IRCC launches a new LMIA-exempt work permit for specific tec APPROVED

IRCC has introduced a new work permit under the Innovation Stream of the International Mobility Program (IMP). This stream is one of the four key components of the Tech Talent Strategy, launched in 2023 to attract skilled professionals and strengthen Canada’s position as a global tech hub.

Certain skilled foreign workers can now apply for an employer-specific work permit if they receive a job offer from one of the eight companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project. These companies, recognized by the government as industry leaders and innovators with significant potential, offer eligible workers the opportunity to obtain a work permit exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

An LMIA is a document required by the Government of Canada to support the issuance of certain employer-specific work permits. Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), it assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. To support an employer-specific work permit, the LMIA must return a “positive” or “neutral” result.

Eligibility for the New Work Permit

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

Have a job offer from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP);
Have a job offer in a high-skilled occupation within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3;
Meet the education and experience requirements outlined in the NOC for their intended occupation.

This stream is open to eligible applicants both within and outside of Canada.

Applicants may also benefit from faster processing times if their job falls under TEER categories 0 or 1 of the NOC.

The NOC system classifies occupations in Canada, with TEER rankings grouping jobs based on the necessary Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.

Employer Requirements Before Application

Before submitting an application under the Innovation Stream, employers must:

Submit a formal job offer;
Pay a $230 CAD employer compliance fee;
Provide the employee (or prospective employee) with an offer of employment number.

IRCC launches a new LMIA-exempt work permit for specific tech companies in Canada.

Selected Employers for the Innovation Stream

The Government of Canada has identified certain companies that align with its “industrial innovation goals” for participation in this stream.

Company Summaries

Ada Support Inc. (Toronto): An AI-driven company transforming customer service from agent-first to AI-first. Their platform automates customer support across multiple languages and channels, using generative AI and voice capabilities to create personalized, multi-channel customer experiences while reducing wait times.
AlayaCare: Provides an AI-powered platform for home care agencies, improving scheduling, time reporting, clinical documentation, and patient monitoring to enhance care and reduce costs. Their tools aim to lower hospital re-admissions and detect adverse events.
CellCarta (Montreal): Specializes in precision medicine, offering custom testing solutions in immune monitoring, histopathology, proteomics, and genomics. They focus on biomarker research to improve targeted therapies by identifying factors influencing patient treatment responses.
Clarius Mobile Health (British Columbia): Develops affordable, AI-powered medical imaging solutions to make high-performance, point-of-care ultrasound systems accessible across specialties. Their wireless technology enhances real-time imaging and expands clinical services.
Clio (Burnaby, BC): A legal technology company leading the digital transformation of the legal industry. Their cloud-based platform helps law firms manage client intake, contacts, calendars, documents, timekeeping, billing, payments, and trust accounting.
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG) (Blainville, Quebec): Develops new medicines to improve health and quality of life. Exporting treatments to over 50 countries, they follow a unique business model through strategic alliances.
Lightspeed Commerce (Montreal): Provides technology solutions for retailers and restaurants to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Their platform integrates in-store and online management tools, inventory updates, and embedded payments for small and medium-sized businesses.
Vive Crop Protection (Mississauga, Ontario): Develops crop protection products that improve crop quality while reducing environmental impact. Their patented Allosperse technology delivers active ingredients efficiently and mixes safely with other chemicals, saving farmers time, fuel, and resources.

Recent Changes to Work Permits and LMIA Processing

The new Innovation Stream permit is introduced at a time of tightening restrictions on work permits and LMIAs in Canada. As of August 26, the government has stopped processing low-wage LMIAs in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. However, exceptions are being made for roles in primary agriculture, food processing, fish processing, construction, and healthcare.

Additionally, COVID-era policies that allowed visitors to apply for job-supported work permits from within Canada have been rolled back. While visitors can still apply for certain types of work permits from within the country, they are no longer eligible to apply for job-supported work permits, regardless of whether an LMIA is required.

These changes contrast with the recent introduction of the Innovation Stream, which underscores Canada’s commitment to attracting foreign talent to support the tech sector and companies involved in the Global Hypergrowth Project.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON : https://esseindiacomplaints.com/