Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of Canada's Global Skills Strategy and is the fastest way to bring highly skilled foreign workers into the country. Where a standard LMIA-based work permit can take months, GTS applications are processed in as little as 2 weeks. It's employer-driven: your Canadian employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment under the GTS category, and once approved, your work permit application gets priority processing.

There are two categories. Category A is for employers referred by a designated partner organisation (like the Industrial Research Assistance Program) who need unique, specialised talent that isn't available in Canada. Category B covers workers in specific high-demand occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List, think software engineers, data scientists, information systems analysts, and similar TEER 0/1 roles. The employer must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan showing how the hire will benefit Canada (e.g., job creation, skills transfer, investment).

For tech companies scaling in Canada, GTS is the go-to pathway. Concord works with employers to prepare the LMIA application and Labour Market Benefits Plan, while simultaneously preparing the worker's work permit application to hit the 2-week processing target.

The Global Talent Stream is designed for highly skilled tech professionals who have a job offer from a Canadian employer in an in-demand occupation. You're a strong candidate if your role falls under TEER 0 or TEER 1 on the National Occupational Classification, software engineers, data scientists, information systems analysts, computer programmers, digital media designers, and similar positions.

It's also ideal for employers who need to hire international talent fast and can't afford to wait months for standard LMIA processing. If you're a founder or hiring manager at a Canadian tech company and you've found the right person abroad, GTS is almost certainly your best option. It's equally valuable for workers currently on other permits who want to switch employers quickly.