Introduction
Initially announced in November 2016, the Global Skills Strategy program (GSS) (➨ page) was officially launched in June 2017. The GSS provides a framework for Canadian employers to attract exceptionally skilled foreign professionals.
The creation and implementation of the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) (➨ page) resulted from collaboration among various Canadian federal ministries. This strategy streamlines the process for the swift entry of foreign talent, offering significant advantages to Canadian employers. Geared toward companies seeking an efficient procedure to hire top-skilled workers, the GSS incorporates streamlined application processing, consideration of work permit waivers, and improved services. This approach aims to expedite and simplify the hiring process for employers in diverse sectors.
Are you dreaming of starting a new chapter in Canada? The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers a unique opportunity to turn this dream into reality. We'll lead you through the process of moving to Canada within two weeks using the accelerated Global Skills Strategy.”
Understanding the Global Skills Strategy
To keep Canada competitive in the global marketplace and foster the growth and success of our industries, the Global Skills Strategy plays a crucial role. Canada boasts a diverse pool of talent and a capable workforce; however, there are instances when recruiting expert workers from other countries becomes necessary to propel growth.
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) (➨ page) is a pioneering initiative designed to attract highly skilled professionals from around the world. It streamlines the immigration process, especially for those in high-demand fields, making it faster and more efficient for both employers and applicants.
Key Features of the Global Skills Strategy
Canadian employers seek to draw in top-tier talent swiftly and predictably to fill vacant positions. To expedite the hiring of highly skilled workers, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced the Global Skills Strategy (GSS). This initiative offers two-week processing times, work permit exemptions, and enhanced services to meet the needs of employers efficiently.
Particularly notable is the “Global Skills Strategy Work Permit Exemption,” a popular choice among skilled workers. This exemption streamlines the onboarding of international talent, allowing employers to efficiently bring in skilled professionals without the traditional work permit constraints.
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) can be divided into three key components, namely:
1- Two-Week Processing Time:
The GSS aims to process work permits within two weeks for both skilled professionals and their dependents, providing a swift and efficient pathway for qualified individuals.
2- Exemptions for Highly Skilled Workers:
3- Global Talent Stream (GTS):
The GTS ensures expedited processing of work permits for specific occupations, further facilitating a quick entry for top-tier international talent.
Through the Global Talent Stream (GTS), forward-thinking companies can address the demand for highly skilled positions, scale up, expand, and generate additional job opportunities for Canadians within the country.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
Requirements for the Global Skills Strategy
To move to Canada through the Global Skills Strategy (GSS), secure a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream if required. If LMIA is not needed, ensure your job aligns with TEER categories 0 or 1 of the NOC system and apply under the International Mobility Program for expedited processing.
1- Waiver of the Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA-exempt work permit
If you don’t need an LMIA (LMIA-exempt):
- Apply online from outside Canada.
- Your employment should fall under TEER category 0 or 1 according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system (➨page), and you should proceed to apply for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (➨page).
- An employer offer is available in the Employer Portal, and the employer compliance fee has been paid.
2- Workers in need of an LMIA
If you need an LMIA (LMIA-based):
- Apply online from outside Canada.
- It is essential to obtain a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (➨page).
Eligibility for the Global Talent Stream
Who is Eligible for a Two-Week Processing Visa in Canada?
The Global Talent Stream comprises two categories:
Category A, where eligibility is based on a referral from one of the stream's designated partners and the hiring of an individual with unique and specialized talent.Access the updated list of designated partners on the IRCC website (➨immilib.com/GTS-Partners).
Category B, which allows eligibility for seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers in in-demand occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List, without the need for a referral.
Global Talent Occupations List as of December 2022*
* Please be aware that the list is subject to periodic updates on the IRCC's website (➨immilib.com/GTS-JobList).
To qualify under Category B, the Canadian employer must be recruiting for a role listed on the Global Talent Occupations List, which includes high-skilled, in-demand occupations. Additionally, the position must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the role.
This category, “Global Skills Strategy Jobs,” emphasizes recruiting for positions that contribute to Canada's global competitiveness by attracting top-tier international talent in key sectors.
In Category B of the Global Talent Stream, employers are required to recruit highly skilled foreign workers to occupy positions listed in the following occupations:
| NOC 2021 Code | Occupation | Minimum Wage Requirement (annual) | Minimum Wage Requirement (hourly) |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21300 | Civil engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21330 | Mining engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21390 | Aerospace engineers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| Sub-set of 21210* |
Mathematicians and statisticians * Positions for actuaries or related occupations are excluded from this subset. |
Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
|
21211 – Data scientists
21220 – Cybersecurity specialists 21221 – Business system specialists 21222 – Information systems specialists 21233 – Web designers |
Information systems analysts and consultants | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
|
21211 – Data scientists
21223 – Database analysts and data administrators |
Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
|
21231 – Software engineers and designers
21211 – Data scientists |
Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
|
21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
21232 – Software developers and programmers 21234 – Web developers and programmers |
Computer programmers and interactive media developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
|
21233 – Web designers
21234 – Web developers and programmers |
Web designers and developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | $86,000 or higher prevailing wage | $41.35 or higher prevailing wage |
| 22220 | Computer network technicians (NOC 2021 occupation: Computer network and web technicians) | $85,000 or higher prevailing wage | $40.87 or higher prevailing wage |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians | $85,000 or higher prevailing wage | $41.03 or higher prevailing wage |
| Sub-set of 51120 | Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game | $85,000 or higher prevailing wage | $40.87 or higher prevailing wage |
| Sub-set of 52120 | Digital media designers | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage |
Benefits of the Global Skills Strategy Program
The Global Skills Strategy aims to deliver four substantial advantages. These advantages encompass:
1-New Immigration Pathways Through the Global Talent Stream
2- Work Permit Exemptions
3- Efficient Processing for Spouse and Dependents
4- Dedicated Service Channel
Companies seeking to make substantial job-creating investments in Canada or universities hosting publicly-funded research chairs are eligible for a dedicated service channel through IRCC. Specialized account managers assist in the immigration process, and eligibility requires a referral from a participating Designated Service Channel Partner, distinct from the Designated Referral Partners under the Global Talent Stream.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
How to Apply for Global Skills Strategy (GSS) Visa?
Applying for the GSS Visa? Follow these steps:
- Proceed to the work permit application (➨immilib.com/WP-Apply).
- For expedited two-week processing under the Global Skills Strategy, submit your application from outside Canada, regardless of LMIA status. Choose the “outside Canada” option.
- Proceed by selecting the “Get the application to work in Canada” option.
- Choose the “Online” application option.
- Choose the country where you are submitting your application.
- Get the instruction guide for completing the forms (➨immilib.com/WP-out) and the Document Checklist (➨immilib.com/WP-DOC-out)
- Download the visa office requirements for your specific country, if applicable.
How can Immilib™ Consultants assist with your application to the Global Skills Strategy Program?
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Don't let this opportunity pass by. Begin your journey towards your Canadian dreams with a Global Skills Strategy (GSS) (➨ page) Work Permit. Together, we can transform your professional aspirations into reality.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
