Global Talent Stream Canada: Faster Work Permits for Specialized Talent
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast LMIA stream for Canadian employers that need unique, specialized talent or workers in in-demand jobs. ESDC aims to decide a GTS LMIA in 10 business days, 80% of the time. IRCC then aims to process the work permit in 2 weeks if the worker applies correctly from outside Canada.
since 1991
What is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is a stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for employers that need highly skilled foreign workers. It has 2 categories. Category A needs a referral from a designated partner, and Category B covers jobs on the global talent occupations list.
Is the work permit also fast?
Often. IRCC aims to process eligible work permits within 2 weeks if the worker applies online from outside Canada with a complete application and a positive GTS LMIA. The worker’s spouse and children get the same speed if they apply at the same time.
Key rules at a glance
- Employer plan: a Labour Market Benefits Plan is required
- Category A: a designated referral partner must back the company
- Category B: the job must be on the global talent occupations list
- Workers: apply online from outside Canada for the 2-week target
Is the Global Talent Stream right for you?
Check the side that matches you.
Employers: it fits if
- You are an innovative firm that needs unique, specialized talent
- Or you are hiring for an in-demand job on the occupations list
- You can build a Labour Market Benefits Plan
- You can offer the required wage
Workers: check this
- Your employer must hold or apply for a GTS LMIA
- You apply for the permit from outside Canada to get 2-week processing
- Your family can apply at the same time
Read our LMIA guide, the Global Talent Stream playbook or the AI work permit post.
The 2 categories
Rules come from ESDC and IRCC. Check the current list and partners before you apply.
Category A
A designated referral partner backs a firm that operates in Canada, focuses on innovation and can scale up.
Unique and specialized job
Pay of at least $38.46 an hour ($80,000 a year), or the prevailing wage if higher, plus advanced knowledge in the field.
Education or experience
An advanced degree in an area of interest to the employer, or at least 5 years of specialized experience.
Category B
Highly skilled work in occupations on the global talent occupations list. No referral is needed.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
Both categories need a plan with lasting benefits for Canadian workers, tracked in annual reviews.
Not sure which category you fit?
We check your job against both categories and the plan rules before your employer applies.
What your benefits plan must contain
Category A benefit
The mandatory benefit is creating jobs for Canadians and permanent residents.
The mandatory benefit is more skills and training investment for Canadians and permanent residents.
Both categories also need at least 2 complementary benefits, with at least 1 activity for each, and they cannot repeat the mandatory benefit.
Documents for the process
Employers and workers each bring their own set.
How the Global Talent Stream works, step by step
Six stages from the plan to the worker’s arrival.
Choose your category
Match the job to Category A or Category B.
Build the benefits plan
Agree your Labour Market Benefits Plan with ESDC.
Apply for the LMIA
Submit in LMIA Online, pay $1,000 per position and wait for the decision.
Worker applies online
The worker applies from outside Canada with the LMIA letter, contract and offer.
Medical and biometrics
Submit biometrics within 2 weeks if needed, and finish the medical exam.
Arrive and start
The worker lands, and the plan reviews continue each year.
Global Talent Stream figures at a glance
From ESDC and IRCC pages, checked 5 October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Global Talent Stream FAQs
What is the Global Talent Stream?
It is a stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign workers faster. It has Category A for unique and specialized talent, and Category B for in-demand jobs on the global talent occupations list. Both need a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
How long does a Global Talent Stream LMIA take?
ESDC aims to decide in 10 business days, 80% of the time, from the first business day after it receives the application. Incomplete applications take longer. Check ESDC for the current service standard.
How fast is the work permit?
IRCC aims to process eligible work permits within 2 weeks. The worker must apply online from outside Canada with a complete application and a positive GTS LMIA. IEC applicants are not eligible.
What is Category A?
Category A is for a firm referred by a designated referral partner that needs unique and specialized talent to scale up. The job needs pay of at least $38.46 an hour, or the prevailing wage if higher, advanced knowledge and an advanced degree or 5 years of specialized experience.
What is Category B?
Category B is for highly skilled jobs on the global talent occupations list. No referral is needed. The employer still needs a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?
It is a plan that shows lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market. Category A must create jobs. Category B must increase skills and training investment. Both need at least 2 complementary benefits, reviewed each year.
How much does the Global Talent Stream cost?
The employer pays $1,000 per position for the LMIA. The worker pays the IRCC work permit fee of $155. The employer cannot recover the LMIA fee from the worker.
How long can a worker stay?
An employer in a high-wage application may request up to 3 years, and the request must match real employment needs. Your permit lists the exact dates and conditions.
Can the worker’s family come too?
Yes. A spouse or common-law partner and dependent children also get the faster processing if they apply at the same time as the worker with a complete application. Read our work permits hub.
Does the Global Talent Stream lead to permanent residence?
It can help. Skilled work in Canada may qualify a worker for Express Entry later. Read our Canadian Experience Class guide.
Can a worker apply from inside Canada and still get 2 weeks?
No. IRCC ties the 2-week target to applying online from outside Canada. An application from inside Canada follows regular processing times.
