Toronto Area's York Region

York Region’s Economic Strategy branch is a designated referral organization under the Government of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy and screens, pre‑qualifies, and handles prospective Global Talent Stream (GTS‑A) Category A applications from companies ONLY located within York Region’s nine cities and towns. Referrals to Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Global Talent Stream Category A (GTS‑A) and IRCC Dedicated Service Channel (DSC) are not mandated or open‑ended services. These referrals are targeted and selective in nature and are typically aligned with economic development priorities and the referral organization’s capacity to assess and validate specific types of requests.

Referral services under the Global Skills Strategy are discretionary. Eligibility criteria, sectoral and activity focus, geographic scope, and assessment capacity may vary among designated referral organizations. Accordingly, a referral request that aligns with the mandate of one designated organization may not align with that of another.

York Region Economic Development’s referrals to the GTS‑A and DSC programs are focused on supporting meaningful local job creation and economic growth within York Region’s innovation economy, with an emphasis on established companies. Priority consideration is given to innovation‑driven business activities such as the commercialization of intellectual property, technology and product research and development, advanced manufacturing, scientific research, and other high‑value or knowledge‑based activities.

York Region Economic Strategy reserves the right, at its sole discretion, not to pursue consideration or issuance of a referral for any request. Where appropriate, York Region may also suggest that a company explore referral opportunities with another designated referral organization whose mandate, focus, or assessment tools and capacity are better suited to the specific circumstances of the request.

A GTS‑A referral is not a guarantee of a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) determination by ESDC nor a prerequisite for submitting an LMIA application. Employers may proceed without a referral for ESDC’s assessment and determination that no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available for the role and that there is a demonstrated need for a temporary foreign worker.  

Employers seeking to apply under Global Talent Stream Category B for occupations listed by ESDC do not require a referral and may proceed independently. 

Employers are also encouraged to consider standard or alternative hiring pathways to meet their workforce needs.

If your business is located outside York Region: Please contact your local or regional designated referral partner, or one of the Pan‑Canadian designated referral partners such as the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Click here for the full list of designated partners by area.