Introduction
As Canada aims to stay competitive on the global stage alongside economic powerhouses like the US, Germany, and France, the country is actively working to attract skilled professionals. The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a significant initiative designed to simplify the process of obtaining work permits for these professionals, allowing them to contribute to Canada’s workforce more efficiently.
Understanding the Global Talent Stream Categories
The Global Talent Stream operates through two distinct categories, each catering to specific scenarios:
Category A: Specialized Skills
If you possess unique skills that align with the criteria outlined by GTS partners, and your job and employer meet the prerequisites, you may qualify for Category A. This category streamlines your path to a work permit.
Category B: Designated Occupations
For Category B, your occupation must be listed on the Canada.ca website. The list has been expanded to accommodate a broader range of roles. Additionally, your job offer must meet Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requirements.
Salary Requirements and Considerations
Your salary plays a crucial role in GTS eligibility. It should either match or exceed specific thresholds, which vary based on the job category:
- Category A: $80,000 per year
- Category B (examples):
- Computer network and web technicians: $85,000 per year
- Information systems testing technicians: $85,000 per year
- Certain roles in visual effects, video games, and digital media design: $85,000 or $80,000 per year
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians: $86,000 per year
This salary requirement ensures that professionals are appropriately compensated for their specialized skills.
Processing Time and Application Details
Typically, the GTS application process takes about ten business days. In most cases, applicants receive their work permits from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within two weeks. Some individuals may even secure their work permits on the same day they apply at the border, bypassing the ten-day waiting period.
While the process seems straightforward, variations in processing times can occur, so it’s essential to submit all required documents to both ESDC and IRCC.
Exemption from Recruitment Efforts
One of the benefits of the Global Talent Stream is an exemption from the standard four-week recruitment process. Employers using GTS can save time and effort when hiring skilled professionals, provided they demonstrate efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents to ESDC.
Fees and Costs
Navigating the GTS process involves certain fees:
- $1,000 for a Global Talent Stream Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- $155 for the work permit application
- Additional $85 if biometrics are required
- Extra fees for family members accompanying you, varying by application type
For precise fee details, it’s advisable to consult a professional or official sources.
The Global Talent Stream stands as Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled professionals swiftly and efficiently. By understanding its categories, requirements, and application procedures, you can maximize your chances of obtaining work permit and contributing your expertise to Canada’s dynamic workforce.
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