What is the Global Talent Stream?
The global talent stream is an immigration program that allows employers that are part of many growing industries to hire foreign workers. This process is faster than the traditional work permit and is for occupations where there are not enough Canadian workers to meet the demand. Thousands of foreign workers obtain permission to live and work in Canada through this program.
What Occupations Qualify for the Global Talent Stream?
Only specific occupations are eligible for the Global Talent Stream. If you believe that you may be eligible as a worker or employer, it is recommended that you check with an immigration expert before starting the process, as it can be costly. The fee for each application costs $1000, which cannot be refunded. Qualifying occupations include:
· Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)
· Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 2147)
· Mathematicians and statisticians (*subset of NOC 2161)
· Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
· Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
· Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
· Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
· Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
· Computer Network technicians (NOC 2281)
· Information systems testing technicians (NOC 2283)
· Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game (NOC 5131 *specific rules apply)
· Digital Media Designers (NOC 5241 *specific rules apply)
What Are The Wage Requirements for the Global Talent Stream?
There are some wage requirements for workers to be eligible for the global talent scheme. Workers that are in the scheme need to be paid either the average wage for the occupation as dictated by the Canadian Job Bank or a salary that is the same as their similar employees currently with their company, whichever of these two is higher.
What is the Labour Market Benefits Plan?
As part of the Global Talent Stream, employers will need to collaborate with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to create what is known as a Labour Market Benefits Plan. The aim of this plan is to describe the benefits of bringing foreign workers into Canada and highlight what the employer is doing to invest in their permanent residents of Canada by developing their skills and offering training opportunities. Additionally, the company has to show that it is working towards creating further jobs and growing its business.
On top of this, employers need to also add in two additional benefits of bringing foreign talent into the country. This may include increasing company performance or sharing knowledge with Canadian residents to increase their skillsets. An immigration expert will be able to help you with this part of the application.
Are There Any Work Permit Exemptions?
There are. Some workers do not need to acquire a work permit as they are exempt from this. These include academic researchers undertaking work for a publicly-funded body that grants degrees or a linked research institution. These researchers are allowed to enter the country for a total of 120 days in a year before needing a permit.
Also, exemptions can apply for workers that are highly skilled in either type 0 or skill level A jobs. Individuals in these roles can enter Canada to work for 15 days within 6 months or 30 days within 12 months without having to apply for any work permit. At this time we do not expect to see any remarkable changes to this highly successful program so in 2022 you can expect it to remain largely the same as in past years.
If you are unsure if you qualify for this, consult an immigration expert today. We can help you to assess your options and get global talent to your business.
About Us
Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, in Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a 6th-generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.
How Can We Help?
We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications. Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.
