Many software developers, engineers, and data specialists working in the United States are looking at Canada, whether because of H-1B costs and uncertainty, a layoff, or a company decision to build a team north of the border. For employers with a Canadian operation, the Global Talent Stream is one of the fastest ways to bring that person over on an employer-specific work permit. It is a faster version of the LMIA process, not an LMIA exemption, and it has two stages, one for the employer and one for the worker.
Step 1: The Canadian Employer Applies for a Global Talent Stream LMIA
The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, so the Canadian employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The stream speeds this up, with a 10-business-day service standard for complete applications and no minimum recruitment requirement. According to ESDC’s program requirements (updated September 16, 2026), there are two routes:
- Category A is for innovative companies hiring unique and specialized talent, and requires a referral from one of ESDC’s designated referral partners. The position must pay at least $80,000 a year ($38.46 an hour) or the prevailing wage, whichever is higher, and generally calls for an advanced degree or at least five years of specialized experience.
- Category B covers occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List. No referral is needed. The list includes software engineers and developers, computer engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, database analysts, civil, electrical, mining, and aerospace engineers, and computer and information systems managers, among others. A few listed occupations have their own wage floors.
ESDC charges a $1,000 processing fee per position, which cannot be passed on to the worker. Although there is no minimum recruitment requirement, the employer must describe its recruitment efforts and commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan, such as creating jobs or investing in training for Canadians, which ESDC reviews each year.
Step 2: The Worker Applies for the Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, the worker applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit. Under the Global Skills Strategy, IRCC aims to process eligible applications within two weeks. To qualify for the two-week processing standard, the worker must:
- Apply online from outside Canada, which includes applying while living in the United States
- Include the LMIA decision letter, the job offer, and the employment contract
- Submit biometrics, if required, within two weeks of applying
- Complete a medical exam and file a complete application with all documents the visa office requires
The two-week standard is a service target, not a guarantee. IRCC’s commitment is to process 80% of complete applications within two weeks, and delays are possible.
Bringing the Family
A spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in the two-week processing only if they apply at the same time as the worker and their applications are complete. Spouses of skilled workers may be eligible for an open work permit, and children may be able to study, depending on the family’s situation. Plan these applications together.
Points for Cross-Border Employers and Workers
- The employer must have a genuine Canadian operation that will employ the worker. A U.S. company without a Canadian presence generally cannot use the stream on its own.
- Wages must be guaranteed pay. Bonuses, commissions, and benefits do not count toward the wage requirement, and wages must be updated to the current prevailing wage by January 1 each year.
- Charging the worker any recruitment fee, directly or indirectly, leads to a negative LMIA.
- Workers from the United States or Mexico should also compare CUSMA options, which do not require an LMIA, and employees of a related company may qualify as intra-company transferees. These LMIA-exempt routes fall under the International Mobility Program, and eligible workers may also qualify for two-week processing under the Global Skills Strategy.
- Canadian work experience gained on a Global Talent Stream permit can later support permanent residence through Express Entry, especially now that many of these occupations score extra points as high-wage occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Global Talent Stream LMIA-exempt?
No. The employer must obtain a positive LMIA through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The stream makes the process faster and removes the minimum recruitment requirement. LMIA-exempt options such as CUSMA and intra-company transfers are separate.
How fast is the Global Talent Stream?
ESDC aims to process complete Global Talent Stream LMIA applications in 10 business days. Once the LMIA is approved, IRCC aims to process eligible work permit applications in two weeks. Preparing the employer’s LMIA application takes additional time.
Can I apply while I am in the United States?
Yes. Applying online from the U.S. counts as applying from outside Canada, which is a condition of the two-week processing standard.
Does every Global Talent Stream job need a referral?
No. Only Category A requires a referral from a designated partner. Category B jobs on the occupations list do not.
Who pays the $1,000 processing fee?
The employer. It cannot be paid by or recovered from the worker.
Can my spouse work in Canada?
Spouses of skilled workers may qualify for an open work permit. To keep the two-week standard, they must apply at the same time as the worker.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak & Batra (NPZ & B) Law Group, P.C. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.