The Canadian Government intends to introduce a fresh Innovation Stream by the conclusion of 2023. This stream will establish an exception to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) procedure. Its purpose is to aid employers and skilled workers, aligning with Canada’s innovation objectives and burgeoning high-tech sectors.

The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is contemplating two alternatives:

• Issuance of employer-specific work permits, valid for a maximum of five years. These permits will pertain to employees designated to work for firms recognized by the Canadian Government for their contribution to industrial innovation ambitions.
• Issuance of open work permits, also for a maximum of five years. These permits will cater to highly skilled workers in specific sought-after professions.

Cultivating the digital nomad demographic is also on the IRCC’s agenda. A digital nomad is an individual capable of executing their employment tasks remotely from any global location. In the forthcoming months, the IRCC will collaborate with both public and private entities to assess the viability of additional strategies to draw digital nomads to Canada.

As per the current guidelines within Canadian immigration protocols, a digital nomad can stay in Canada for up to six months as a visitor, all while fulfilling their work responsibilities remotely for an overseas employer. The IRCC anticipates that certain digital nomads entering Canada might opt to explore opportunities with Canadian employers. This could lead them to acquire temporary work permits or consider permanent residency in Canada as they bring their expertise to the country.