Canada has opened new pathways for tech talent worldwide to join its growing innovation landscape. Earlier this month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Innovation Stream, a new LMIA-exempt work permit under Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy. This initiative allows foreign professionals to work in Canada without the traditional Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if eligible companies hire them. This article will examine the top Canadian companies without LMIA work permits.
Six eligible companies, primarily in the tech sector, are actively hiring. If you’re a foreign national eyeing opportunities in Canada, here’s a closer look at these companies, the roles they offer, and the benefits of working with them.
What is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is typically required for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers, as it proves that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian job market. However, under the Innovation Stream, certain Canadian companies are LMIA-exempt, making it easier for foreign professionals to obtain work permits quickly.
The selected companies are part of the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP), which supports innovative Canadian businesses that contribute significantly to economic growth. Let’s discuss these companies and their offerings.
Ada Support Inc.
- Location: Toronto (Remote available)
- Glassdoor Rating: 3.1/5
Ada Support, a Toronto-based company founded in 2016, specializes in AI-driven customer service solutions. By replacing traditional customer service roles with AI-powered systems, Ada offers a streamlined customer experience for clients worldwide. Ada Support is one of the top Canadian companies without an LMIA permit.
Current Roles:
- HR Generalist (Toronto)
- Staff Software Engineer, Solutions (Remote – Canada)
- DevOps Engineer (Remote – Canada)
- Senior Technical Writer (Remote – Canada)
- Manager, Sales Development (Toronto)
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work remotely or from abroad
- Stock options
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Home office budget
Ada Support provides a dynamic environment for professionals passionate about AI and customer service technology. The flexibility to work remotely is a bonus for those seeking work-life balance.
AlayaCare
- Location: Montreal, Toronto
- Glassdoor Rating: 3.5/5
Founded in 2014, AlayaCare focuses on revolutionizing the home healthcare industry through its cloud-based software. With over 550 employees globally, its platform helps healthcare providers seamlessly manage scheduling, billing, and workforce tasks.
Current Roles:
- Bilingual Senior Technical Services Specialist (Montreal, Quebec)
- Implementation Specialist (Toronto)
- Senior DevOps Analyst (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
- Senior Developer, Scheduling (Montreal, Quebec)
- Engineering Manager – SRE (Montreal, Quebec)
Benefits:
- Remote work options in specific locations
- Emphasis on healthcare technology innovation
For tech professionals who want to make a difference in the healthcare industry, AlayaCare offers a unique opportunity to impact real lives through innovative solutions.
CellCarta
- Location: Montreal
- Glassdoor Rating: 2.2/5
CellCarta, a Montreal-based life sciences company, aims to enhance disease detection through cellular mapping and biomarker identification. The company’s cutting-edge research facilitates customized therapies, crucial for patient-specific treatment strategies. CellCarta is also one of the top Canadian companies without an LMIA permit.
Current Roles:
- Global Technology Architecture Manager (Montreal)
- Global Revenue Accounting Manager (Remote)
Benefits:
- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge medical research
- Collaborative international work environment
If you’re interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology, CellCarta is a rewarding choice, though it currently has fewer openings in Canada.
Clarius Mobile Health
- Location: Vancouver
- Glassdoor Rating: 4.3/5
Based in British Columbia, Clarius Mobile Health aims to make ultrasound technology more accessible to healthcare professionals. In 2024, it was certified as a Great Place to Work®, and It prioritizes employee satisfaction and professional development.
Current Role: Manufacturing Technician (Vancouver)
Benefits:
- Hybrid work model
- Employee recognition program
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Regular team events
Clarius is an excellent place for those interested in healthcare technology with a supportive workplace culture.
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Clio
- Location: Burnaby, with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and remote options
- Glassdoor Rating: 3.9/5
Clio provides cloud-based solutions to help law firms manage everything from billing to client intake. It is well-known for its inclusive and flexible work culture, with offices in major Canadian cities and a hybrid work model. Clio is one of the top Canadian companies without an LMIA permit.
Current Roles:
- Account Executive, Customer Sales (Vancouver, Calgary)
- Account Executive, Mid-Market (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver)
- Business Development Representative (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto)
- Data Scientist (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto – with remote option available)
- Director, Product Research (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver – with remote option available)
Benefits:
- RRSP matching
- Minimum 4 weeks of flexible paid time off
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Parental leave benefits
Clio offers diverse roles across the country, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking a balance of career growth and flexibility.
Lightspeed Commerce
- Location: Montreal, with roles in Toronto, Ottawa, and remote options
- Glassdoor Rating: 3.7/5
Founded in Montreal in 2005, Lightspeed is a one-stop commerce platform that helps businesses streamline operations. The company has offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa and offers remote work for select positions.
Current Roles:
- Team Lead, Software Development (Montreal)
- Staff Software Developer (Ottawa)
- Software Development Manager (Toronto)
- Senior Strategic Pricing Specialist (Montreal)
- Senior Site Reliability Engineer (Ottawa)
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work with a global team
- Employee development programs
- Competitive benefits package
With numerous openings and a reputation as a leader in commerce technology, Lightspeed is an excellent option for tech professionals in Canada.
How to Qualify for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in Canada
One of the companies participating in Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project must hire foreign nationals to be eligible for these LMIA-exempt positions. The LMIA exemption speeds up the hiring process and supports Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, which aims to attract top talent in technology and innovation.
This initiative is a win-win, as it helps Canadian companies scale while offering foreign professionals easier access to work opportunities in a thriving tech environment.
Conclusion
Canada’s Innovation Stream and the Global Hypergrowth Project are paving the way for international tech professionals to join Canadian companies without the hurdles of an LMIA. With companies like Ada Support, AlayaCare, and Clio actively hiring, now’s the perfect time to explore opportunities in Canada’s booming tech industry.
Whether you’re a software developer, data scientist, or healthcare specialist, these six companies provide jobs and meaningful careers. Take action, check their openings, and see if one of these roles aligns with your expertise.
Companies That Aren’t Currently Hiring in Canada – But You Can Keep an Eye On
Vive Crop Protection
Located in Mississauga, Ontario, Vive Crop Protection is a leading ag-tech company focused on helping farmers save time, labor, and resources. Using a patented delivery system, Vive provides innovative crop-protection solutions to make agriculture more efficient and sustainable.
Though they don’t have any open positions in Canada, Vive encourages qualified professionals to reach out and express interest in future opportunities.
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
Based in Montreal, Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG) aims to develop new medications and offer therapeutic options that improve patients’ health and quality of life. Operating with six affiliated entities across Canada and the U.S., DPG is a crucial player in the pharmaceutical industry.
While there are no available positions in Canada, the company offers attractive benefits like hybrid work options, flexible scheduling, and summer hours. If you’re interested in working with DPG, it’s worth staying in touch for future job openings.
FAQs
1. What is an LMIA-exempt work permit? An LMIA-exempt work permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which usually assesses the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian job market.
2. How do I qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit in Canada? You must work for a company participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project, such as the ones listed above.
3. Are these LMIA-exempt positions limited to tech roles? While tech roles dominate, depending on the company’s needs, some positions may be available in operations, finance, and customer experience.
