RA
Rob Attwell
Josh was incredibly helpful and responsive in dealing with our immigration issues through the Global Talent Stream Program. He really knew his stuff and was willing to help me and, more importantly, our candidate through the process.
Tech worker sponsorship
How to apply for the Global Talent Stream in Canada.
Sponsor foreign tech workers through the LMIA stream with a 10 business day service standard from ESDC.
Request a GTS eligibility review
Overview
Tech hiring at startup speed.
The Global Talent Stream allows eligible Canadian companies to hire foreign tech talent quickly. The Canadian government started this program to help companies in the Canadian tech sector hire the people they need without the long wait of a standard LMIA. For current processing times on the worker’s permit, see our IRCC processing times guide.
Why GTS
Why hire using the Global Talent Stream?
There are some obvious reasons for using the Global Talent Stream (such as speed and a lack of experienced tech talent in Canada) as well as:
- ESDC's service standard for Global Talent Stream applications is 10 business days
- Accessing an amazing untapped market of talented tech workers from around the world who are eager to move to Canada
- Creating a more diverse workforce within your company, proven to improve overall performance
- Increased employee loyalty from foreign workers you have sponsored
If you would like help determining your eligibility or to learn more, see below for next steps.
Why us
Why work with us for your Global Talent Stream application?
Our goal is to make your experience as seamless as possible, which means you get:
- Flat fees, quoted after your consultation, so you know what you are paying ahead of time
- Personal, timely responses and communication throughout your application
- Quick processing because we have optimized the Global Talent Stream application process, so you will not be waiting long
Trusted by clients across Canada.
Every matter is different. Results vary, and past outcomes do not predict future ones.
Meet our founder
Joshua Schachnow, B.Com., J.D.
Founder
Josh is a Toronto-based lawyer who has been practising immigration law for more than nine years. He has helped thousands of individuals and companies navigate Canadian immigration, from work permits to permanent residence, study permits, citizenship, LMIAs and more, and he built the software this firm runs on. Josh always puts his clients first, and believes quick and thoughtful communication is most important to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Engagement options
Three ways we help with GTS.
30 minute consultation
Want to learn more about the Global Talent Stream and see if your company is eligible? Fill out the form below and we can discuss whether the Global Talent Stream is the right fit for you.
Global Talent Stream Guidance
If you want guidance throughout your Global Talent Stream application but want to file it yourself, we can guide you through the entire process. This includes an initial phone or video call to answer questions and get you started, specific guidance on what to do at each stage of the process, email and phone support throughout, and a review of your application before you send it in. Note: you will be responsible for submitting your own application.
Complete GTS Application
Choose this if you would like us to prepare and submit the entire Global Talent Stream application for you (including your employee's work permit). It includes support throughout the process and reduces time and stress as we handle each step of the application from start to finish.
For employers
Hiring more than one person?
If you are running several files a year, the per-file flat fee is not the right structure. We work on retainer or volume terms, with a single point of contact, and we maintain your compliance records across all your hires rather than file by file.
That last part matters more than the pricing. An inspection looks at your practice as an employer, not at one application, and records kept consistently across hires are the difference between a straightforward review and a scramble.
Tell us roughly how many hires you expect this year and we will quote accordingly.
FAQ
Global Talent Stream questions, answered.
Do not see your question? Ask us directly. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly.
Ask a question- What is the Global Talent Stream?
- The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It serves innovative firms referred by one of ESDC's designated referral partners that need unique and specialised talent (Category A), and firms filling an in-demand, highly skilled position on the Global Talent Occupations List (Category B).
- How long does a Global Talent Stream LMIA take?
- ESDC's service standard is 10 business days for 80% of applications, counted from the first business day after it receives the application. IRCC also offers accelerated work permit processing for workers hired through the stream. Check ESDC's current standard before you plan a start date.
- What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?
- Every Global Talent Stream employer commits to a Labour Market Benefits Plan: employer-specific activities that have a lasting, positive impact on the Canadian labour market, such as hiring or training Canadians. ESDC reviews your progress on the plan every year, so the commitments need to be ones you will actually meet.
- Do we need an LMIA at all?
- Not always. Some tech roles are LMIA-exempt, for example under international agreements such as CUSMA or as intra-company transfers. An exempt route is usually faster, so it is the first thing we check.
- We hire several people a year. Can you handle all of them?
- Yes. For employers running several files a year we work on retainer or volume terms rather than per-file flat fees, with a single point of contact and compliance records maintained across all your hires.
Ready to get started
Start your Global Talent Stream application.
Tell us about your company and the role you are looking to fill. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly to book your consultation, where an Ontario licensed immigration lawyer will confirm whether your company is eligible for the Global Talent Stream and what filing the application looks like.