2025 Visa Changes: Temporary Foreign Worker Program vs Global Talent Stream

What You’ll Learn

In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Global Talent Stream (GTS). We’ll explore their structures, eligibility criteria, recent policy changes, and how these programs align with your hiring needs.

Quick Comparison Table

Overview of Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages when qualified Canadian workers are unavailable. This program is particularly utilized in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and hospitality.

Pros

– **Addresses Labor Shortages**: Helps employers fill positions in sectors with high demand for workers.
– **Flexibility**: Offers various streams to accommodate different types of employment needs.

Cons

– **Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Requirement**: Employers must obtain an LMIA, demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
– **Employer Obligations**: Depending on the stream, employers may be required to provide housing for low-wage workers.

Overview of Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed to help Canadian employers in the technology and specialized sectors attract top international talent for specialized roles. This program is part of the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA.

Pros

– **LMIA-Exempt**: Eligible employers can hire foreign workers without obtaining an LMIA.
– **Faster Processing**: Offers expedited processing times for work permits.

Cons

– **Wage Requirements**: Employers must pay at least 20% above the median wage for the position in the region.
– **Limited to Specific Sectors**: Primarily targets high-skilled positions in technology and specialized fields.

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Program Structure and Eligibility

– **TFWP**: Employers must obtain an LMIA to hire foreign workers. The program is divided into various streams, each with specific requirements.
– **GTS**: Part of the IMP, allowing eligible employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA. Targets high-skilled positions in technology and specialized fields.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Requirements

– **TFWP**: An LMIA is mandatory for all positions, requiring employers to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
– **GTS**: Eligible employers are exempt from the LMIA requirement, streamlining the hiring process.

Wage and Employment Conditions

– **TFWP**: Wage requirements vary based on occupation and region, with specific thresholds set for different streams.
– **GTS**: Employers must pay at least 20% above the median wage for the position in the region.

Program Duration and Extensions

– **TFWP**: Work permits are typically issued for up to two years, with potential for extensions.
– **GTS**: Work permits can be extended up to three years, accommodating longer-term employment needs.

Employer Obligations and Compliance

– **TFWP**: Depending on the stream, employers may be required to provide housing for low-wage workers.
– **GTS**: No housing obligation for employers.

Impact of Recent Policy Changes

– **TFWP**: Recent changes include reduced LMIA validity periods and caps on low-wage foreign workers, affecting the program’s flexibility.
– **GTS**: Increased program duration with no significant recent changes, maintaining its stability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the TFWP and GTS depends on your specific hiring needs:

– **TFWP**: Ideal for employers seeking to fill low-wage positions in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and hospitality, where there is a shortage of Canadian workers.
– **GTS**: Best suited for employers in the technology and high-skilled sectors aiming to attract top international talent for specialized roles.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program vs Global Talent Stream: The Final Verdict

| Category | Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Global Talent Stream (GTS) |
| — | — | — |
| Best for Beginners | Employers in sectors with high demand for low-wage workers. | Employers in technology and specialized fields. |
| Best for Power Users | Employers needing to fill multiple low-wage positions across various sectors. | Employers seeking to hire multiple high-skilled workers for specialized roles. |
| Best Value | Employers with the capacity to meet LMIA requirements and provide housing for workers. | Employers who can meet wage requirements and prefer a streamlined hiring process. |

Findings and Recap

In summary, both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Global Talent Stream offer unique advantages tailored to different employer needs. The TFWP is suited for filling low-wage positions in sectors with labor shortages, while the GTS is designed for attracting high-skilled international talent in specialized fields. Understanding these programs’ structures, requirements, and recent policy changes will help you make an informed decision aligned with your hiring objectives.

Related reading: Understanding Canada’s Immigration Programs

AI Image Prompt: A split-screen image showing a Canadian employer interviewing a low-wage foreign worker on one side and a high-skilled international professional on the other, both in a modern office setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Global Talent Stream?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable. The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a subset of the TFWP, designed to help innovative Canadian firms quickly access highly skilled foreign talent for specialized positions, aiming to support business growth and innovation. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2017/06/backgrounder_globaltalentstream.html?utm_source=openai))

Who is eligible to apply for the Global Talent Stream?

Employers eligible for the GTS fall into two categories: Category A includes innovative firms referred by designated partners that need unique and specialized foreign workers to scale up and grow. Category B comprises firms seeking to hire foreign workers for highly skilled, in-demand occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2017/06/backgrounder_globaltalentstream.html?utm_source=openai))

What are the processing times for applications under the Global Talent Stream?

The GTS offers expedited processing, with 80% of work permit applications processed within two weeks. This rapid processing is intended to help employers quickly address labor shortages and support business growth. ([ackahlaw.com](https://www.ackahlaw.com/news/ircc-launches-the-global-talent-stream-fast-tracking-the-temporary-foreign-worker-program?utm_source=openai))

What is a Labour Market Benefits Plan, and is it required for the Global Talent Stream?

Yes, employers applying through the GTS must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP). This plan outlines the employer’s commitments to create lasting benefits for the Canadian labor market, such as job creation, investment in training and skills development, or knowledge transfer to Canadians. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2017/06/backgrounder_globaltalentstream.html?utm_source=openai))

How does the wage requirement differ between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Global Talent Stream?

Under the TFWP, employers must pay foreign workers the prevailing wage for the occupation, as defined by the Government of Canada’s job bank or the employer’s current wage range for similar positions. The GTS also requires employers to pay the prevailing wage, ensuring that foreign workers are compensated fairly and comparably to Canadian workers in similar roles. ([canadianvisa.org](https://canadianvisa.org/canada-immigration/work-in-canada/global-talent-stream?utm_source=openai))

Can workers hired through the Global Talent Stream transition to permanent residency in Canada?

While the GTS itself does not grant permanent residency, the Canadian work experience gained can enhance a foreign worker’s eligibility for various immigration programs, such as Express Entry. This experience can improve Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, potentially facilitating the transition to permanent residency. ([lmia.ca](https://lmia.ca/blog/global-talent-stream-gts-canada?utm_source=openai))

What are the accommodation obligations for employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

Employers hiring through the TFWP have specific accommodation obligations. For example, those hiring under the Agricultural Stream and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program must provide adequate, suitable, and affordable housing. However, employers hiring through the High-Wage and Global Talent Streams are not required to provide accommodations. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/committees/cimm-nov-07-2023/key-distinctions-imp-tfwp.html?utm_source=openai))

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