How to Apply for the Global Talent Stream: Business Legitimacy Requirement
The Global Talent Stream allows you to hire tech talent from outside of Canada in just 3 to 4 weeks.
If it’s your first time submitting a Global Talent Stream application, you need to fulfill what is called the business legitimacy requirement. In this blog post, we will review the requirement and explain what is needed as part of your application.
What is the business legitimacy requirement and when is it required?
As part of the Global Talent Stream application, you must prove that you operate a legitimate business in Canada and that your job offer is a legitimate one.
As part of this assessment, you need to show that your business is providing a good or service in Canada, does not have any past issues with compliance, you must be offering employment that fits in with the overall needs of your business, and you have to show that you can fulfill the terms of your employment offer.
If you have been approved for a Labour Market Impact Assessment in the last 2 years, you are exempt from the business legitimacy requirement.
What documents are required to prove business legitimacy?
To show that you can fulfill the terms of your employment offer, you need to provide at least one of the following documents as part of your application:
T2 Schedule 100 Balance sheet information and T2 Schedule 125 Income statement information
T3010 Registered charity information return
T2125 Statement of business or professional activities (redact social insurance number)
an attestation confirming that your business is in good financial standing and will be able to meet all financial obligations to any temporary foreign worker you hire for the entire duration of their employment
T4 or payroll records for at least 3 pay periods if the temporary foreign worker already works for you (redact social insurance number)
Your invoice or contract for the services or good that you are providing in Canada if you are a foreign employer without a Canada Revenue Agency number with a business address outside of Canada
You also need to submit documents that show you are providing a good or service in Canada by including at least 1 of the following:
T4 Summary of remuneration paid
Municipal/provincial/territorial business license
PD7A Statement of account for current source deductions
An attestation that confirms you are engaged in a legal business and are providing a service or good in Canada
Your invoice or contract for the services or good that you are providing in Canada if you are a foreign employer without a Canada Revenue Agency number with a business address outside of Canada
Are there any other requirements?
Aside from those listed above, there are other requirements that may be applicable depending on your company and location.
To start, all documents you submit need to be in either English or French. If they are submitted in another language, you will need to include the French or English translation with an affidavit from the person who did the translation attesting to the accuracy.
You may need to submit other documents depending on the province you’re applying from and if you’re using a recruiter. If using a recruiter, you’ll need to provide the applicable licence or certificate if you’re in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia or Saskatchewan.
If you’re hiring in the province of Quebec, you must also submit a separate application to Quebec immigration - ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI). If you’re located in Quebec and need additional help, we recommend getting in touch with us here to understand the additional requirements.
Lastly, if you decide to rely on an attestation for your documentation, it must be written by either a lawyer, other member in good standing with a law society or Chartered Professional Accountant in good standing with their professional body.
How do I include these requirements in my Global Talent Stream application?
Once your Global Talent Stream application form is completed and you’ve collected the necessary documents to prove your business legitimacy, you should submit them together in one package.
To learn how to prepare the application form and the 3 ways to submit the application, check out our guide here.
And if you need help with a GTS application, make sure to connect with us here.