🇨🇦 Canada · Talent visa
Canada's Global Talent Stream (GTS) visa
A fast track to a Canadian work visa for talent in technology and other shortage sectors.
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an official fast-track mechanism to obtain a work permit for talent in technology and other shortage sectors.
Legal basis
GTS is part of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program, launched under the Global Skills Strategy. It is employer-driven: a foreign worker cannot apply on their own — a Canadian employer must make a job offer and participate in the program.
The employer must obtain a simplified LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) under GTS and prepare a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Two application categories
- Category A — for innovative, rapidly growing companies that need unique specialists. Requires a referral from a designated partner (e.g. a business incubator). Salaries are typically CAD 80,000+ per year.
- Category B — for roles on the official Global Talent Occupations List where Canada faces labor shortages (software developers, engineers, data analysts and other IT roles). No referral letter is needed, but the wage must meet or exceed the prevailing wage.
Once the GTS application is approved, a positive LMIA is typically issued in about 10 business days, and the work permit follows in about 2 weeks.
On a free consultation we check your documents and help you find a qualifying employer.
Benefits of the Global Talent Stream
Express processing
Work permits are issued in about 2 weeks instead of months under standard procedures.
High-paying roles
The program targets shortage occupations in tech, engineering and innovation. Category A salaries typically start at CAD 80,000+ per year.
Less bureaucracy
Employers are not required to run the standard labor market recruitment test needed for a regular LMIA.
Family-friendly
Spouses can get an Open Work Permit, and children can attend Canadian schools or daycare.
Path to permanent residence
Canadian work experience under GTS improves your chances for PR via Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or provincial programs.
How to get a GTS work visa: step by step
Find an employer and job offer
You find a Canadian employer willing to hire you under GTS and secure an official job offer.
Employer's LMIA application
The employer files a GTS LMIA under Category A or B, attaches company and vacancy documents, and prepares the Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Receive approval
After ESDC approval, the employer gets a positive LMIA and provides you with the confirmation letter and Offer of Employment.
Apply for the work permit
You submit your application to IRCC online, citing the job offer and LMIA number, and upload your passport, CV, degrees and proof of experience.
Processing and visa issuance
After approval you receive a Letter of Introduction and enter Canada, where a border officer issues your Work Permit.
FAQ
Who can get a GTS work visa?
How long does GTS processing take?
Is IELTS required?
Can I move with my family?
Does GTS lead to permanent residence?
Are you considering a Canadian work visa?
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