On June 12, 2017 as part of the Global Skills Strategy Initiative, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) which is the new created fast-track stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), has launched a two-week standard for the processing of work permit (WP) applications for highly skilled occupations.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Global Skills Strategy Initiative can help employers to get workers faster with:
- a two-week processing time for 80% of work permit applications;
- work permit exemptions for highly-skilled workers on short-term work assignments and for researchers involved in a short-duration research project in Canada;
- a dedicated service channel for companies looking to make large, job-creating investments in Canada.
The GTS establishes a processing time standard of 10 business days for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and WP applications from workers whose employers have been approved to hire through this new created initiative called, GTS. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the department managing the TFWP and this stream, has stated that this pilot project will run for an initial period of 24 months (2 years).
The two categories of the GTS target high-growth companies, and workers in identified in-demand occupations. Here is the occupations list:
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 2147)
Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)
Information systems testing technicians (NOC 2283)
Digital Media and Design (positions requiring a minimum of five years’ industry experience only, specific skills requirements apply) (NOC 5241).
The above list will be updated periodically by ESDC.
In addition, and as mentioned in our previous posting, skilled temporary foreign workers (TFW) in occupations classified as skill type 0 or skill level A in the NOC may enter Canada and work for one 15-day stay in a six-month period, or one 30-day stay in a 12-month period without the need of a WP. Researchers who are assigned to undertake projects in Canada may stay for 120 days in a 12-month period, without the need of a WP, as long as they are working on a research project at a publicly-funded degree-granting institution or affiliated research institution.
IRCC stated that, agreements have been reached with a range of partners who will be able to refer companies to IRCC’s new dedicated service channel and to ESDC’s Global Talent Stream; discussions are also continuing with other potential partners. The IRCC’s goal is to have referral partners in all parts of Canada with the significant knowledge and insight needed to refer companies to the dedicated service channel. Stay tuned for our next immigration posting regarding the list of ESDC Designated Partners for referral to Category A of the Global Talent Stream.
Source: IRCC and ESDC websites.
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