Canada GTS Immigration Pathway: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Professionals

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is one of the fastest and most efficient immigration pathways for IT professionals who want to work and live in Canada. This program is designed to attract global talent in high-demand occupations and allows IT specialists to obtain a work visa quickly and eventually achieve permanent residency.

In this article from ITCILand, we provide a complete guide on how to apply for the GTS visa, including eligibility criteria, steps, and pathways to permanent residency.

What Is the Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), designed to attract skilled professionals in the field of Information Technology and other high-demand occupations. Introduced in 2017, the program remains one of the fastest immigration routes for IT experts as of 2025. Through GTS, Canadian employers can quickly hire foreign workers for specific tech-related roles such as software developers, data engineers, and cybersecurity specialists.

Benefits of GTS for IT Professionals

• Fast Processing: GTS work permits are usually processed in less than 2 weeks.
• No Pre-Job Offer Required: Some GTS pathways do not require an initial job offer.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible for Express Entry or PNP after gaining Canadian work experience.
• Job Flexibility: Opportunities to work with leading tech companies in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Eligible Occupations Under GTS

The GTS program includes NOC codes related to Information Technology. Some key roles for 2025 include:

• Software Developer (NOC 21232): Designing and building software applications.
• Data Engineer (NOC 21211): Managing and analyzing big data.
• Cybersecurity Specialist (NOC 21220): Protecting systems from cyber threats.
• IT Project Manager (NOC 0213): Overseeing technology-related projects.
• Information Systems Analyst (NOC 21222): Designing and implementing IT systems.

For the full list of eligible occupations, visit the official IRCC website.

Eligibility Requirements

IT professionals must meet the following criteria to be eligible for GTS:

• Education: At least a bachelor’s degree in IT-related fields (e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Cybersecurity).
• Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the past 5 years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in language tests like IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF (French).
• Proof of Funds: Ability to show financial means to cover initial living expenses in Canada (at least CAD 12,960 for a single applicant in 2025).
• Police Clearance: From countries where you’ve lived for more than 6 months.
• Medical Exam: Required for certain jobs or long-term residence.

Steps to Apply for GTS Work Visa

1. Find an Employer or No-Job-Offer Route: Some Canadian tech companies hire through GTS. Pathways like Global Talent Stream Category B don’t require a job offer.
2. Obtain LMIA: Employer must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC. GTS LMIA is processed in around 10 days.
3. Gather Documents: Passport, academic degrees, resume, language test results, proof of funds, police clearance.
4. Submit Work Visa Application: Via IRCC portal or through the Canadian Embassy in Tehran (or VFS Global).
5. Biometrics and Interview (if required): At VFS Global centers in Tehran or Ankara.
6. Receive Work Visa: Valid up to 3 years once approved.

Converting GTS Work Visa to Permanent Residency

IT professionals with GTS work visas can apply for permanent residency after at least 1 year of Canadian work experience through:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For highly skilled professionals.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Such as BC Tech Stream or OINP Tech Draw.

Steps to Apply for PR:

1. Create Express Entry Profile: Register on IRCC website.
2. Calculate CRS Score: Based on age, education, work experience, and language skills (max 1,200 points).
3. Receive ITA: High-ranking candidates receive Invitation to Apply during periodic draws.
4. Submit Documents: ID, language certificate, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from agencies like WES, proof of funds.
5. Application Processing: Typically takes 6 to 12 months.

Required Documents

Associated Costs

Advantages of GTS for IT Professionals

• Fast Processing: Work visa issued in under 2 weeks.
• High Demand: Canada needs over 250,000 IT professionals in 2025.
• Path to PR: Canadian work experience boosts chances for permanent residency.
• Quality of Life: Access to excellent education, healthcare, and tech job opportunities.

Limitations and Key Notes

• Employer Dependency: Some GTS visas are employer-specific.
• Visa Renewal Needed: GTS work visas are usually valid for 3 years and must be renewed.
• Risk of Rejection: Incomplete documents or non-compliance can lead to rejection.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

• Incomplete or invalid documents.
• Failure to prove relevant work experience or financial means.
• Employer not obtaining LMIA.
• Medical or criminal background issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use GTS without a job offer? Yes, Category B does not require a job offer, but you must meet specific occupation requirements.
2. Does GTS lead to Canadian citizenship? No, but you can apply for citizenship after gaining PR and living in Canada for 3 years.
3. How can I improve my chances of getting an ITA in Express Entry? Improve language scores, gain Canadian work experience, and get a provincial nomination.
4. Can ITCILand help with the GTS process? Yes, ITCILand offers expert services for obtaining GTS visas and permanent residency.

Why Apply with ITCILand?

ITCILand, with years of experience in Canadian immigration, supports IT professionals through the GTS process and transition to permanent residency. Our services include:

• Specialized consultation to choose the best immigration pathway.
• Help with document collection and translation.
• Support with Express Entry profile creation and obtaining LMIA.
• Application tracking until visa and PR approval.