Global Talent Stream vs. Regular LMIA – Which Is Faster?

For Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process can feel lengthy and complex. But not all LMIAs are created equal.

Thanks to Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS), certain employers can bring highly skilled workers to Canada in just two weeks—compared to months under the regular LMIA process.

So what’s the difference between the Global Talent Stream and a standard LMIA? And which one is right for your business?

Here’s a clear comparison.

What Is an LMIA?

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a decision from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker.

It confirms that:

- There is a genuine need for the foreign worker

- No qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available for the job

- Hiring the foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian labour market

Once an LMIA is approved, the worker can apply for a work permit.

What Is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream is a special fast-track LMIA program under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

It was designed to help innovative companies quickly bring in highly skilled workers for in-demand tech and STEM occupations.

Why it’s faster:

- LMIA applications under GTS are processed within 2 weeks

- The worker’s work permit is also processed within 2 weeks

This means in as little as 4 weeks total, a foreign professional can start working in Canada—making it the fastest LMIA option available.

Who Can Use the Global Talent Stream?

GTS has two categories of eligibility:

1. Category A – Designated Partner Referral

   - For companies referred by a designated referral partner (such as a provincial government agency)

   - Must be high-growth, innovative companies hiring unique talent

2. Category B – In-Demand Occupations

   - For employers hiring workers in listed in-demand tech occupations like software engineers, IT consultants, data scientists, and other STEM roles

If your position fits the Global Talent Occupations List, you can apply under Category B without a referral.

What Are the Benefits of GTS?

- 2-week LMIA processing

- 2-week work permit processing

- Simplified advertising requirements (no 4-week mandatory recruitment like regular LMIA)

- Priority handling for highly skilled, high-wage roles

However, employers must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan to show how hiring the worker will benefit the Canadian labour market (e.g., by creating jobs or transferring skills).

How Does Regular LMIA Work?

For most other jobs, employers must use the standard LMIA process:

- Advertise the job for at least 4 weeks on approved platforms

- Prove that no qualified Canadians or PRs applied

- Submit the LMIA application with recruitment proof

- Processing time is usually 8–12 weeks

- Work permit processing adds more time

Regular LMIAs also have two streams:

- High-wage LMIA: For salaries above the provincial median wage

- Low-wage LMIA: For salaries below the provincial median wage

These come with different employer obligations (e.g., cap on low-wage positions, mandatory transportation & housing for workers).

Global Talent Stream vs. Regular LMIA – Key Differences

Feature	Global Talent Stream	Regular LMIA
Who qualifies	Tech/STEM & innovative roles	Any occupation not exempt from LMIA
Advertising requirement	Minimal, no 4-week posting	Mandatory 4-week recruitment
Processing time (LMIA)	2 weeks	8–12 weeks or more
Work permit time	2 weeks	8–12 weeks (depending on country)
Employer obligations	Labour Market Benefits Plan	Recruitment report + compliance
Best for	High-demand, specialized roles	General roles, high or low wage

Which Employers Benefit Most from GTS?

- Tech companies scaling quickly and needing global talent

- Startups and high-growth firms hiring specialized engineers or developers

- Employers filling hard-to-recruit niche roles that aren’t widely available in Canada

If your role isn’t on the Global Talent Occupations List or you’re not an innovative company, you’ll need the regular LMIA route.

Compliance Obligations Under Both Streams

Regardless of which LMIA you use, employers must:

- Pay at least the prevailing wage for the role

- Provide a valid job offer with proper duties & conditions

- Keep detailed records for ESDC inspections

- Follow all employment standards

Global Talent Stream adds the Labour Market Benefits Plan, where you commit to benefits like job creation or knowledge transfer.

Why Some Employers Still Choose Regular LMIA

- More flexible—covers any occupation

- No need for special designation or in-demand list

- Suitable for low-wage or seasonal roles

But it’s slower and requires more advertising proof.

How to Decide Which Stream to Use

Ask yourself:

- Is the position in-demand or highly specialized?

- Is the salary above the median wage?

- Is your company innovative or scaling in tech/STEM?

If yes, GTS may save you months of time. If not, the regular LMIA may be your only option.

Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?

Both GTS and regular LMIAs require careful preparation. Applications can be refused for:

- Incomplete advertising proof

- Incorrect wage rates

- Weak Labour Market Benefits Plan

At Tchern McCallum Immigration Law, we:

• Assess whether your role qualifies for GTS

• Prepare strong LMIA applications with full compliance

• Develop your Labour Market Benefits Plan

• Handle work permit filings for a seamless process

Need to Hire Global Talent Quickly?

Whether you qualify for the Global Talent Stream or need a regular LMIA, we can guide you through the process and save you time.

Contact Tchern McCallum Immigration Law today to find the fastest hiring pathway for your business.

Contact now