LMIA-exempt Work Permits - GS Immigration Advisors

9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call: +1-587-400-3335

LMIA-exempt Work Permits

NEWS

Six Canadian companies that can offer LMIA-exempt work permits are currently hiring 

Foreign nationals may now be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit if hired by one of eight Canadian companies, mainly from the tech sector. This new work permit is part of the Innovation Stream, introduced earlier this month by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  The Innovation Stream is a key component of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, which is designed to stimulate economic growth by attracting skilled talent to the country. Below is an overview of the eight companies offering LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits, along with the job opportunities they have available as of October 16:  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Companies Hiring and Job Openings  Ada Support Inc.  Location: Toronto (remote roles also available)  Founded: 2016  Focus: AI-driven customer service solutions for companies worldwide.  Perks: Remote work, stock options, unlimited vacation, work-from-abroad opportunities, home office budget.  Open Roles: Over 15 positions across product development, revenue, operations, finance, and customer experience.  Examples:  HR Generalist (Toronto)  Staff Software Engineer, Solutions (Remote – Canada)  DevOps Engineer (Remote – Canada)  Senior Technical Writer (Remote – Canada)  Manager, Sales Development (Toronto)  AlayaCare  Location: Montreal (with offices in Toronto)  Founded: 2014  Focus: AI and technology to address healthcare challenges, especially in home care.  Perks: Diverse global workforce; some positions require bilingualism (French and English).  Open Roles:  Bilingual Senior Technical Services Specialist (Montreal)  Implementation Specialist (Toronto)  Senior DevOps Analyst (Montreal)  Senior Developer, Scheduling (Montreal)  Engineering Manager – SRE (Montreal)  CellCarta  Location: Montreal  Focus: Research and technology for personalized disease detection and prevention through biomarker identification.  Perks: Global presence with offices in China, Australia, the U.S., and Belgium.  Open Roles:  Global Technology Architecture Manager (Montreal)  Global Revenue Accounting Manager (Remote)  Clarius Mobile Health  Location: British Columbia  Founded: 2014  Focus: Affordable ultrasound tools for medical professionals.  Perks: Hybrid work, employee recognition, professional development, and team events.  Open Roles: Manufacturing Technician (Vancouver)  Clio  Location: Headquarters in British Columbia, with offices in Toronto and Calgary.  Focus: Cloud-based legal technology for law firms, assisting with client management, billing, payments, and more.  Perks: RRSP matching, flexible paid time off (minimum of 4 weeks), parental leave benefits, health, dental, and vision benefits.  Open Roles:  Account Executive, Customer Sales (Vancouver, Calgary)  Business Development Representative (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary)  Data Scientist (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto; remote option available)  Director, Product Research (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver; remote option available)  Lightspeed Commerce  Location: Montreal, with offices in Toronto and Ottawa.  Founded: 2005  Focus: All-in-one commerce platform for businesses.  Open Roles:  Team Lead, Software Development (Montreal)  Software Development Manager (Toronto)  Senior Site Reliability Engineer (Ottawa)  Senior Product Manager, Payment Processing (Montreal)  Additional Companies (Not Currently Hiring in Canada)  Vive Crop Protection  Location: Mississauga, Ontario  Focus: Ag-tech solutions to optimize farming through a patented delivery system.  Note: No current openings in Canada, but open to applications from qualified candidates.  Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)  Location: Montreal  Focus: Pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient health and developing new medicines.  Perks: Hybrid telework options, flexible schedules, and summer hours.  Note: No current openings in Canada.  How Companies Are Chosen for LMIA-Exempt Permits  The Innovation Stream allows LMIA-exempt work permits for companies participating in Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP). This initiative aims to support innovative Canadian companies, helping them create jobs, scale their businesses, and contribute to national economic growth. The first eight companies selected, listed above, are recognized for their leadership and innovation within their respective industries.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

IRCC reveals the programs that qualify for PGWPs

IRCC has provided updated information on which educational programs now qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).  As of new guidelines released in September, certain international graduates across various study levels who apply for a PGWP after November 1 will be required to meet additional criteria based on their field of study to qualify for the work permit*.  *Note: These field of study requirements do not apply to graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from a university.  Discover your options to study in Canada What are the fields of study eligible for PGWPs?  The eligible fields of study for PGWP align with occupational categories introduced by IRCC in 2023 under the Express Entry system, which are designed to reflect national labor market demands.  The eligible fields include:  Agriculture and Agri-food  Healthcare  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)  Trades  Transportation  PGWP-eligible programs within these fields are classified and listed using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which is Canada’s system for categorizing educational programs, similar to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) used for jobs in Canada.  The table below lists examples of instructional programs eligible for a PGWP in each field of study, along with their corresponding CIP codes:  CIP 2021 Title CIP 2021 Code Field of Study Category Agricultural business and management, general 01.0101 Agriculture and agri-food Animal/livestock husbandry and production 01.0302 Agriculture and agri-food Plant nursery operations and management 01.0606 Agriculture and agri-food Animal health 01.0903 Agriculture and agri-food Agronomy and crop science 01.1102 Agriculture and agri-food Special education and teaching, general 13.1001 Healthcare Exercise physiology 26.0908 Healthcare Physical therapy assistant 51.0806 Healthcare Polysomnography 51.0917 Healthcare Cytotechnology/cytotechnologist 51.1002 Healthcare Computer programming/programmer, general 11.0201 STEM Chemical engineering 14.0701 STEM Engineering mechanics 14.1101 STEM Water, wetlands and marine resources management 03.0205 STEM Computer graphics 11.0803 STEM Electrician 46.0302 Trade Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician 47.0201 Trade Machine tool technology/machinist 48.0501 Trade Insulator 46.0414 Trade Plumbing technology/plumber 46.0503 Trade Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician 47.0302 Transport Air traffic controller 49.0105 Transport Truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle operator and instructor 49.0205 Transport Flight instructor 49.0108 Transport Transportation and materials moving, other 49.9999 Transport How to find your CIP code  International graduates who know the title of their program and wish to find the corresponding CIP code can follow these steps:  Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP system (accessible here).  Either enter keywords related to the program in the search bar above the table or browse the available study fields listed in the table.  Both methods will lead to a second table that breaks down the sub-categories for each study field.  Choose the relevant sub-category for your program. If uncertain, use the “display definitions” button to learn more about each category.  Proceed to the relevant sub-category.  On the final table, you will find detailed information about specific instructional programs within the chosen sub-category. If you are unsure, use the “display definitions” function to read more about each program.  Select the relevant program.  The last page will offer detailed information about each instructional program, including examples and exclusions. Note that program titles are general, so the descriptions are crucial for choosing the correct CIP code.  New language requirements for PGWP applicants  In addition to the new field of study conditions, IRCC has introduced language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility. These language criteria vary based on the level of education of international graduates. Both changes are summarized in the table below.  Level of Study Language Requirement Field of Study Requirement University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas All fields of study are eligible Any other university program CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas Must graduate in an eligible field of study College program or any other program not listed above CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas Must graduate in an eligible field of study *Students applying for a PGWP before November 1 of this year do not have field of study requirements but will still need to meet the language criteria listed above. Discover your options to study in Canada

NEWS

Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba are inviting candidates to submit applications for provincial nominations 

Three Canadian provinces have extended invitations to candidates this week to apply for their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).  The PNP, established in 1998, aims to distribute the benefits of immigration more evenly across Canada by sharing immigration responsibilities between the federal government and provincial or territorial governments.  Today, the PNP is a key pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada.  Discover your options to study in Canada Although a provincial nomination doesn’t automatically result in permanent residency (PR), it significantly boosts a candidate’s application. Those in the Express Entry pool who receive a provincial nomination are awarded an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, almost ensuring they will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in a future Express Entry draw.  Provincial Immigration Results: October 5-11 Ontario  On October 8, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) sent out invitations to candidates eligible for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.  A total of 885 invitations were issued to individuals in skilled trades, with a minimum score requirement of 48.  Additionally, the province invited 841 candidates in a targeted draw under the same stream for priority occupations. To qualify for an invitation, candidates needed a minimum score of 52 and a job offer in a priority occupation. The list of priority occupations, categorized by NOC code, can be found here.  British Columbia  Also on October 8, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) invited over 173 candidates through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams.  The minimum cut-off varied according to industry. The breakdown can be seen below:  Draw type Minimum score Number of invitations Childcare 83 44 Construction 89 25 Healthcare 99 21 Tech 116 83 Veterinary care 80 <5 Manitoba  On October 10, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held three separate draws.  The first draw, part of an occupation-specific selection under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, issued 82 invitations to individuals who completed post-secondary education in Manitoba, with a minimum score requirement of 845 points.  On the same day, 114 candidates were invited through the International Education stream.  Lastly, the MPNP held a draw under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, inviting 38 individuals with a minimum score of 711. Candidates had to be invited by the MPNP under a “Strategic Recruitment Initiative” to be eligible for this draw.  Discover your options to study in Canada

Canada, NEWS

“IRCC Announces Program Updates for Intra-Company Transferees”

Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees Canada (IRCC) has made updates to its guidelines for Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs). These changes, introduced on October 3, affect how staff manage applications under section R205(a) of the Canadian Interests – Significant Benefit program, specifically for ICTs. In addition to the changes for R205(a), the IRCC has also revised staff instructions for R186(s) and R204(a). These revisions impact various free trade agreements that are part of the International Mobility Program, including: Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), The Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement, The Canada–Peru Free Trade Agreement, The Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement, The Canada–Chile Free Trade Agreement, The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, ⁠The Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement, The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Key Updates for Intra-Company Transferees (R205(a)) The main updates in this section include: ⁠Clarification that ICT applicants must be transferring from a foreign company within an existing multinational corporation (MNC). Guidance is provided to help staff determine if the foreign company qualifies as an MNC. A clearer definition of “specialized knowledge,” including instructions on how to assess whether the applicant possesses it and whether the position requires such knowledge. ⁠Updated eligibility criteria for foreign nationals applying as ICTs. Consolidation of all instructions for ICT applications under R205(a) onto a single page. The updated guidelines also emphasize that the ICT program should not be used to move a company’s general workforce to its Canadian branches. Officers are also reminded to include all relevant evidence for ICT applications in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Free Trade Agreements under the International Mobility Program (R186(a) and R204(a)) The IRCC has standardized its instructions for evaluating ICTs under different free trade agreements by: Incorporating all guidance for assessing ICTs into the instructions for each free trade agreement (FTA). Presenting instructions on separate pages for each temporary work provision. Adding a general overview page for these agreements. On the same day, IRCC also made updates to the guidelines for how representatives should enter information into GCMS. What is the International Mobility Program? The International Mobility Program allows employers to hire foreign nationals through Intra-Company Transfers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a process to ensure that hiring foreign workers has no negative impact on the Canadian labor market, but it often requires more time and effort for employers to obtain LMIA-based work permits. Changes Aligned with IRCC’s Ongoing Reforms These ICT updates are part of the IRCC’s broader plan to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has set a goal to decrease the share of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% over the next three years. On September 18, Miller announced plans to significantly cut the number of study permits, post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), and spousal open work permits within the same time frame. Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which involves LMIA-based work permits, is also facing scrutiny. As of September 26, the government has paused processing the low-wage stream of the TFWP in any metropolitan areas where unemployment is over 6%. Looking ahead, the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan, scheduled for release on November 1, will be the first plan to include specific targets for temporary residents. This plan sets immigration goals for the coming year, along with provisional targets for the two years after. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Need an Advice for your Immigration Query
Get an Appointment Today!

Contact us today for expert assistance with visa applications, residency, citizenship, and more.

Contact Detail

Add: 9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call : 1-587-400-3335

Email: info@gsicanada.ca

Follow Us

Newsletter

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2024 Copyright by GS Immigration Advisors

Scroll to Top