Six companies in Canada are now offering LMIA-exempt work permits and are actively hiring

Foreign nationals can now apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit if they are hired by one of eight Canadian companies, primarily in the tech industry. Earlier this month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new work permit under the Innovation Stream, a part of Canada's Tech Talent Strategy aimed at driving economic growth by attracting top talent to the country.

The Innovation Stream is one of the four key components of the Tech Talent Strategy, designed to support Canada's economic growth by drawing skilled workers to the country. Below is an overview of the six companies that are currently hiring, including available positions and company benefits:

1. Ada Support Inc.

Toronto-based Ada, founded in 2016, is focused on transforming customer service through artificial intelligence (AI). The company provides businesses with AI-powered customer service solutions, available across multiple channels and languages. Although Ada operates remotely, some roles may require candidates to reside in specific provinces.

Company Benefits:

• Ability to work from abroad
• Stock options
• Unlimited vacation
• Home office budget

Current Open Positions (15+):

• HR Generalist (Toronto)
• Staff Software Engineer, Solutions (Remote – Canada)
• DevOps Engineer (Remote – Canada)
• Senior Technical Writer (Remote – Canada)
• Manager, Sales Development (Toronto)

2. AlayaCare

AlayaCare, headquartered in Montreal since 2014, leverages AI and technology to address healthcare challenges, particularly in the home care industry. Its cloud-based software simplifies a range of tasks, including employee management, scheduling, and billing.

With over 550 employees across Canada, the U.S., Brazil, and Australia, AlayaCare currently has several open positions in either Toronto or Montreal, some of which require bilingual proficiency in French and English.

Sample Open Positions:

• Bilingual Senior Technical Services Specialist (Montreal, Quebec)
• Implementation Specialist (Toronto)
• Senior DevOps Analyst (Montreal, Quebec)
• Senior Developer, Scheduling (Montreal, Quebec)
• Engineering Manager – SRE (Montreal, Quebec)

3. CellCarta

CellCarta, another Montreal-based company, focuses on using research and technology to map the differences between tissues and cells, aiding in the development of more targeted therapies and diagnostics. The company’s work is pivotal in customizing disease detection and creating personalized treatment plans.

Although it operates in Canada, the U.S., China, Australia, and Belgium, its current job openings are primarily in Montreal.

Sample Open Positions:

• Global Technology Architecture Manager (Montreal)
• Global Revenue Accounting Manager (Remote)

4. Clarius Mobile Health

Founded in 2014 in British Columbia, Clarius Mobile Health’s mission is to make affordable ultrasound technology accessible to all medical professionals. The company is recognized as a certified Great Place to Work®.

Company Benefits:

• Hybrid work environment
• Employee recognition programs
• Professional development support
• Team events
• Manufacturing Technician (Vancouver)

5. Clio

Clio provides cloud-based legal technology to help lawyers manage their practices, including client intake, billing, payments, and more. Headquartered in British Columbia, Clio also has offices in Toronto, Calgary, and Dublin, with some remote and hybrid positions available.

Company Benefits:

• RRSP matching
• Flexible paid time off (minimum of four weeks, customizable)
• Parental leave benefits
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Sample Open Positions:

• Account Executive, Customer Sales (Vancouver, Calgary)
• Account Executive, Mid-Market (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver)
• Business Development Representative (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto)
• Customer Onboarding Specialist (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto)
• Data Scientist (Remote)
• Director, Product Research (Remote)

6. Lightspeed Commerce

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Montreal, Lightspeed Commerce provides a unified platform for businesses to manage and scale their operations. The company is currently hiring for multiple positions across Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, with some remote options.

Sample Open Positions:

• Team Lead, Software Development (Montreal)
• Staff Software Developer (Ottawa)
• Software Development Manager (Toronto)
• Senior Strategic Pricing Specialist (Montreal)
• Senior Site Reliability Engineer (Ottawa)
• Senior Product Manager, Payment Processing (Montreal)

Companies Not Currently Hiring in Canada:

Two other companies in the Global Hypergrowth Project are not actively hiring in Canada but may have opportunities in the future:

Vive Crop Protection (Mississauga, Ontario): Specializes in agricultural technology, helping farmers save time and resources through innovative delivery systems.

Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG) (Montreal): Focuses on developing new medications and improving therapeutic options for patients. The company offers flexible work schedules, hybrid teleworking, and summer hours.

Innovation Stream and the Global Hypergrowth Project

The Innovation Stream offers LMIA-exempt work permits for employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP). The GHP was introduced by the Canadian government to help innovative domestic companies grow and create job opportunities, with the goal of supporting small businesses and boosting the economy. The first eight companies selected for the program, listed above, are recognized for their leadership and innovation in their respective industries.