Move to Canada – Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit.

Canada’s economic growth and innovation agenda rely heavily on attracting and retaining top talent from around the world. To address this need, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) introduced the Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit. This initiative aims to facilitate the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers, driving innovation and economic growth in Canada.

What is the Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit?

The Innovation Stream is a pilot program under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). It provides eligible employers with a streamlined process to hire foreign workers in high-demand occupations, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Employers must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a Canadian company or have a Canadian subsidiary
2. Demonstrate a need for highly skilled foreign workers
3. Offer a competitive salary and benefits package
4. Meet the prevailing wage requirements
5. Provide a comprehensive recruitment strategy

Foreign workers must:

1. Have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience
2. Possess the required education and qualifications
3. Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French
4. Meet the admissibility requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Key Features

1. Streamlined Process: Expedited processing times for work permit applications
2. Employer-Specific: Work permits are tied to the employer, ensuring workers remain with the sponsoring company
3. High-Demand Occupations: Focus on in-demand skills, such as tech, STEM, and innovation
4. Competitive Salary: Employers must offer market-based salaries
5. Recruitment Strategy: Employers must demonstrate efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents

Benefits

1. Access to Global Talent: Attract highly skilled foreign workers to drive innovation and growth
2. Reduced Processing Times: Faster processing times for work permit applications
3. Increased Competitiveness: Enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global talent market
4. Job Creation: Support the creation of new jobs and economic growth

How to Apply

Employers:

1. Submit an application to ESDC for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
2. Provide required documentation, including a recruitment strategy and job description
3. Receive LMIA approval

Foreign Workers:

1. Apply for a work permit through IRCC
2. Provide required documentation, including proof of qualifications and experience
3. Receive work permit approval

Conclusion

The Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit is a strategic initiative to drive Canada’s innovation agenda forward. By attracting and retaining top talent, Canadian employers can remain competitive in the global market, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for Canadians.

Contact Information

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Telephone: 1-888-242-2100

Email: mailto:IRCC.INnovationStream-FluxInnovation.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Website: (CLICK HERE)