Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Program
Global Talent Stream
An LMIA stream with expedited processing for employers hiring highly skilled or specialized talent.
Overview
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an LMIA stream run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is built for employers that need highly skilled talent to grow. Category A is for employers referred by one of the stream's designated partner organizations to hire unique, specialized talent. Category B is for positions in occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List.
Employers commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan, which sets out lasting benefits for Canada's labour market, such as creating jobs or investing in skills and training for Canadians and permanent residents. Applications are handled under an expedited service standard, although timing still depends on a complete, well-prepared file.
Who may consider this: Innovative employers referred by a designated partner, or hiring for an occupation on the Global Talent Occupations List.
Eligibility Considerations
- Category A: a referral from a designated partner for a position needing unique, specialized talent
- Category B: a position in an occupation on the Global Talent Occupations List
- A wage that meets the highest applicable standard — the prevailing wage or any minimum set for the category or occupation
- A Labour Market Benefits Plan with a mandatory benefit and complementary commitments
- A legitimate business that meets ESDC's program requirements
How It Works
Category Assessment
We assess whether the role fits Category A, through a partner referral, or Category B, through the occupations list.
Referral or Occupation Check
For Category A, the employer obtains a referral from a designated partner; for Category B, we confirm the duties match a listed occupation.
Wage Review
We confirm the wage meets the prevailing wage and any minimum set for the category or occupation.
Labour Market Benefits Plan
We help the employer choose realistic commitments it can track and report on.
Application & Submission
The LMIA application is prepared and submitted to ESDC under the Global Talent Stream.
Work Permit
After a positive LMIA, the worker applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Referral form from a designated partner (Category A)
- Job description matching the Global Talent Occupations List (Category B)
- Labour Market Benefits Plan
- Description of the recruitment efforts made
- Signed job offer showing the wage and duties
- Business legitimacy documents
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Applying under Category A without a completed referral form
- Job duties that don't genuinely match a listed occupation
- Using the median wage when a higher wage floor applies
- Benefits plan commitments that are vague or hard to measure
How We Help
- Determine whether Category A or B fits the role
- Check wage floors and prevailing wage rules before the offer is made
- Draft a Labour Market Benefits Plan with clear, trackable commitments
- Coordinate the LMIA with the worker's work permit application
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the employer have to advertise the job?+
There's no minimum advertising requirement under the Global Talent Stream, but employers are encouraged to recruit Canadians and permanent residents first and must describe their recruitment efforts in the application.
How quickly are applications processed?+
ESDC's published service standard for these applications is 10 business days, which it aims to meet in most cases. It's a target, not a guarantee, and IRCC processes the worker's work permit separately.
What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan?+
It's a set of commitments the employer makes to benefit Canada's labour market. Category A employers commit mainly to creating jobs, Category B employers to investing in skills and training, and both add complementary benefits. ESDC reviews progress over time.
Can any employer use Category A?+
Only with a referral from one of the stream's designated partners, which ESDC lists. A Category A application without a referral form is treated as incomplete.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.