Canada Begins LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Initiative for Chosen Tech Companies

By admin (September 20, 2024)

Canada Begins LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Initiative for Chosen Tech Companies

Canada has introduced a new type of work permit exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as part of its Tech Talent Strategy under the Innovation Stream of the International Mobility Program (IMP). This initiative targets skilled foreign workers who secure job offers from eight selected tech firms involved in the Global Hyper Growth Project, all of which are recognized for their significant growth potential in the industry.

With this new work permit, eligible skilled workers can bypass the traditional LMIA requirement if they receive job offers from these participating companies.

The Innovation Stream is one of four main elements of the Tech Talent Strategy, launched in 2023 to attract skilled professionals and position Canada as a leader in the global tech landscape, as reported by CIC News.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a work permit through the Innovation Stream, applicants must:

  • Receive a Job Offer: They must have an offer from an employer involved in the Global Hyper Growth Project (GHP).
  • Work in a High-Skilled Occupation: The job must fall within the high-skilled categories outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), specifically TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • Meet Educational and Experience Requirements: Applicants should possess the qualifications specified in the NOC for the role they intend to fill.

This stream is accessible to qualified applicants both within Canada and from abroad, with those in TEER categories 0 or 1 potentially enjoying quicker processing times for their permits.

The NOC system classifies jobs in Canada, and the TEER rankings categorize them based on the necessary training, education, experience, and responsibilities.

Employer Responsibilities

Before applicants can submit their applications through the Innovation Stream, employers must complete the following steps:

  • Provide a formal job offer.
  • Pay a compliance fee of $230 CAD.
  • Issue an offer of employment number to the prospective employee.

Participating Companies

The eight companies included in this initiative are:

  • Ada Support Inc.
  • AlayaCare
  • CellCarta
  • Clarius Mobile Health
  • Clio
  • Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
  • Lightspeed Commerce
  • Vive Crop Protection

This new work permit framework aims to boost Canada’s technology sector by drawing in top talent and fostering innovation across the industry.

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