Canada launches new employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream

25 September 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published details of a new employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream of the International Mobility program (IMP).

The Innovation Stream allows employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) to bring talented workers to Canada to scale up their innovative businesses.

The new employer-specific work permit is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement.

Eligibility

Foreign nationals who have received a job offer in a high-skilled occupation from one of the employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream.

High-skilled occupations include jobs in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Applicants must also have the required education and experience listed in the employment requirements section of the NOC for the occupation.

The employer must first submit an offer of employment, pay a CAD 230 employer compliance fee and give the worker an offer of employment number.

Conditions

An employer-specific work permit allows work in Canada according to the conditions on the work permit, such as the name of the specific employer, the duration of work and the work location.  The spouse or common-law partner and dependent children of a holder of this work permit are eligible for an open work permit as family members of a high-skilled worker.

Canada immigration support

If you are looking to relocate to Canada and require support with the immigration process, Smith Stone Walters can help. To speak to a member of our global immigration team, please contact us today.

Share story