The challenge of securing skilled tech talent in the United States is growing. With the uncertainties surrounding the H-1B visa process, including capped annual quotas and competitive lottery odds, many US employers are seeking alternatives. One powerful solution is leveraging Canada’s global talent stream to hire tech talent, offering a streamlined and effective pathway to meet workforce needs.
By leveraging Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) program, US employers can bypass many of the frustrations of the H-1B system and access experienced tech talent from a world-class talent pool. Whether or not they have a Canadian office, US companies can take advantage of this streamlined immigration pathway by partnering with either a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or an Employer of Record (EOR).
This article explains what the GTS is, how it works, and how US employers—both with and without Canadian entities—can use it to secure the tech talent they need.
What is Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS)?
Launched in 2017 as part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, the Global Talent Stream is designed to help Canadian employers quickly hire highly skilled foreign workers. This program is especially tailored for tech roles, addressing talent shortages with unmatched efficiency. The GTS was created in response to the insufficient domestic labour supply in certain high-demand occupations.
Key benefits of the GTS include:
- Fast processing times: Work permits can be approved in as little as two weeks, with employees able to start in Canada within 90 days.
- Path to permanent residency: Unlike the US H-1B system, GTS provides a clear, rapid route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
- No annual caps or lottery systems: There are no restrictions on the number of applicants, and the program is open to talent from any country.
The GTS has not only fueled the growth of Canada’s tech industry but also presents a strategic advantage for US companies seeking skilled workers who might otherwise be excluded by the H-1B lottery.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the Global Talent Stream, employers must meet specific criteria tailored to their hiring needs. For Category A, employers need a referral from a designated referral partner and must demonstrate a need for unique, specialized talent from abroad. This category is ideal for companies seeking highly specialized skills that are not readily available in the Canadian labour market.
For Category B, the focus is on hiring highly skilled foreign workers for roles listed on the Global Talent Occupations List. This list includes in-demand tech positions that are critical to the growth of the Canadian tech industry.
Employers must also adhere to several program requirements. They need to pay the prevailing wage for the occupation, ensuring fair compensation for foreign workers. Additionally, they must offer a minimum of 30 hours of work per week and provide a comprehensive Labour Market Benefits Plan. This plan outlines how hiring foreign talent will benefit the Canadian labour market, including job creation, skills and training investments, and other complementary benefits.
How US Companies Can Use GTS
Option 1: US Companies with Canadian Offices
For US companies with operations in Canada, the GTS offers an excellent way to expand their workforce by hiring global talent. Here’s how it works:
- Fill tech roles quickly: If local talent is scarce, the GTS allows companies to recruit from a global pool and bring workers to Canada in record time.
- Avoid H-1B restrictions: Unlike the H-1B visa process, GTS applications are not subject to quotas or arbitrary lotteries. This makes it an ideal option for US companies seeking to hire workers who may otherwise be stuck in visa limbo.
- Accelerate growth: By leveraging the GTS, companies can scale their Canadian operations without the delays and uncertainties of US immigration policies.
Canadian companies also leverage the GTS to grow and thrive in competitive industries by quickly accessing global talent to support innovation and productivity, particularly in technology.
Additionally, companies with small Canadian offices that lack dedicated HR, legal, or administrative staff can streamline their hiring process by partnering with a PEO. A PEO can handle payroll, taxes, immigration, and compliance, allowing employers to focus on scaling their business.
Need help sourcing qualified candidates? Consider using services like Path to Canada, which connects US employers with vetted, highly skilled tech talent ready for GTS approval.
Option 2: US Companies Without Canadian Offices
What if your company doesn’t have a presence in Canada? No problem. You can still hire and retain tech talent in Canada by partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR).
An EOR acts as the legal employer for your remote workers in Canada, handling:
- Immigration processes (including GTS applications)
- Payroll and tax compliance
- HR and administrative services
Additionally, an EOR can facilitate the process to hire foreign tech workers, ensuring timely and error-free hiring practices with the help of experienced immigration lawyers. This makes the process smoother for both Canadian employers and skilled workers from abroad.
With an EOR, companies can hire skilled workers in Canada without the need to establish a legal entity or navigate the complexities of Canadian labor laws.
This is especially beneficial for:
- Hiring displaced H-1B workers: If a skilled worker is unable to secure an H-1B visa, they can apply for a work permit through the GTS and continue contributing to your business remotely from Canada.
- Reducing costs and time: Avoid the overhead of creating a Canadian subsidiary while still tapping into Canada’s immigration and talent advantages.
Employer of Record
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that acts as the legal employer for foreign workers, handling all HR, legal, tax, payroll, and immigration services. For US companies without a Canadian office, partnering with an EOR is an effective way to leverage the Global Talent Stream program and hire tech talent remotely in Canada.
The EOR takes on the responsibility of ensuring compliance with Canadian labor laws, managing tax obligations, and navigating the immigration process. This allows US companies to focus on their core business activities while accessing Canada’s rich pool of tech talent. By using an EOR, companies can hire skilled workers in Canada without the need to establish a legal entity, making the process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
Application Requirements
Applying for the Global Talent Stream involves submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application, which includes a detailed Labour Market Benefits Plan. The LMIA application must demonstrate that hiring foreign talent will positively impact the Canadian labour market.
Employers need to provide several pieces of documentation, including proof of business legitimacy, detailed job offer information, and proof of payment of the processing fee. The processing fee for the Global Talent Stream is $1,000 per position requested. Ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate is crucial for a successful application.
Processing Time
The processing time for Global Talent Stream applications is impressively fast, with skilled workers often receiving their Canada work permits and visa applications processed within two weeks. However, several factors can influence this timeline, including the volume of applications, the completeness of the submission, and the ease with which Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can verify the provided information.
To minimize delays, it is essential for applicants to submit a complete and accurate application. Employers should also ensure that their designated contact person is readily available to respond to any inquiries from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This proactive approach helps ensure a smooth and efficient application process, allowing companies to quickly bring in the tech talent they need.
Why Choose Canada for Hiring Tech Talent?
Canada offers unique advantages for hiring global talent, including:
- Speed: GTS processing is among the fastest in the world, minimizing downtime for critical hires.
- Security: Workers hired through GTS have a pathway to permanent residency, making them more likely to stay and contribute long-term.
- Flexibility: Whether you have a Canadian office or not, solutions like PEOs and EORs make it easy to hire and manage employees in Canada.
- Inclusive policies: Unlike the US, Canada does not have discriminatory country quotas for work permits or permanent residency.
Additionally, the Labour Market Benefits Plan emphasizes the job creation benefit, requiring employers to outline their commitments for creating job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
How Syndesus Can Help
Syndesus simplifies the process of hiring tech talent in Canada by offering tailored solutions for US employers:
- Employer of Record (EOR): For companies without a Canadian office, Syndesus acts as the legal employer for your remote workers, managing immigration, payroll, and compliance.
- Professional Employer Organization (PEO): For companies with a Canadian office but limited administrative resources, Syndesus handles payroll, tax, HR, and immigration services.
- Path to Canada: Syndesus connects US employers with top-tier, pre-vetted tech talent ready to move to Canada via the GTS. Designated referral partners play a crucial role in the GTS process by referring innovative Canadian companies for eligibility in Category A, ensuring the legitimacy and suitability of companies seeking to recruit unique specialized talent.
Conclusion
The Global Talent Stream is transforming how companies hire tech talent, providing fast, efficient pathways to bring skilled workers to Canada. Whether you’re looking to expand your Canadian office or hire remotely, the GTS offers unparalleled opportunities for growth.
Interested in leveraging Canada’s Global Talent Stream for your business? Contact Syndesus today to learn how we can help you hire and retain top tech talent in Canada!
