Your guide to relocating to Canada via the Global Talent Stream
This is one of the fastest ways for tech professionals looking to get into Canada.
If you were to search for "Top global tech talent destinations," Canada is among the very few nations that will show up, and for good reason.
Immigration accounts for nearly all of Canada's population growth, with that figure as high as 96% in recent years as the country struggles with a low birth rate. This population plan combined with a healthy economy and strong tech sector has made Canada a serious talent magnet for the world.
Canada offers many routes of entry for those looking to relocate, but the one that's arguably the fastest and easiest is the Global Talent Stream (GTS).
Unlike traditional immigration programs, where an individual applies directly for permanent residency, the GTS operates as a streamlined, employer-driven work permit process. This critical distinction is what makes it so fast and effective. As a tech professional, you cannot apply to the GTS on your own. Instead, your strategy must be to position yourself as an essential candidate whom an eligible Canadian employer will sponsor through this program.
This article provides a strategic roadmap for how tech professionals can leverage the Global Talent Stream as a key tool for relocation.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
The Core Function of the Global Talent Stream
The GTS is a component of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), but it stands apart due to its expedited processing. The primary objective is to help innovative Canadian companies quickly fill highly specialised roles where domestic talent is not readily available. The program sets a service standard of two weeks for processing work permit applications and the necessary Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a significant reduction from standard processing times.
The GTS consists of two categories:
- Category A: This category is for high-growth and innovative companies that have been referred by a named partner organisation. These companies are mandated to hire "unique and specialist talent" who have higher knowledge or a specialist skill set that is critical to the business growth.
- Category B: This is for employers who are hiring to fill vacant positions in designated jobs listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. This list comprises a range of in-demand tech and STEM roles where a labour shortage has been identified.
How to Position Yourself for a Global Talent Stream Opportunity
Since the employer initiates the GTS application, your goal should be to make yourself the most compelling candidate for an eligible position. This involves a targeted and proactive approach.
1. Understand the In-Demand Occupations
Your first step is to confirm that your profession falls under the Global Talent Occupations List. This list, which is maintained by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is the definitive guide. Occupations commonly include:
- Software engineers and designers
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Data scientists and database analysts
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Computer network technicians
- Web designers and developers
- Certain engineering roles (e.g., civil, electrical, aerospace)
You can find the most current version of this list on the official ESDC website, which provides a detailed breakdown including corresponding National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes (Hint: The list is pretty much at the bottom of the page, and it's a long scroll; at least now you know where to look).
2. Target the Right Companies and Roles
Your job search should be strategic. Focus on Canadian tech companies, both startups and established enterprises, that are in a growth phase. These organisations are often the most frequent users of the GTS to meet their scaling needs.
For Category A, you need to do a little bit of digging to find them. The companies don't typically carry a banner and claim they are under this program, but they are not impossible to find. Some of these companies can be found by doing a quick search on the designated referral partners for the GTS, but generally, you would want to be on the lookout for tech hubs and economic development agencies across Canada. These often list their member companies or those they support. Consulting their websites can also provide a valuable list of high-growth firms that are already in the GTS ecosystem.
When searching job listings on websites like LinkedIn or the Canadian Job Bank, search for the precise job titles from the official occupations list. Look for any language in the job posting indicating that the firm is open to sponsoring foreign talent, as this can be an excellent sign.
3. Craft a Compelling Value Proposition
An employer's decision to use the GTS is not just about filling a role; it's a strategic investment. When Companies apply, they must submit something called a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). In this plan, the company is meant to outline how hiring a foreign worker will have a positive and lasting impact on the Canadian labour market. For example, for a Category B hire, the employer must commit to an investment in skills and training for Canadians.
As a candidate, this should be what you focus on. You should demonstrate how you can contribute to these objectives. Emphasise your capacity for knowledge transfer, mentorship, and team leadership during interviews. Bonus points if you have experience training junior developers or leading a specific project from inception to completion, because you can highlight this to show how your expertise can be a long-term benefit to the company and its Canadian employees.
David Adubiina
The GTS as a Bridge to Permanent Residency
The GTS can be a way to get permanent residency, but you need to first understand that it is essentially a temporary work permit, typically issued for two years. So the work comes first.
After you have obtained one year of full-time Canadian work experience on a GTS permit, you may qualify for what is called the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is an immigration program that is processed under the Express Entry system.
The Express Entry is an online application management system employed by the Canadian government to manage permanent residency applications for skilled workers. Candidates submit a profile and are ranked based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.
A GTS-approved job offer basically boosts your chances of getting it because it awards a high number of points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This is not a guarantee, but it definitely makes things a bit easier when you apply for permanent residency.
This seamless transition from a temporary work permit to a permanent resident application is a major reason the GTS is so attractive to tech professionals. It provides a direct and expedited route to establishing a professional career and life in Canada.
Conclusion
Admittedly, most of the work for this to go through relies on your employer, but that does not mean you get to sit on the sidelines and do nothing. Your success also depends on your ability to proactively research, target, and position yourself as the ideal candidate.
By understanding the program’s criteria, identifying the right employers, and demonstrating how you are not just a good hire but a strategic asset, you can effectively leverage the GTS to fast-track your relocation and career in the Land of Maple Syrup.
Louis Eriakha
