Highly skilled workers in technology, engineering, and other occupations experiencing labor shortages in Canada may be eligible for work permit processing in as little as two weeks.

Cơ chế xử lý nhanh này đến từ Global Talent Stream (GTS) – một nhánh đặc biệt của Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), được Chính phủ Canada thiết kế nhằm thu hút nhân lực chất lượng cao cho nền kinh tế.

What is Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program that allows Canadian businesses to recruit highly skilled foreign workers with significantly reduced processing times for LMIA and Work Permit applications.

GTS currently has two main categories (Category A and Category B). Both categories can lead to faster work permit issuance; however, the target audience and conditions differ.

This article focuses on Category B, which has the most specific, clear, and common list of occupations.

List of occupations eligible for expedited Work Permit processing under GTS – Category B

Below are the eligible occupations under Category B of the Global Talent Stream. For approximately 80% of applications, IRCC will process the Work Permit within 2 weeks.

Industry name	NOC
Computer and information systems managers	20012
Civil engineers	21300
Electrical and electronics engineers	21310
Mining engineers	21330
Aerospace engineers	21390
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)	21311
Mathematicians and statisticians (subset)	21210
Data scientists	21211
Cybersecurity specialists	21220
Business system specialists	21221
Information systems specialists	21222
Web designers	21233
Database analysts and data administrators	21223
Software engineers and designers	21231
Computer systems developers and programmers	21230
Software developers and programmers	21232
Web developers and programmers	21234
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	22310
Computer network and web technicians	22220
Information systems testing technicians	22222
Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game (subset)	51120
Digital media and design (subset)	52120

Important notes regarding Express Entry

Kinh nghiệm làm việc tại Canada trong một số ngành có dấu * trong danh sách trên có thể giúp ứng viên đủ điều kiện tham gia Express Entry – diện rút hồ sơ theo nhóm ngành STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

To be eligible for a STEM group draw:

• At least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time experience).
• Experience in the qualifying profession
• Simultaneously meet the requirements of one of the Express Entry programs (CEC, FSW, or FST).

General conditions that must be met

In addition to the specific requirements of the Global Talent Stream, workers must also:

• Meeting the requirements for a Work Permit under Canadian immigration law.
• Not inadmissible due to medical, security, or criminal record issues.

The process for applying for a Work Permit through Global Talent Stream

The GTS process consists of two main steps:

Step 1: The employer applies for an LMIA under the GTS category.

• An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that allows Canadian businesses to hire foreign workers.
• LMIA applications processed through GTS are typically handled within 10 business days, significantly faster than traditional LMIA applications (which can take several months).

Step 2: The employee submits the Work Permit application.

• After the LMIA is approved, the worker submits an application for a Work Permit to IRCC.
• When filing your application, you need to confirm that the LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream.
• Work Permit processing time: approximately 2 weeks
• Compared to a standard Work Permit (5–10 weeks), GTS significantly reduces the waiting time.

Thanks to the fast processing of both LMIA and Work Permit applications, workers can start working in Canada much sooner.

No job offer in my field – is there still a chance?

Yes. Workers may still be eligible under Category A – Unique and Specialized Talent of the Global Talent Stream.

A position is considered to have "exceptional talent" when it meets all of the following criteria:

• The minimum wage is CAD 38.46/hour (approximately CAD 80,000/year) or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher.
• Requires in-depth, specialized knowledge specific to the industry.
• Possess a relevant advanced degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of in-depth professional experience.

Besides:

• The job offer must come from a company operating in Canada.
• Businesses that are oriented towards innovation, growth, or expansion.
• Businesses must be introduced to GTS by a designated referral partner.

Conclusion

The Global Talent Stream is one of the fastest pathways to high-skilled employment:

• Come to Canada to work legally.
• Gaining Canadian experience
• Expand your opportunities to become a permanent resident (PR) through Express Entry or the PNP.

For candidates in technology, engineering, and STEM fields, this is a huge strategic advantage if their application is properly prepared from the start.