Canada has reduced the number of organizations that can refer employers to Category A of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) (a program that is designed to help Canadian businesses hire highly specialized foreign workers).
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the designated referral partner list on September 15, 2026. The number of organizations fell from 58 to 41, a reduction of 17 partners, or about 29%. Ontario accounted for the largest share of the removals, with eight organizations taken off the list.
Category A is designed for innovative Canadian companies hiring workers with unique and specialized talent to support business growth. Employers generally need a referral from a designated partner before submitting their Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application.
The GTS offers expedited processing, the government aiming to process eligible LMIA and work-permit applications within 10 business days in 80% of cases. Category B applicants do not require a referral partner.
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