-certificate costs — roughly CAD $300–$500 in total. Candidate-side costs are very low compared with most countries.
Category B covers technology and digital roles tied to specific NOC codes — commonly software developers (21232), data scientists (21211), computer and information systems managers (20012), engineering managers (20010), information systems analysts (21222), database analysts (21223) and cybersecurity specialists. The list is reviewed periodically — confirm current occupations on ESDC's website before applying.
Three differences: speed (GTS LMIA targets 10 business days vs ~60 for the standard high-wage LMIA), advertising (GTS requires none; the standard LMIA requires 4 weeks), and scope (GTS is limited to tech/innovation roles; the standard LMIA covers any occupation above the provincial median wage). If your role qualifies for GTS, it is almost always the faster path.
You cannot apply for the Global Talent Stream without a Canadian employer filing a GTS LMIA on your behalf.
Every job listed on Workbeyond is from employers who sponsor international talent to work in Canada. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level to find roles that match your criteria.
Find sponsored jobs in Canada
Every job listed on Workbeyond is from employers who sponsor international talent to work in Canada. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level to find roles that match your criteria.
New to the country? See the Canada destination guide.
Other visas you may qualify for
Canada's standard employer-sponsored work permit for roles at or above the provincial median wage. It covers any occupation and is a strong Express Entry bridge to permanent residence.
Canada's provincial route to permanent residence — a genuine job offer from an employer in the nominating province, plus a nomination that adds 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an Express Entry invitation. The most reliable route for lower CRS scores.