Expedited LMIA processing for highly skilled technology and specialized talent
Who Qualifies
- Category A: employers referred by a designated GTS referral partner (innovation hubs, accelerators, universities, economic development agencies)
- Category B: employers hiring for occupations on ESDC's Global Talent Occupations List, roles where there is insufficient domestic supply of qualified workers
- Any incorporated Canadian employer, not limited to the technology sector despite common misconception
Key Requirements
- Category A requires a referral letter from a designated referral partner. Applications submitted without the referral form are refused as incomplete, not reviewed on merit.
- Category B positions must appear on the Global Talent Occupations List (updated periodically by ESDC). Confirm the NOC/TEER code is listed before applying.
- Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) mandatory for all GTS applications: the employer commits to measurable benefits to the Canadian labour market, such as job creation, skills investment, or knowledge transfer.
- LMBP commitments are subject to progress reviews. ESDC assesses whether commitments are being met, and non-performance affects future GTS eligibility.
- $1,000 LMIA application fee per position, the same fee that applies to standard LMIA streams.
- No standard recruitment requirement. GTS does not require the Job Bank advertising used in the high-wage and low-wage streams, but the LMIA filing itself is still required.
Application Process
- 1For Category A, obtain a referral letter from a designated partner before starting the application.
- 2For Category B, confirm the position's NOC/TEER code appears on the current Global Talent Occupations List.
- 3Draft a Labour Market Benefits Plan with specific, measurable commitments, not aspirational statements.
- 4Submit the GTS LMIA application through the ESDC portal, including the $1,000 processing fee.
- 5ESDC reviews the LMIA against its published service standard for the GTS stream.
- 6Upon a positive LMIA, the foreign national applies for the work permit through IRCC under the Global Skills Strategy.
- 7Participate in LMBP progress reviews and document outcomes to demonstrate compliance.
Processing Time
ESDC's published service standard for GTS LMIA applications is approximately 10 business days, with recent reported averages closer to 9 business days. IRCC targets approximately 2 weeks for the associated work permit under the Global Skills Strategy. These are service standards and targets, not guarantees, and actual processing can vary with application completeness and volumes. Verify current processing times directly with ESDC and IRCC before making hiring or start-date commitments.
Where Most Applicants Go Wrong
- Category A applications submitted without a valid referral form. There is no discretion, these are refused as incomplete.
- Labour Market Benefits Plan lacks measurable commitments. Vague language about supporting Canadian talent is insufficient.
- Position NOC/TEER code not listed on the Global Talent Occupations List for Category B.
- LMBP progress review failure from a previous GTS LMIA. Non-performance affects new applications.
- Wage offered is below the prevailing rate for the specialized occupation.
Strategic Consideration
GTS is often the fastest LMIA pathway, but it is not appropriate for every position. If the role is TEER 0 or 1 and the employer qualifies for an intracompany transfer, or if the candidate is a CUSMA professional, the International Mobility Program can eliminate the LMIA requirement entirely and may be faster still. Evaluate IMP eligibility first, and use GTS when no IMP exemption applies.
Practitioner Insight
Employers who use GTS repeatedly face closer LMBP scrutiny on renewal. An employer that committed to hiring a set number of Canadian workers and did not follow through will find a new GTS application questioned, regardless of how the new LMBP is written. Treat first-year LMBP commitments as commitments that will be checked.
Quick Facts
- LMIA required:Yes, expedited
- LMIA fee:$1,000 per position
- ESDC target:~10 business days
- IRCC target:~2 weeks
- LMBP required:Yes
- Who applies:Employer only
GTS applications are employer-initiated. Category selection and the Labour Market Benefits Plan affect the entire filing. Book a consultation before submitting the LMIA.
Schedule your consultationA consultation is required for case-specific advice.
Other LMIA Streams
GTS is one of several ESDC LMIA streams, including high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, and caregiver.
Review all LMIA streams