Global Talent Stream LMIA
The Global Talent Stream is the fastest route in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program — a 10-business-day LMIA standard with no advertising requirement, paired with 10-business-day work permit processing under the Global Skills Strategy. For technology employers it is often the difference between hiring someone and losing them.
Two categories
- ● Category A — for innovative firms referred by a designated referral partner, hiring unique or specialised talent. Partners include the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Council of Canadian Innovators and the Trade Commissioner Service, alongside regional partners. A referral form is needed for each worker.
- ● Category B — for positions on the Global Talent Occupations List. No referral needed.
The Category B occupation list
Positions at prevailing wage: computer and information systems managers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and the software developer, engineer, web designer and developer occupations.
- ● Electrical and electronics engineering technologists — minimum $41.35 an hour, or $86,000 a year.
- ● Computer network and web technicians — minimum $40.87 an hour, or $85,000 a year.
- ● Visual effects and video game directors and managers — minimum $40.87 an hour.
- ● Digital media designers — minimum $38.46 an hour, or $80,000 a year.
The occupations list itself has not been substantively refreshed since December 2022. Check the current list against the exact NOC before relying on it — an occupation that feels like it should be there is not the same as one that is.
The Labour Market Benefits Plan
Every Global Talent Stream application needs one, and it is a commitment, not a formality. Category A employers must commit to job creation for Canadians and permanent residents. Category B employers must commit to increased skills and training investment. Both must add at least two complementary benefits, and progress is reviewed annually.
ESDC does follow up. A plan written to get an approval, with no intention of delivering it, becomes a compliance problem at the next review.
What it costs and what you skip
- ● $1,000 per position, as with any LMIA.
- ● No minimum recruitment requirement — the advertising rules that apply to high- and low-wage applications do not apply here.
- ● 10 business days for the LMIA, 80% of the time, and 10 business days for the work permit.
- ● Not affected by the low-wage caps or the unemployment refusal rule.
Is it right for your role?
The Global Talent Stream works when the role genuinely sits in one of the listed occupations at the required wage, or when a referral partner will vouch for the firm. It does not work as a shortcut for roles that are really general IT support, or for wages set below the published floors. We will look at the actual NOC and the actual wage before anyone commits, because a misclassified application costs the fee and the time, and invites scrutiny.
Reviewed by a licensed RCIC · Last updated 13 August 2026. Immigration rules change often — confirm anything time-sensitive with us or on canada.ca.
Looking for related services? See our full LMIA overview or all services.
Why Choose Us?
Personalized Assessment
- Understanding your Canadian immigration needs and goals.
- Assessing eligibility across multiple programs.
- Recommending the best pathway for your situation.
- Answering all questions and addressing concerns.
Tailored Approach
- Custom Canadian immigration plan suited to you.
- Clear proposal outlining services and payment structure: 50% before processing, 50% before submission.
- Comprehensive checklist after initial payment.
Application Fulfillment
- Dedicated case manager assigned to your file.
- Strong application prepared within 7–10 business days.
- Review and final approval before submission.
Trusted Partnership
- Kept informed at every stage from submission to decision.
- Ongoing support and guidance until you reach your goals.
- Available for status updates at any time.
Ready to take the next step?
Book an appointment with our licensed RCIC team. We'll review your case, identify your best pathway, and outline the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the Global Talent Stream really?
The service standard is 10 business days for the LMIA, met 80% of the time, plus 10 business days for the work permit under the Global Skills Strategy. Against 88 business days for a high-wage LMIA, that is the whole point of the stream. Preparing the Labour Market Benefits Plan properly is what usually determines whether you hit the standard.
Do I have to advertise the position?
No. There is no minimum recruitment requirement in the Global Talent Stream, which is the second major advantage over the standard streams. You still pay the $1,000 fee and you still need a compliant Labour Market Benefits Plan.
What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?
A written commitment to benefits for the Canadian labour market. Category A employers must commit to creating jobs for Canadians and permanent residents; Category B employers to increased skills and training investment. Both need at least two complementary benefits, and ESDC reviews progress annually.
My role is in tech but not on the list. What now?
Then the Global Talent Stream is not available, and the route is a standard high-wage LMIA, an LMIA-exempt category under a trade agreement, an intra-company transfer, or Francophone Mobility if the candidate has NCLC 5 French. It is worth mapping those before defaulting to a 88-business-day high-wage application.
Is the occupation list current?
It has not been substantively updated since December 2022, so treat any secondary summary of it with caution and check the live list against the exact NOC code for the role. We do that as a matter of course before an employer commits to the stream.
Still unsure how this applies to your case? Book an appointment with a licensed RCIC.
More LMIA services
Other pathways we handle in this area — or talk to a licensed RCIC about which fits your case.
Waymark runs on the Nova System platform — built in Abbotsford, BC by practising RCICs.