Canada speeds work permits for tech and specialist hires — many roles processed in two weeks through the Global Talent Stream
Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is delivering one of the fastest routes for skilled foreign hires to get to Canada: when employers qualify under the GTS, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to issue work permits in about two weeks for many in-demand occupations. For employers racing to fill critical roles — and for international candidates ready to accept offers — the GTS can cut months from the usual hiring timetable.
This report explains how the GTS works, which occupations typically benefit from two-week processing, how employers and candidates should prepare, and what to watch for when moving quickly.
What the Global Talent Stream does and who it helps
The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track branch of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It has two main pathways:
- Category B (Occupation-based fast track): Targets specific, in-demand occupations. This is the route used most often when the advertised role appears on the GTS eligible-occupation list.
- Category A (Referral-based fast track): For employers who have been referred to the GTS by designated partners and need unique, specialized talent that often falls outside the listed occupations.
When an employer’s application is approved under the GTS, Employment and Social Development Canada processes the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) within approximately 10 business days. Once the LMIA is positive, the foreign worker applies for a GTS work permit, which IRCC generally aims to finalize within two weeks for eligible cases. The combined speed of LMIA plus work permit processing means hires can often start in Canada far sooner than under standard streams.
Occupations that commonly qualify for two-week processing (Category B highlights)
Below are the core occupations that typically qualify under Category B. Candidates in these roles — when hired by eligible Canadian employers — frequently see work-permit decisions within about two weeks after the LMIA is approved.
- Computer and information systems managers — NOC 20012
- Civil engineers — NOC 21300
- Electrical and electronics engineers — NOC 21310
- Mining engineers — NOC 21330
- Aerospace engineers — NOC 21390
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) — NOC 21311
- Mathematicians and statisticians (subset) — NOC 21210
- Data scientists — NOC 21211
- Cybersecurity specialists — NOC 21220
- Business system specialists — NOC 21221
- Information systems specialists — NOC 21222
- Web designers — NOC 21233
- Database analysts and data administrators — NOC 21223
- Software engineers and designers — NOC 21231
- Computer systems developers and programmers — NOC 21230
- Software developers and programmers — NOC 21232
- Web developers and programmers — NOC 21234
- Web and network technicians — NOC 22220 (and related tech technician codes)
- Selected creative digital roles (visual effects and video game project leads / digital media) — NOC subsets 51120 / 52120
- Selected electrical/electronics technologist and technician roles — NOC 22310
- Information systems testing technicians — NOC 22222
Note: Exact NOC titles and eligible subsets are specified by the program; employers must confirm the role’s NOC before applying.
How the two-step GTS process works (employer + candidate actions)
- Employer applies for an LMIA under the GTS
- For Category B: the job must be one of the eligible occupations.
- For Category A: the employer must be referred by a designated referral partner and show the need for unique, highly specialized talent.
- GTS LMIAs are prioritized and targeted for 10-business-day processing.
- Employer provides the positive LMIA letter to the candidate
- The LMIA decision letter is required for the candidate’s work-permit application.
- Candidate applies for a work permit
- When identified as a GTS stream applicant, IRCC aims to process the application within approximately two weeks.
- Candidates must meet normal admissibility and documentation requirements (passport, medicals if required, police certificates where applicable).
- Arrival and settlement
- Once the work permit is approved, the worker may travel to Canada and begin employment under the conditions of the permit.
Category A — how specialists outside the list can still get priority
Not every high-value role fits the Category B list. Category A allows innovative Canadian companies to hire unique, specialized talent quickly when the role:
- Pays a competitive wage (the program’s example floor is around $80,000 CAD per year or the prevailing wage, whichever is higher);
- Requires advanced, industry-specific knowledge and usually an advanced degree or five+ years of specialized experience; and
- Is hosted by a company that has been referred to the GTS by a designated referral partner (such as incubators, accelerators, or venture groups).
Category A hires still benefit from the fast LMIA and two-week permit processing once the employer has completed the referral and LMIA steps.
Practical tips for employers and candidates preparing for a fast GTS hire
- Confirm the NOC code and eligibility before beginning the LMIA — mismatches delay processing.
- Prepare detailed job descriptions and employer evidence showing how the role meets innovation or shortage needs.
- Ensure wage offers are competitive and meet program expectations; for Category A, prove specialized talent requirements.
- Have candidate documents ready (valid passport, educational credentials, employment references, police certificates, medicals if requested). Quick digital copies accelerate submission.
- Be ready for compliance obligations: GTS employers must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan, typically including plans for skills transfer and training for Canadians.
- Work with experienced advisors: a small error in the LMIA or application can nullify priority processing — professional support reduces risk.
Risks and limitations
- Not all employers qualify: only businesses that meet program standards and, for Category A, have an approved referral, can access GTS priority processing.
- Misclassified roles or inaccurate NOC selection can result in denial or standard slow processing.
- Admissibility checks still apply: medical inadmissibility or criminal history can delay or refuse a permit regardless of the GTS timeline.
- Category A referrals are selective: being referred by a designated partner is a prerequisite — not all companies or roles will meet referral criteria.
Bottom line
For in-demand tech and specialist roles, Canada’s Global Talent Stream offers an exceptionally fast pathway to a work permit — often in two weeks after a positive LMIA. The program is engineered to bring high-value talent into Canada quickly, but speed depends on correct NOC classification, complete documentation, and employer compliance with GTS requirements. Employers and candidates who prepare thoroughly can significantly shorten the time between offer and start date.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
