Key Points
- Canada introduced a new immigration initiative aimed at attracting tech talent to the country
Overview
The government of Canada introduced a new immigration initiative aimed at attracting tech talent to the country. The new route, known as the Tech Talent Strategy, will consist of four key pillars to involve additions and improvements to currently existing immigration routes.
These pillars include:
- Developing an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program aimed at attracting highly talented foreign nationals in key tech occupations. The government aims to launch the stream by the end of 2023
- As a result, the government will introduce a new list of occupations that qualify for labor market impact assessment exemptions
- The government will also consider introducing work permits with a maximum validity of up to five years for workers who are likely to have long-term positive impacts in Canada. Along with creating five-year work permits for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations
- Promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads to work remotely. These measures include removing current digital nomad policies to attract potential candidates better
- Streamlining work permit options for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders from the US to attract more highly skilled workers to Canada. This measure will remain in effect for one year or until the government of Canada receives 10,000 applications. Only principal applicants will count towards the 10,000 application cap
- Beginning July 16, 2023, H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US and their accompanying immediate daily members will be eligible to apply for an open work permit in Canada for up to three years
- Spouses and dependent children will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, if needed
- The government will also improve existing programs, such as the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program
- Addressing the current wait time for applications submitted under the SUV program by changing the temporary work permit option for SUV applicants to an open work permit that will remain valid for up to three years
- Allocating more spots for applicants under the SUV program through the country’s multi-year levels plan
- Expanding eligibility under the SUV program allows all entrepreneurial team members to apply
- Prioritizing applications for foreign nationals supported by committed capital or endorsed business incubators that are Canada’s Tech Network members
What are the Changes?
The government of Canada announced several initiatives to position Canada as a global tech talent recruitment location and fill in-demand jobs throughout the country.
Looking Ahead
The government will publish additional changes as needed. Continue to check the government of Canada’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: Government of Canada
