Canada extends pilot granting LMIA-exempt work permits
The Innovation Stream, which grants employer-specific work permits to eligible high-skilled foreign nationals, has been extended for two more years.
Under this steam, foreign nationals can obtain work permits more easily, as the permits do not require Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
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Eligibility for Innovation Stream work permits
Innovation stream work permits apply to foreign nationals with qualifying job offers from employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP).
Eight companies are currently participating:
- Ada Support Inc.
- AlayaCare.
- CellCarta.
- Clarius Mobile Health.
- Clio.
- Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG).
- Lightspeed Commerce.
- Vive Crop Protection.
Foreign nationals need to have a job offer in a high-skilled occupation from one of the above employers to qualify for the work permit.
In order to be eligible, the job offer must be under Training Education Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) System.
A foreign national must also have the required education and experience listed in the employment requirement section of the NOC for the occupation they plan to work in.
*Occupations classified under TEER 0 or 1 of NOC System are also eligible for faster processing.
If the foreign national holding an innovation stream work permit works in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or in a qualifying TEER 2 or 3 occupation, their spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for a spousal open work permit.
The GHP is an initiative launched by the government of Canada to help certain “game-changing” Canadian companies scale up.
According to a program delivery update published on March 23, 2026, the Innovation Stream will continue to operate until March 22, 2028.
What are the benefits of LMIA-exempt work permits?
An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.
A positive or neutral LMIA is required for all work permit applications through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Obtaining an LMIA requires an employer to demonstrate that the hiring for a foreign worker is expected to have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.
To obtain an LMIA, an employer must pay a $1000 fee and submit an application to ESDC.
LMIA applications are typically processed within three to four months, and once issued, the LMIA is valid for six months.
A positive or neutral LMIA is also required to renew or extend a work permit through the TFWP.
Canada currently has a moratorium on the processing of low-wage LMIAs in areas with unemployment higher than 6%.
Canada’s search for tech talent
The extension of the pilot aligns with Canada’s broader strategy of attracting highly-skilled talent from around the world.
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney has spoken frequently about attracting tech workers affected by higher H-1B fees in the United States. Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan included plans for a new permanent residence pathway for H-1B workers.
In December 2025, Canada launched its Research Talent Initiative, which included three streams to welcome and retain international researchers.
This year, Canada’s category-based selection was expanded to include new categories including, one for researchers with Canadian work experience.
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