The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is offering a new pathway for highly skilled foreign workers to contribute to the country’s innovative businesses. Launched on April 15, 2024, the Innovation Stream Pilot is a two-year initiative designed to streamline the work permit process for select Canadian companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP).

Fast-Track Work Permits for High-Demand Skills

This pilot program exempts eligible employers from the requirement to conduct a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for specific positions. LMIA is a process that verifies if hiring a foreign worker will negatively affect Canadian employment opportunities. The Innovation Stream Pilot prioritizes filling high-skill roles (as defined by National Occupational Classification or NOC levels 0, 1, 2, or 3) with qualified foreign talent.

Benefits for Workers and Families

This new Innovation Stream Pilot will allow certain Canadian companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers on work permits without needing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Jobs in National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3(Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) are considered high-skilled jobs. Furthermore, 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 is scheduled to continue for two years, ending on March 22, 2026, unless there are any changes.

Program Duration and Eligibility

The Innovation Stream Pilot is currently scheduled to run until March 22, 2026. To be eligible, foreign workers (whether inside or outside Canada) must possess a valid job offer from a company participating in the GHP. The offered position must fall under an NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3 category and meet the prevailing wage standards for the specific region. Additionally, immigration officials will assess the applicant’s qualifications to ensure they align with the job requirements.

• Employers: Companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project are eligible to hire through the Innovation Stream.
• Workers: Foreign nationals with job offers in high-skilled occupations (National Occupational Classification categories 0, 1, 2, or 3) can apply from within or outside Canada. These categories typically require extensive education, training, or experience.
• Family Members: Spouses and dependents of approved workers will be eligible for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

Companies Participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project

As of today, eight Canadian companies are authorized to hire foreign talent under the Innovation Stream Pilot without the LMIA requirement. These companies include:

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

The Global Hypergrowth Project: Fostering Innovation

The GHP is a government initiative designed to accelerate the growth of Canadian businesses. It provides participating companies with customized support and resources tailored to their specific needs. This not only empowers these companies to thrive but also creates a dynamic environment that attracts top international talent.

Employer-Specific Work Permits Explained

An employer-specific work permit restricts the holder’s employment to the terms outlined in the permit document. These terms typically specify the employer’s name, duration of employment, and authorized work location.