News: Canada Launches New Work Permit Innovation Stream Pilot without LMIA

On April 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new 2-year Innovation Stream Pilot through the Global Hyper Growth Project.

• This new program will allow certain Canadian companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers without needing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
• Jobs in National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 are considered high-skilled.
• Family members of these foreign workers will be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada.
• The Innovation Stream Pilot program will run for 2 years, ending on March 22, 2026, unless there are any changes.

On June 27, 2023, the Immigration Minister announced the Canada Tech Strategy, part of which includes introducing a new innovation stream to bring talented workers to help build innovative businesses.

Eligibility Criteria for the Innovation Stream Pilot Program

• To apply for a work permit under the Innovation Stream Pilot program, foreign nationals inside or outside Canada need a job offer from one of the eligible employers under the Global Hypergrowth Project.
• Applicants need to fill out their work permit application using the IRCC Secure Account.
• The job offer must fall under a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation as per the National Occupational Classification.
• Offered wages must be equal to or higher than the median hourly wages set for the region.
• If the position is covered by a bargaining agreement, the wage offered must also meet the standards outlined in that agreement.
• Additionally, the job offer should state that the employer will review wages on the first day of work and annually by January 1 to ensure they remain competitive throughout employment.

Immigration officers must be satisfied that applicants have the skills required for the job they are applying for. They should consider whether applicants meet the education and experience requirements specified in the National Occupational Classification for their offered occupation.

There are currently 8 companies eligible to hire foreign nationals (inside or outside Canada) without needing an LMIA through the Innovation Stream Pilot program. You can contact Ways to Canada JSC. to determine if your business qualifies.