Canada’s New Innovation Stream Pilot
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a fresh two-year Innovation Stream Pilot through the Global Hyper Growth Project on April 15. Under this initiative, selected Canadian firms can sponsor highly skilled foreign workers for work permits without the requirement of an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
The Innovation Stream is set to run for a duration of two years, concluding on March 22, 2026, barring any modifications. On June 27, 2023, the Immigration Minister unveiled the Canada’s New Innovation Tech Strategy, which included the announcement of a novel innovation stream aimed at attracting skilled workers to contribute to the development of innovative enterprises.
Eligibility criteria for the Innovation Stream Pilot
- Employment roles falling under National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, which are determined by training, education, experience, and responsibilities, are classified as high-skilled positions.
- Moreover, relatives of these foreign workers will qualify for an open work permit, enabling them to work for nearly any employer across Canada.
- If the position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, the offered wage must adhere to the stipulations outlined within that agreement.
- Furthermore, the job offer should include a provision stating that the employer will reassess wages on the first day of employment and annually by January 1 to ensure ongoing competitiveness throughout the duration of employment.
Immigration officers must ascertain that applicants possess the requisite skills for the position they are seeking.
They should evaluate whether applicants satisfy the educational and experiential criteria outlined in the National Occupational Classification for the position offered.
The following is a comprehensive list of eight companies in Canada that are authorized to recruit foreign nationals, whether they are residing within or outside Canada, without requiring an LMIA through the Innovation Stream:
- Ada Support Inc.
- AlayaCare
- CellCarta
- Clarius Mobile Health
- Clio
- Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
- Lightspeed Commerce
- Vive Crop Protection
The Global Hyper Growth Project (GHP) is a fresh initiative introduced by the Canadian government, designed to assist businesses based in Canada in achieving accelerated growth and expansion.
Through the utilization of the combined resources of its government partners, this initiative customizes support services to meet the particular needs of every enrolled enterprise, providing customized solutions suited to their particular situation.
Impact on Canada’s Innovation Ecosystem:
By attracting innovative entrepreneurs and startup founders from around the world, the Canada Innovation Stream Pilot Program aims to enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global innovation landscape.
The program is expected to spur economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster collaboration between Canadian and international innovators, ultimately driving innovation and prosperity across various sectors of the economy.
The initiative also reaffirms Canada’s dedication to entrepreneurship, diversity, and inclusivity by allowing gifted people from a range of backgrounds to contribute to the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
The launch of the Canada Innovation Stream Pilot Program represents a significant milestone in Canada’s New Innovation ongoing efforts to position itself as a destination of choice for innovative entrepreneurs and startup founders. As the program unfolds, it holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and collaboration, further cementing Canada’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more information and updates on the Canada Innovation Stream Pilot Program, stay tuned to The Canada Time.