Bring Foreign Workers to Canada Faster with the Global Talent Stream
Are you an employer looking to bring a Temporary Foreign Worker (“TFW”) into Canada? Is that TFW related to an Information Technology (“IT”) position? You might qualify for a special pathway called the Global Talent Stream to expedite the process of bringing your TFW to Canada.
What is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is a part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and it offers a timely, responsible, client-focused service to help employers bring TFWs to Canada. It can be used by employers who have been referred to Employment and Social Development Canada (“ESDC”) by a designated referral partner, or by employers who are looking to fill in-demand highly-skilled positions in Canada. A list of what occupations are considered in-demand was last updated in 2019 and can be found here. However, the list is currently focused on IT positions.
Applying to the Global Talent Stream:
Applications for the Global Talent Stream are streamlined to provide the employer with a straight forward experience. You need to submit an application package to ESDC with the required forms and sufficient proof of business legitimacy. ESDC guarantees that as an employer, you can expect that they will aim to process your Global Talent Stream application with a service standard of 10 business days.
Once your application has been processed, an ESDC agent will reach out to you to set up a call where you and ESDC will work together to create a Labour Market Benefit Plan (“LMBP”). This LMBP is an important part of your application because it is intended to help determine quantitative measures and the available documentation related to your commitments to creating a lasting, positive impact on the Canadian Labour Market. The commitments you make can be things like Job Creation, Knowledge Transfer, and Investment in Skills and Training. The most important thing is that you commit to providing benefits that you will be able to achieve.
Once your LMBP is finalized and both you and ESDC are satisfied with your commitments. You will be able to receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (“LMIA”). This LMIA document will allow you to move onto the next step of filing for a Work Permit to finally bring your TFW to Canada.
In conclusion:
The Global Talent Stream is a significantly faster pathway to obtaining a positive LMIA and being able to bring your TFW to Canada. However, it is only available for employers looking to hire positions that Canada has deemed in-demand and highly-skilled. If you have any questions about bringing a TFW to Canada and want to know what options are available to you, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We will be happy to assist you with any of your immigration questions.
By: Matthew Yu