Canada has revealed eight companies that are eligible to sponsor work permits for foreign workers in 2026.
Canada announced that these countries are participating in its Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP). This also means that eligible foreign hires can benefit from LMIA-exempt work permits under the country’s Innovation Stream.
The programme is designed to help innovative Canadian companies expand while giving them easier access to highly skilled workers from abroad.
The Innovation Stream pilot has also been extended and is now scheduled to run until March 22, 2028.
For Nigerians and other foreign professionals looking for opportunities in Canada, here are the eight companies participating in the programme and eligible to sponsor work permits in 2026;
Ada Support Inc.
Toronto-based Ada Support develops artificial intelligence agents and automation tools designed to help businesses manage customer service across channels including chat, messaging and voice.
The company operates remotely and offers benefits including stock options, health and lifestyle spending accounts, parental leave top-ups, unlimited vacation, learning and development funding and a home-office budget.
At the time of the source’s publication, vacancies included customer solutions consultant, senior demand generation manager, engineering team lead, senior cloud security engineer, technical product manager, sales development representative and senior data analyst.
AlayaCare
Montreal-headquartered AlayaCare is a health technology company that provides cloud-based software to organisations delivering home and community care.
The company has vacancies in Toronto and Montreal, including customer success programme manager, senior integration developer, product manager, FP&A analyst, AI and automation specialist, and customer enablement specialist.
Its employee benefits include flexible vacation, health coverage, career development opportunities, and team events.
Clarius Mobile Health
Clarius Mobile Health is a Vancouver-based medical technology company that develops wireless handheld ultrasound scanners and AI-enabled imaging tools.
The company offers flexible working arrangements, professional development funding, and volunteer opportunities.
At the time of publication, vacancies included manufacturing and materials technician and inside sales representative positions, with most opportunities based in Vancouver.
Clio
Clio is a Canadian legal technology company that develops cloud-based software for law firms.
The company is headquartered in Vancouver and has additional hubs in Toronto and Calgary, among other locations.
Its benefits include equity for eligible employees, RRSP matching in Canada, at least four weeks of paid time off, parental leave options, health, dental and vision coverage, and wellness support.
Vacancies at the time included account executive, accounting manager, administrative assistant, customer success manager, director of sales, product management roles and IT procurement specialist.
Lightspeed Commerce
Montreal-based Lightspeed Commerce provides point-of-sale and payment technology for retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
The company offers benefits such as flexible paid time off, remote work opportunities, equity options, pension contributions, training opportunities, health and wellness credits and paid volunteer time.
Its vacancies included AI enablement specialist, AI marketing technologist, growth marketing director, executive assistant, product design roles, software developer, product manager and senior marketing coordinator.
CellCarta
CellCarta is a Montreal-based health and life sciences company specialising in laboratory and biomarker testing services.
Its technology is used to identify biomarkers that can help researchers and healthcare professionals understand how patients respond to treatments and develop diseases.
However, the source notes that CellCarta was not hiring for regular positions in Canada at the time of publication, listing only internship opportunities.
Vive Crop Protection
Vive Crop Protection, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is an agricultural technology company that develops crop protection products.
The company uses its patented Allosperse Delivery Technology to help farmers improve efficiency and simplify applications.
At the time of publication, the company had only US vacancies listed on its website.
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group is a Quebec-based pharmaceutical company focused on women’s health and rare diseases.
Its headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Blainville, Quebec, and the company exports its treatments to more than 50 countries.
The source states that Duchesnay was not hiring at the time of publication.
Key Benefits of the LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
The Innovation Stream offers major procedural advantages over traditional work permit programs:
- Bypassing the LMIA Barrier: Employers do not need to conduct lengthy local recruitment campaigns to prove a lack of Canadian applicants, significantly accelerating the hiring workflow.
- Priority Expedited Processing: High-skilled applicants under NOC TEER categories 0 or 1 qualify for accelerated processing under Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, with turnaround times averaging two weeks.
- Longer Permit Duration: Approved candidates receive closed (employer-specific) work permits valid for up to 5 years, providing long-term career stability in Canada.
- Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): Gaining Canadian work experience under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations boosts Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores under Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class).
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for an employer-specific work permit through this program, foreign workers must meet the following federal requirements:
- Job Offer: Hold a formal job offer from one of the 8 participating Global Hypergrowth Project companies.
- Skill Level: The position must fall within NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.
- Employer Compliance Number: The hiring company must submit the employment offer via the IRCC Employer Portal, pay the $230 CAD compliance fee, and provide the candidate with an offer number.
- Qualifications: Applicants must meet the educational and experience requirements outlined for their target NOC occupation.
