In July 2019, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced changes to the list of occupations under Category B of the Global Talent Stream. Those changes are as follows:

1. One (1) new occupation has been added to the list:

  • NOC 2281 – Computer Network Technicians

2. Two (2) occupations have been removed from the list:

  • NOC 0211 – Engineering Managers
  • NOC 0212 – Architecture and Science Managers

ESDC will allow GTS LMIA applications under NOC 0211 (Engineering Managers) and NOC 0212 (Architecture and Science Managers) to be submitted up until August 4, 2019. For employers contemplating using the GTS program for those two occupations, it is imperative that they submit those applications prior to the August 4, 2019 deadline.  After that date, employers will need to use the regular LMIA process instead of the GTS LMIA program for those two occupations.

The mandatory wage requirements have also been updated. For Category B occupations with wage floors, employers must offer at least that amount in order to apply for a GTS LMIA.

Overview of the GTS Program

The Global Skills Strategy was launched in June 2017. The program was designed to help Canadian employers access highly qualified global talent quickly and efficiently under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Under the TFWP, the program is called the Global Talent Stream, whereby ESDC will expedite processing of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if the position that is being applied for falls under the Category B Occupations List, or if a company has been referred by a designated referral partner because the position being requested requires unique and specialized talent.

Under the GTS program, LMIA applications are processed within two (2) weeks and if the candidate needs to apply for a work permit outside of Canada, the visa office will finalize their review of the work permit application within two (2) weeks. This is a significant time saving, given the increase in processing times for both regular LMIA applications and work permit applications at the visa offices around the world.

Overall, the GTS program has been beneficial to Canadian companies as they seek to address labour shortages with highly specialized foreign workers.

Please see the following link for additional information on the Global Talent Stream Program, including the full list of Category B occupations that come under the program.

If you have any questions relating to obtaining work permits or regarding the Global Talent Stream, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Gowling WLG's Immigration Practice Group.