Global skills/IT In-demand

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In order to address Canada’s continued labour shortage in various sectors of the economy, specifically in IT, in June 2017 the Federal Government introduced the Global Skills Strategy as part of Canada’s Innovation Agenda. Attracting top global talent in the IT field is considered an integral part of Canada’s long-term plan to promote economic growth, and create more middle-class jobs for Canadians. The hallmark of the government’s approach is the Global Talent Stream, that allows applicants to obtain a work permit within two (2) weeks, or 10 business days, if the employer has a positive LMIA and the applicant is applying for an employer-specific permit, or if the applicant is LMIA-exempt in a NOC 0/A profession.

For highly skilled IT workers

Employer dedicated channel

The Global Skills Strategy aims to help IT workers come to Canada faster. Currently, work permit processing at visa offices can take up to four (4) to six (6) months. The new program reduces these processing times to only two (2) weeks, for foreign workers who comply with the following requirements: 

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1. They are applying from outside Canada; 

2. They are exempt from the LMIA process via the International Mobility Program; 

3. Their job is listed NOC 0 or A; 

4. The work permit will be employer specific and the employer has submitted an offer of employment using the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee.

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Although these processing times are a great improvement for Canadian employers, it is important for employers to remember they must still factor in the time the foreign worker will need to gather all the necessary documents for his/her application, which might include obtaining police clearances and medical examinations.

A dedicated service channel has been created to help Canadian employers navigate the immigration application process to help meet their specific needs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will select employers who bring significant investment to Canada and offer them assistance through this service channel.

The global talent stream

The Global Talent Stream assists Canadian employers by providing them with expedited access to in-demand global talent. There are two distinct categories under the global talent stream:

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1. Category A - Applies to employers who were referred to the Global Talent Stream by one of Employment and Social Development Canada's (ESDC) designated partners AND who are hiring unique and specialized talent to scale-up or grow. 
    

2. Category B - Applies to employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers to fill positions in occupations found on the Global Talent Stream occupations list.
    

To participate in the Global Talent Stream, employers are required to pay a $1,000 CAD fee per applicant and work with ESDC to develop a labour market benefits plan. The plan must  demonstrate their commitment to activities that will have lasting, positive impacts on the Canadian labour market.

Occupations list - Category B*

NOC  -  Occupation 

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0213 - Computer and information systems managers

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2147 - Computer engineers 

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Sub-set of 2161 - Mathematicians and statisticians

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2171 - Information systems analysts and consultants

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2172 - Database analysts and data administrators

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2173 - Software engineers and designers

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2174 - Computer programmers and interactive media developers

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2175 - Web designers and developers 

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2283 - Information systems testing technicians

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Sub- set 5131 - Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game

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Sub-set of 5241 - Digital media designers

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*Note that this list may be updated on EDSC’s website from time to time