September 17th, 2024 at 04:16 am

Canada Introduces LMIA-Free Work Permits for Leading Tech Professionals

Skilled foreign workers are the target market for Canada’s Innovation Stream LMIA-exempt work visa, which is aimed at leading IT enterprises. This program is a component of the nation’s Tech Talent Strategy, which aims to draw in talent from across the world and support the development of leaders in the industry.

Targeting certain IT businesses through its Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP), Canada has developed a new LMIA-exempt work visa. This action is a part of Canada’s larger strategy to establish itself as a technological leader in the world.

The Innovation Stream

One of the four main pillars of the Tech Talent Strategy, which was launched in 2023 to draw in qualified workers, is the Innovation Stream. This new stream intends to facilitate the entry of skilled foreign workers into Canadian enterprises, hence propelling Canada’s growth in the tech industry.

Global Hypergrowth Project

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required for skilled foreign workers to apply for employer-specific work permits through the Innovation Stream.

Eligibility for the New Work Permit

Employers taking part in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) may now extend employment permits to skilled overseas workers with employer-specific LMIA exemptions. These government-selected businesses are regarded as leaders in the tech sector with significant room for expansion.

What Is an LMIA?

In Canada, the majority of employer-specific work permits require the completion of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA, which is published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), evaluates how hiring a foreign worker might affect the local labor market. A work permit that is employer-specific requires the LMIA to demonstrate a positive or neutral impact.

How to Qualify for the Innovation Stream

• Applicants must have a job offer from a participating organization in a highly skilled occupation that falls under one of the NOC TEER categories to apply for this new work permit.
• Obtain a job offer from an organization that is a part of the Global Hypergrowth Project.
• Occupy a high-skilled post classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 on the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Fulfill the training and work experience requirements listed in the NOC for the position.
• The stream is available to qualified employees both within and outside of Canada. Applicants in the NOC TEER 0 or 1 categories can also be eligible for accelerated processing.

Employer Responsibilities Before Application

• Employers are required to provide an employment offer number for the application, pay the compliance fee, and submit a job offer.
• Use the employer portal in Canada to submit a job offer.
• A CAD 230 compliance charge must be paid.
• Give the candidate a number for the job offer.

Companies Leading the Global Hypergrowth Project

Leading Canadian tech businesses, eight in particular, are providing LMIA-exempt work permits and are widely acknowledged as industry leaders.

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

Selected for their innovative contributions and growth potential, these companies provide a rare chance for tech experts to work in Canada’s rapidly expanding tech sector.

LIMA Exempt Occupations

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not necessary for Canadian firms to engage Temporary Foreign Workers due to certain international agreements. These exclusions apply to particular professions like;

• Investors
• Traders
• Professionals

Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs)

Hiring is made easier, and the employment of foreign workers from participating nations is accelerated by this streamlined process.

Conclusion

For computer workers in Canada, a new LMIA-exempt work permit offers an intriguing prospect for both firms and employees. Canada hopes to attract top people to support its digital economy and establish itself as a worldwide innovation hotspot by streamlining the hiring process.