Foreign nationals may now be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit if they are hired by one of eight selected Canadian companies, many of which are in the tech sector.
Earlier this month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new work permit under the Innovation Stream. This stream is part of the government’s broader Tech Talent Strategy, aimed at boosting Canada’s economy by attracting highly skilled professionals from around the world.
Below, we’ll explore the eight companies eligible for the LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit, along with job opportunities available as of October 16, 2024.
Companies Eligible for the Innovation Stream LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
| Company | Headquartered in | Hiring in | Glassdoor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada Support Inc. | Toronto | Toronto, remote | 3.1 |
| AlayaCare | Montreal | Montreal, Toronto | 3.5 |
| CellCarta | Montreal | Montreal, remote | 2.2 |
| Clarius Mobile Health | Vancouver | Vancouver | 4.3 |
| Clio | Burnaby | Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, remote | 3.9 |
| Lightspeed Commerce | Montreal | Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, remote | 3.7 |
| Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group | Montreal | Not currently hiring in Canada | 3.4 |
| Vive Crop Protection | Mississauga | Not currently hiring in Canada | 4.5 |
Explore the Companies Currently Hiring
Here’s a closer look at six of the eight companies actively hiring, the positions available, and the benefits they offer:
1. Ada Support Inc.
Founded in Toronto in 2016, Ada Support Inc. uses AI to revolutionize customer service. It helps companies provide automated, AI-powered customer support across multiple channels and languages. While largely a remote company, some roles require candidates to reside in specific provinces.
Employee perks include: the opportunity to work abroad, stock options, unlimited vacation, and a home office budget.
Sample job openings:
- HR Generalist (Toronto)
- Staff Software Engineer, Solutions (Remote – Canada)
- DevOps Engineer (Remote – Canada)
- Senior Technical Writer (Remote – Canada)
- Manager, Sales Development (Toronto)
2. AlayaCare
Montreal-based AlayaCare is a software company that offers AI-powered solutions to the home care sector. The company’s platform simplifies tasks like employee management, scheduling, and billing.
With over 550 employees globally, AlayaCare has vacancies in both Montreal and Toronto. Some positions may require bilingualism (English and French).
Sample job openings:
- Bilingual Senior Technical Services Specialist (Montreal, Quebec)
- Implementation Specialist (Toronto)
- Senior DevOps Analyst (Montreal)
- Senior Developer, Scheduling (Montreal)
- Engineering Manager, SRE (Montreal)
3. CellCarta
Headquartered in Montreal, CellCarta focuses on using research and technology to identify biomarkers and improve disease diagnosis and treatment. The company has locations in the US, China, Australia, and Belgium.
Sample job openings:
- Global Technology Architecture Manager (Montreal)
- Global Revenue Accounting Manager (Remote)
4. Clarius Mobile Health
Based in Vancouver, Clarius Mobile Health develops affordable ultrasound tools for medical professionals. In 2024, Clarius was recognized as a Great Place To Work®, reflecting its strong workplace culture.
Perks include: hybrid work options, an employee recognition program, professional development opportunities, and team events.
Sample job opening:
- Manufacturing Technician (Vancouver)
5. Clio
Clio is a legal technology company helping lawyers manage tasks such as billing, payments, and client intake through cloud-based solutions. The company has offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Dublin, along with remote positions.
Perks include: RRSP matching, flexible paid time off (minimum 4 weeks), parental leave benefits, and health, dental, and vision coverage.
Sample job openings:
- Account Executive, Customer Sales (Vancouver, Calgary)
- Business Development Representative (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto)
- Data Scientist (Remote option available)
- Director, Product Research (Remote option available)
6. Lightspeed Commerce
Founded in 2005, Lightspeed provides businesses with a comprehensive commerce platform to streamline operations. The company has multiple vacancies across Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, with some remote options available.
Sample job openings:
- Team Lead, Software Development (Montreal)
- Senior Product Manager, Payment Processing (Montreal)
- Software Development Manager (Toronto)
- Senior Strategic Pricing Specialist (Montreal)
These Two Companies Might Not Be Hiring in Canada Now, But Opportunities Could Arise in the Future:
1. Vive Crop Protection
Based in Mississauga, Vive Crop Protection offers patented delivery systems and crop-protection products that help farmers save time, resources, and labor. Although there are no current openings in Canada, candidates are encouraged to reach out for potential opportunities.
2. Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, based in Montreal, focuses on developing new medicines to improve patients’ health. The company offers hybrid teleworking, flexible schedules, and summer hours. While not currently hiring in Canada, this could change in the future.
How Are Companies Selected for the Innovation Stream?
The Innovation Stream grants LMIA-exempt work permits to employers involved in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP). This initiative was launched by the Canadian government to support innovative companies in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and driving economic growth. The eight companies listed above are the first to be chosen for this project, recognized for their leadership and innovation in their respective industries.
If you’re interested in working with one of these industry-leading companies, explore their current job openings and take advantage of the LMIA-exempt work permit under the Innovation Stream.