The Canadian government has launched a new pilot program that allows skilled workers to get their Canada work permits and Canada visa applications processed within two weeks. The program launched on 12 June, 2017, is known as Global Talent Stream (GTS). The Global Talent Stream is part of Canadian government’s broader Global Skills Strategy initiative that is designed to promote access to highly skilled foreign workers who in turn helps in Canada’s economic growth and job creation. This is part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is comprised of two categories.
Category A: List of EDSC designated partners
As of 12 June, 2017, the Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC) has issued a list of designated partners. The Category A is made up of high-growth companies that have demonstrated a need for the in-demand talent of foreign nationals to generate growth. Under Category A the employers must be referred by any one of the following:
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agencies
- BC Tech Association
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Communitech Corporations
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Council of Canadian Innovators
- ICT Manitoba (ICTAM)
- MaRS Discovery District
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Accelerated Growth Service
- National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program
- Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
- Ontario Ministry of Economic Growth and Development
- VENN Innovation
Category B: GTS Global Talent Occupation list
The Category B enlists all the occupation streams from which an employer can hire a foreign worker. This list approved by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code, provides 10 occupational choices for the employers. The employer is free to hire any foreign worker who falls under the list and comes highly skilled and talented.
| National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code | Occupation | Minimum Wage Requirement (hourly rate) | Minimum Wage Requirement (annual salary) |
| 213 | Computer and information systems manager | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2171 | Information systems | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2172 | Database analysts and data administrators | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2173 | Software engineers and designers | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2175 | Web designers and developers | Not Applicable | Not applicable |
| 2241 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | $38.94 | $81,000 |
| 2283 | Information systems testing technicians | $37.50 | $78,000 |
| 5241* | Digital media and design | $38.46 | $80,000 |
*this position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience and skill requirements of: 3D modeling, virtual and augmented reality, animation, level editing, editor and pipeline software and tools in applicable industry, other specialized knowledge in software framework in applicable industry and/or valued experience in planning or managing a project.
Exemptions in Work Permit for Candidates in Skill Level A in NOC accredited occupations or for those doing research work
As of June 12, 2017, two new work permit exemptions have been introduced. Workers who come under the skill type 0 or skill level A in the NOC accredited occupations can enter Canada for a 15-day stay in a six-month period, without a work permit. Similarly, researchers undertaking research in Canada can stay for 120 days over a 12-month period without a work permit.