Canada Announces Updated Global Talent Stream GTS Requirements 2025
Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) continues to be one of the fastest and most employer-friendly pathways for hiring highly skilled global workers. With 2025 updates now officially announced, Canadian employers must fully understand the Global Talent Stream GTS Requirements 2025 to ensure they remain compliant with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These new rules affect wages, LMIA submissions, employer commitments, recruitment practices, and how employers must manage their Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP).
GTS was originally created to help Canada’s innovation-driven companies bring in specialized talent quickly. The processing time is as fast as 2 weeks—but only if employers follow all the updated conditions. This guide explains every requirement in simple, easy-to-understand language so employers know exactly what to do.
What Is the Global Talent Stream?
The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and is designed for employers who want to hire highly skilled foreign professionals. GTS is divided into two categories:
- Category A: For employers referred by an official partner and hiring unique, highly specialized talent
- Category B: For employers hiring workers in occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List
Both categories have similar obligations, but each has its own eligibility rules.
Updated Global Talent Stream GTS Requirements 2025
The new changes introduced for 2025 aim to improve compliance, accountability, and protection of both employers and foreign workers. These updates also ensure faster processing and more transparency during LMIA evaluation.
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Category A Requirements Explained
What Category A Employers Must Meet
You may qualify under Category A if:
- You are referred by a designated referral partner
- Your company is innovative and scaling
- You need to hire unique and specialized talent
- The position offers at least $38.46 per hour (or the prevailing wage)
- The individual has advanced knowledge, an advanced degree, or 5+ years of specialized experience
Category A is for employers who need exceptional talent to help their company grow faster. Only a few roles are approved per year since the workers must be extremely specialized.
Category B Requirements Explained
Category B applies when employers hire workers in occupations listed under Canada’s Global Talent Occupations List—mainly highly skilled tech roles.
Key Requirements for Category B
- No referral is needed
- The job must be on the approved GTS occupations list
- Employers must meet wage floors
- Hiring must follow the LMIA rules for GTS
- Employers must show genuine need and business legitimacy
This category mainly helps tech companies fill positions with a shortage of domestic workers.
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Processing Fee Requirements for GTS (2025 Update)
Every LMIA submitted under GTS requires:
- A $1,000 CAD processing fee per position
- Fee cannot be charged or recovered from the foreign worker
- Fee is non-refundable, even if the LMIA is denied
Canada also introduced a pilot for employers hiring 6 or more positions, allowing them to pay via online banking.
Recruitment Fee Restrictions
The GTS rule is strict:
No worker should ever pay for recruitment—directly or indirectly.
This includes:
- Advertising fees
- Consultant fees
- Agent or recruiter fees
- Job search support fees
- CV preparation fees
If any fee is charged to the worker, the LMIA will be refused immediately.
Using Third-Party Representatives Under GTS
Canadian employers may hire a lawyer, consultant, or paralegal, but they must be:
- A licensed Canadian lawyer or Quebec notary
- Member of CICC
- Licensed Ontario paralegal
Unpaid representatives (like friends or family) are allowed but cannot collect fees.
Employers remain fully responsible for all information submitted—even if a representative completes the application.
Employer Responsibilities Under GTS
The Global Talent Stream employer compliance rules require companies to:
- Follow all TFWP conditions
- Submit accurate LMIA and LMBP documents
- Demonstrate a safe, abuse-free workplace
- Pay the correct wage
- Maintain proper employment records
- Follow provincial labour laws
- Provide health insurance where required
- Submit progress updates when requested
Failure to follow compliance rules may result in penalties or a ban from using GTS.
Business Legitimacy Documents Required
Employers must provide evidence showing:
- The business is operational in Canada
- It can afford wages
- It has a legitimate job need
- It is not associated with non-compliant employers
This helps Canada ensure that only genuine companies use the program.
Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) Requirements
The LMBP is one of the most important parts of a GTS application. It explains how the employer will benefit the Canadian labour market.
Mandatory Benefits
Category A
- Employers must commit to job creation for Canadians and permanent residents
Category B
- Employers must commit to investing in training and skills development of Canadians
Complementary Benefits
Employers must commit to at least two additional benefits, such as:
- Paid internships for Canadians
- Training programs
- Mentorship by foreign workers
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Partnerships with schools and universities
- Knowledge transfer activities
All benefits must be measurable.
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Annual Progress Reviews (New for 2025)
ESDC conducts yearly reviews to ensure employers meet their commitments.
Reviews include:
- Job creation numbers
- Training investments
- Diversity programs initiated
- Wage updates applied correctly
If employers fail to meet commitments, they may be banned from GTS for 2 years.
Wage Requirements for GTS Workers (2025 Updates)
One of the most important parts of the Canada GTS update is wages.
Employers must pay the highest of:
- The Job Bank median wage
- The internal company wage for similar roles
- The mandatory wage floor for GTS
Category A Wage Rules
- First 2 specialized roles: Minimum $38.46/hr ($80,000 yearly)
- Additional roles: Minimum $72.11/hr ($150,000 yearly)
Category B Wage Rules
- Must meet the wage floor of the occupation
Wages exclude:
- Tips
- Bonuses
- Profit sharing
- Overtime payments
- Commissions
Job Duties and Workplace Conditions
Employers must ensure:
- The worker only performs duties listed in the LMIA
- Proper safety standards are met
- No employment exploitation occurs
- TFWs receive equal rights as Canadian employees
Canada has zero tolerance for workplace abuse.
Health Insurance Requirements
If the worker is not covered by provincial health insurance immediately, employers must:
- Provide private health insurance
- Pay the full cost
- Keep proof of payment and policy terms
This protects TFWs during their initial months in Canada.
Workplace Safety Requirements
Employers must register workers under:
- Provincial worker’s compensation board (WSIB, WCB, etc.)
or - Private insurance that offers equal or better coverage
Coverage must start on the worker’s first day.
Employment Agreement Requirements
Employers must provide a written agreement that includes:
- Job title
- Wages
- Duties
- Benefits
- Workplace conditions
- Duration of work
Both employer and worker must sign it before the first working day.
Language Requirements
Only English or French may be listed as job requirements unless another language is truly essential. Employers must justify any extra language requirement.
8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Global Talent Stream GTS Requirements 2025 update?
The 2025 update includes new wage rules, stricter compliance checks, annual LMBP reviews, and recruitment fee restrictions.
2. Who qualifies under Category A of GTS?
Employers referred by a designated partner and hiring unique, specialized talent qualify for Category A.
3. What jobs qualify under Category B of GTS?
Any job listed on the Global Talent Occupations List qualifies under Category B.
4. How much is the LMIA fee in GTS?
The LMIA fee is $1,000 per position and is non-refundable.
5. Can a foreign worker pay any recruitment fees?
No. Workers cannot pay any recruitment, agent, or job placement fees.
6. How long does GTS processing take?
Processing typically takes 2 weeks, provided all requirements are met.
7. What is the purpose of the Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP)?
It ensures employers contribute to Canada’s labour market through training, job creation, and knowledge transfer.
8. What happens if employers fail to follow GTS rules?
They may face penalties, wage corrections, or a ban from using GTS for up to 2 years.
Conclusion
The Global Talent Stream GTS Requirements 2025 reflect Canada’s commitment to supporting innovation while protecting workers and ensuring employers follow strict guidelines. With updated LMIA rules, wage floors, compliance checks, and LMBP commitments, employers must stay informed to access fast processing and successfully hire global talent.
Following these rules not only ensures smooth hiring but also strengthens Canada’s workforce and long-term economic growth.
