Canada Introduces LMIA-Free Innovation Work (October 2024)

To enhance the growth of its employment market, Canada introduces LMIA free innovation work, Innovation Stream Pilot. This newly introduced innovation is a part of the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) to make hiring of international workers easier.

Unlike before, hiring a highly educated international worker would require Canadian companies or employers in Canada to prove that they could not find a qualified Canadian worker, through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

So, how does this new innovation work, what are the criteria of now having a Canadian job without LMIA, and the other details of this innovation? This comprehensive guide addresses everything you wouldn’t want to miss concerning the newly introduced Canadian LMIA-free innovation work.

About Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) 

The Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) is one of the strategies which the Canadian government has introduced to help Canada employer’s growth following an increase in competition, innovation promotion, and a drive in economic growth in several industries. 

On 15th April, 2024, a part of the Global Hypergrowth Project was introduced, known as Innovation Stream Pilot. This program is to make provision for qualified international workers with a two (2) years Canadian work permit. 

The aim of this program is to enhance rapid growth in Canadian companies by making skilled and qualified international professionals across the globe accessible without LMIA.

Interestingly, family members of foreign workers can also work for an employer in Canada with LMIA-free, and that seems more attractive and satisfying.

Eligibility Criteria for Innovation Stream Pilot

The following are the eligibility criteria for Innovation Stream Pilot which candidates must attain:

1. Job Offer

It is necessary to have a valid job offer from a recognized company partaking in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) for the aim of this program to meet.

2. High-skilled Occupation

It must be that the job offered is a high-skilled occupation of a National Occupational Classification or NOC levels of 0, 1, 2, or 3.

3. Wage Requirements Satisfaction

The job salary must be the median wage for that job in the location where you will be working to ensure that you are paid fairly. 

4. Skills and Qualifications

Your skills, educational qualifications, and others must satisfy the listed requirements in the job description. You must also have attained the years of working experience needed if any. 

5. LMIA-Free

Employers do not need to prove that no Canadian international is available for the job by obtaining a LMIA.

6. Application Procedure

Candidates must apply through an IRCC secure account. IRCC is an online platform that speeds up an application process and ensures data security.

Also read:

• Full Time Jobs in Canada
• Government Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
• Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada
• Skilled Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada

The Benefits of Innovation Stream Pilot

The following are the benefits of Innovation Stream Pilot –

1. A Fast Approach to Employment

Innovation eliminating LMIA procedures will enhance a faster and easier process to employ an international worker.

2. Valid Work Permit

Candidates eligible for the LMIA-Free program and have been approved will get a work permit valid for up to 2 years.

3. Work Permit For Family

The family, spouses, dependent individuals… of the approved worker can get open work permits which allows them to work for an employer in Canada.

List of Approved GHP Companies

Several popular companies in Canada are partaking in the Innovation Stream Pilot program, including:

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

The list of approved GHP companies above is exhaustive. There are still other companies participating in the program that are not included.

Innovation Stream Pilot Impact on Canadian Economy

As expected by the Canadian government and employers, this program is expected to have significant impact on the country economy through the following ways –

• Attracting and retaining international talent
• Enhancing market competitiveness
• Promoting innovation and economic growth in various industries
• Establishment of Canada as a leader in the global employment market.

Conclusion

With Innovation Stream Pilot, a considerable best ever approach to hiring internationals has been introduced by the Canadian government .

Through the elimination of LMIA, extending for internationals’ work permits, and realistic requirements, the newly introduced program of the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) is ideally. 

That being said, we hope that the information provided in this guide was helpful, and if you still have unanswered questions, kindly let us know in the comment section.