Canada Introduces LMIA-Free Innovation Work (December 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.
How Long Will This Program Last?
This program, Innovation Stream Pilot is expected to end on 22nd March, 2026.
Is This Program for me?
Yes, if you have high-level skills. There is nothing to worry about if your specialties are top-notch, this program is definitely for you.
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.