Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) increased the range of professions that are eligible for the Global Talent Stream on December 22.
In order to support Canada’s labour force, the ESDC is a government agency with oversight over a number of immigration-related issues, such as the issuance of Labour Market Internal Assessments (LMIAs) and management of the GTS, a work permit programme with accelerated processing designed to assist Canadian employers in hiring foreign skilled workers in the technology sector.
Employers can file for and acquire a work permit under the GTS if they want to hire a foreign skilled worker for one of 17 in-demand professions (added because there is a shortage of labour in Canada). The GTS seeks to implement a two-week minimum service requirement for work licences.
What new professions have been introduced to the GTS?
The number of qualifying occupations has increased from 12 to 17 with the inclusion of five engineering posts.
Which are:
- Civil Engineers (NOC code 21300);
- Electrical and electronics engineer (NOC code 21310);
- Mining engineers (NOC code 21330);
- Aerospace engineers (NOC code 21390); and
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers, NOC code 21311).
Why have more jobs become qualified?
The list of GTS-eligible jobs shifts in response to changes in the labour market in Canada; the addition of these five new roles suggests that there may be domestic demand for engineers in Canada.
In order to more effectively meet the needs of Canada’s labour market, an increasing tendency in immigration this year has been to target particular professions.
These measures consist of:
- the launch of the NBCWP, which collaborates with six employers to proactively meet New Brunswick’s labour needs;
- removing obstacles to permanent residency for doctors applying through Express Entry (in light of historical shortages of healthcare workers); and
- the passing of Bill C-19, which gives the minister of immigration the authority to construct groups in the Express Entry pool (based on requirements such as jobs that are in high demand) and send invitations to apply (ITAs) to these groups. Express Entry will therefore probably focus more on professions in 2023.
In a world after COVID, it seems likely that Canada would keep addressing its economic demands in a much more targeted manner given the country’s ongoing high labour shortages and expanding senior population. Canada has already recognised immigration as a solution to meet its in-demand labour needs.
Employers seeking to hire foreign workers through the GTS must make sure their applications are properly prepared, including by creating a Labour Markets Benefits Plan (LMBP) to show their dedication to initiatives that have a long-lasting, beneficial impact on the Canadian labour market. Here, the drafting of the application with the aid of an immigration attorney can considerably enhance thoroughness and adherence to programmed rules.
