The fast-track stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Temporary Foreign worker Program, has launched as of June 12, establishing a two-week standard for the processing of work permit applications for highly skilled occupations.
As part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, the Global Talent Stream enables prioritized processing of applications for work permits in high-demand occupations requiring the specialized talent of global workers. The government of Canada recognizes that in order to promote growth in fast-paced industries such as the tech sector, employers often need to fill a specialized position quickly, and are unable to find Canadian workers for the position.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, has stated that ‘When companies are able to grow and thrive here in Canada, they create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians; our new Global Talent Stream will give companies a faster and more efficient process to bring in global talent, so they can grow and expand their Canadian workforces. We’re keeping Canada competitive in the global marketplace and helping our industries grow and succeed.’
Two Categories
There are two categories under the GTS:
. • Category A: High-growth companies with a demonstrated need for the in-demand talent of foreign nationals in order to generate growth; and,
• Category B: Companies requiring high-skilled foreign nationals for occupations on the Skills Shortage List.
It is acknowledged that companies in both of these categories will generate job growth among Canadian workers, in addition to growth in the national economy, as a result of the efforts of foreign nationals. Moreover, the specialized knowledge of these foreign workers will result in greater skills and training of Canadian workers.
The following organizations have been designated as GTS referral partners, as of June 12:
Further requirements for Category A are in place, including the need to prove that the company is hiring unique and specialized talent. Future employees with advanced knowledge of the industry, advanced relevant qualifications, and/or a minimum of five years’ specialized experience may be eligible. In addition, the position must be highly paid, usually at $80,000 CAD per year or higher.
Skills Shortage List
Companies who can demonstrate a need for global talent to fill high-skilled occupations on the Skills Shortage List, and are willing to pay the employee the prevailing wage or higher, fall into Category B.
The following high-demand occupations have been identified as areas in which there is a skills shortage in Canada. This list was developed in consultation with labour market experts and key stakeholders, and ESDC states that it may be updated periodically.
Positions in occupations 2241, 2283, and 5241 carry minimum wage requirements.
Work permit exemptions
Two new work permit exemptions are also in effect as of June 12. Workers in occupations classified as skill type 0 or skill level A in the NOC may enter Canada for one 15-day stay in a six-month period, and may work without a work permit. Researchers undertaking projects in Canada may stay for 120 days in a 12-month period, without requiring a work permit, as long as they are working on a research project at a publicly-funded degree-granting institution or affiliated research institution.
