The Global Talent Stream was launched on June 12, 2017 and is a two-year pilot under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. The Global Talent Stream is divided into category A and B and both have a $1,000 processing fee per position, which must be paid for by the employer, and requires the employer to work with ESDC to create a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
To qualify under Category A, an employer must be referred to the Global Talent Stream by one of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)’s designated partners and must be hiring unique and specialized talent. Unique and specialized talent is indicated by:
- Advanced knowledge of the industry
- Advanced degree in an area of specialization of interest to the employer AND/OR
- Minimum of five years of experience in the field of specialized experience AND
- A highly paid position with a salary of usually $80,000 or more.
To qualify under Category B, an employer must be seeking to hire highly-skilled foreign workers for a position found on the Global Talent Occupations list.
Under the Global Talent stream, TFWs must be paid the median wage for the occupation in the region of the work being done.
ESDC will work with employers to create a Labour Market Benefits Plan that meets both mandatory and complimentary benefits.
IRCC has announced a strategy to set a two-week standard for processing visas and work permits for high-skill talent for companies doing business in Canada. This initiative will target high-skilled workers outside Canada in National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0 and A.
There has also been a new short-duration work permit exemption introduced for short term research for work of less than 15 or 30 days in a year for NOC 0 and A positions with academic research terms of 120 days or less.
If you would like assistance with your immigration needs, please contact us.
