Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a two-year Innovation Stream Pilot this week. This new pilot program will allow employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) to hire highly skilled foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
An employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada under the conditions specified on your work permit.
- the name of the specific employer you can work for
- how long you can work
- the location where you can work (if applicable)
Bringing Your Family With You
The spouse or common-law partner and dependent children of foreign workers will be able to obtain an open work permit, which will enable them to work for almost any Canadian employer. The Innovation Stream program is set to run for two years, ending on March 22, 2026, unless changes are made.
Innovation Stream Work Permit Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for a work permit under the Innovation Stream Pilot, applicants inside or outside Canada must
- have a job offer from one of the employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP)
- have a high-skilled job offer from an eligible employer under the Global Talent Stream in National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2 or 3.
- Work permit processing fees: $155
Currently, there are eight Canadian companies that can hire foreign nationals without needing an LMIA through the Innovation Stream. The list is provided below:
- Ada Support Inc.
- AlayaCare
- CellCarta
- Clarius Mobile Health
- Clio
- Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
- Lightspeed Commerce
- Vive Crop Protection
What is the Global Hypergrowth Project?
The Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) to is a service powered by Innovation canada to assist Canadian businesses in scaling up quickly. The GHP offers support to a select group of Canadian companies by helping them overcome challenges such as export barriers, regulatory hurdles, and more. Each company will be paired with a dedicated advisor from a team of experts with extensive public and private sector experience.
The launch of Canada’s New Work Permit Innovation Stream Pilot marks an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to work and contribute to Canada’s innovative landscape. At Agnihotri Immigration Consulting (AIC), we are thrilled to offer our expertise and support throughout the application process. Our experienced team is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating the intricacies of the Innovation Stream Pilot, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to working in Canada. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you seize this opportunity and embark on your journey to a fulfilling career in Canada.
