Canada’s  Global Talent Stream Qualifying Jobs

What is the Global Talent Stream?

• It is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). (Moving2Canada)
• It is designed for in‑demand, highly‑skilled jobs—jobs where Canada does not have enough domestic workers right now. (Canada)
• The process is streamlined and fast: applications under GTS aim to be processed in about 10 business days in many cases. (Canada)

What does “qualifying jobs” mean for Canada’s Global Talent Stream?

Two categories of eligibility

1. Category A
   • For employers who have been referred by a “designated referral partner.” (Canada)
   • The job being offered must be for unique and specialized talent — someone whose skills are rare or essential for the employer’s growth. (syndesus.com)
   • Typically higher salary levels apply.
2. Category B
   • For employers hiring for jobs from the Global Talent Occupations List (i.e., jobs that are already pre‑designated as in‑demand). (Canada)
   • No referral from a designated partner is required.
   • The job must meet the wage and skill level requirements (i.e., the “prevailing wage” for that job). (Fragomen)

Sample List of Qualifying Jobs

Why are these jobs “in demand”?

• Shortage of skilled workers in Canada – Many Canadian employers cannot find enough local workers with these specific skills, so they need to bring talent from abroad. (Path To Canada)
• High growth industries – Technology, engineering, data science, and digital media are growing rapidly in Canada; these roles help companies scale. (KPMG)
• Global competition – To keep ahead globally, Canadian firms need access to top talent worldwide, which includes roles captured by the GTS. (Moving2Canada)

How the Qualifying Jobs Feature Works in Practice

For the employer

1. The employer identifies a job opening for a role that is a qualifying job (one on the Occupations List or a unique role under Category A).
2. The employer ensures the job offer meets the required prevailing wage for that job in that region of Canada. (Canada)
3. The employer develops a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). This plan explains how hiring a foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labour market (for example: training Canadians, knowledge transfer, creating new jobs) rather than simply displacing local workers. (Canada)
4. The employer applies for a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the Global Talent Stream route. Because the job is on the qualifying list, the process is expedited. (Canada)

For the foreign worker

• Once the employer has obtained a positive LMIA under the Global Talent Stream, the worker can apply for a work permit under this fast‑track stream. (syndesus.com)
• The worker must have the skills, experience, and qualifications to carry out the role.
• The work permit may lead to further opportunities for permanent residence, especially if the worker gains Canadian work experience. (Moving2Canada)

Important Things to Know About Qualifying Jobs

• Wage requirements: Even if a job is on the list, the employer must offer a wage at or above the “prevailing wage” (what comparable Canadian workers earn) in that area. (Canada)
• Skill level/Classification: Typically these are high‑skill jobs (e.g., TEER 0 or 1 under the National Occupational Classification system). (thenewcomerspod.com)
• Updates happen: The list of qualifying jobs is periodically updated. For example, the roles of civil engineers, aerospace engineers, mining engineers, and electrical and electronics engineering technologists were added in December 2022. (Green and Spiegel)
• Not all jobs qualify: If a job is outside the list, or does not meet wage/skill criteria, it would not be eligible under the GTS.
• Employer responsibility: The employer must commit to investing in the Canadian labour market (training, knowledge transfer) as part of the plan. This is a requirement for the qualifying job under the GTS. (Canada)

Benefits of the Qualifying Jobs Under GTS

• Faster processing: The GTS aims for a much quicker application process (about 10 business days) compared to standard pathways. (Canada)
• Predictability: Employers know ahead of time which jobs are eligible (qualify) under the list, helping with planning.
• Competitiveness for companies: Canadian firms can bring in the right talent more quickly to grow and innovate.
• Opportunity for workers: For qualified foreign workers, these jobs open a pathway into Canada, often with possibilities for longer‑term settlement. (Canadavisa.com)

Challenges and What to Watch Out For

• Documentation and compliance: Employers must create the Labour Market Benefits Plan and must follow through with their commitments. Failure may lead to penalties.
• Wage and working conditions must be genuine: The job must match the classification and be paid like Canadian workers doing the same job.
• Changing list: Since the list of qualifying jobs can change, it’s important to check the most recent version.
• Not a direct application by the worker: Foreign workers cannot apply directly; they must have a job offer from a qualifying employer under the program. (Path To Canada)

How This Article Helps You

• Check whether your job or your desired job is on the qualifying jobs list under Canada’s Global Talent Stream.
• Ensure you have the skills and experience that match the role.
• Look for Canadian employers who are using the GTS program and willing to hire you for a qualifying job.

• Identify whether a vacant role in your company is a qualifying job.
• Understand the obligations you have (wage, benefits, Labour Market Benefits Plan).
• Use this program to access global talent for in‑demand roles efficiently.

Summary & Final Thoughts