Canada’s Global Talent Stream

CIC launched a unique program known as The Global Talent stream to help innovative firms in Canada access highly skilled global talent. The stream is designed for firms that are referred to Employment and Social Development Canada by a designated referral partner and that are in need of skilled and specialized foreign nationals in order to grow. It is also for firms that need to fill an in demand, highly skilled position on the list of identified occupations.

The Global Talent stream is a two-step process. First, employers submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application that demonstrates that there will be a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labor market if the employer hires the foreign national. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) aims to process Global Talent Stream applications within 10 business days. Once this application is processed, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.

There are two categories under the Global Talent Stream

• Category A
• Category B

Category A

The category is designed for companies that are referred to Employment and Social Development Canada by a designated referral partners, and who need specialized foreign nationals to fill an in-demand position.

Category B

This category is designed for employers looking to hire skilled foreign workers for occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List. The occupations on this list are in demand in Canada are lacking sufficient labor supply.

What are the employer requirements for the Global Talent Stream?

Employers in both categories must develop a Labor Market Benefits Plan, which demonstrates the employer’s commitment to activities that have lasting and positive impacts on the Canadian labor market. Category A employers are required to commit to creating jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, while Category B employers are required to commit to increasing investments in skills and training for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In addition, employers in both categories must commit to two more complementary benefits, with at least one activity for each benefit. These complementary benefits can include, but are not limited to, creating jobs, co-op or internship programs, training current employees in new techniques or implementing best practices or policies as an employer for your workforce.

Employers in both categories must also meet conditions relating to the payment of skilled workers. Foreign skilled workers hired through the Global Talent Stream must be paid at the prevailing wage or higher. The prevailing wage is defined as the highest figure of either:

• the median wage for the occupation on the Government of Canada’s job bank;
• the wage within the range an employer pays current employees in the same position at the same location, with the same skills and experience level;
• the minimum wage floor as defined in the Global Talent occupations list (if applicable).

Although the Global Talent Stream has various benefits for Canadian employers looking to fill labor and skill shortages, it can also be an effective way for foreign nationals to gain Canadian work experience. Canadian work experience can be extremely beneficial for foreign nationals who are looking to eventually apply for permanent residence.