New Innovation Stream under the IMP
The Canadian Government will launch a new Innovation Stream by the end of 2023, that will create an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process to help employers and talented workers in support of Canada’s innovation priorities and high-tech industries.
IRCC is considering two options:
- Employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to work for a company identified by the Government of Canada as contributing to our industrial innovation goal
- Open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations
Attracting digital nomads
IRCC will also promote Canada as a destination for digital nomads. A digital nomad is a person who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. In the months ahead, IRCC will collaborate with public and private partners to determine whether additional policies to attract digital nomads to Canada would be desirable.
Under current Canadian immigration rules, a digital nomad can remain in Canada for up to six months as a visitor while they perform their job remotely for a foreign employer. IRCC expects that some of these digital nomads who enter Canada will decide to seek opportunities with Canadian employers, bringing their skills to Canada by applying for a temporary work permit or permanent residence.