Minister Sean Fraser during his appearance at the Collision Conference in Toronto announced a game-changing digital talent attraction strategy that aims to position Canada as a global leader in attracting the most talented individuals, fostering economic growth, and addressing the talent needs of the thriving tech sector.
Let's dive into the exciting details of this new strategy that is set to transform the country's immigration landscape.
In an effort to promote increased labor mobility within North America, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will be implementing an improved work permit program for individuals currently holding allow H-1B visas (an employment-based, nonimmigrant visa that allows US companies to hire graduate-level workers in fields like finance, IT, architecture, engineering, and medicine. The visa is available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. The application process is employer-sponsored, with a limited number of visas available each year).
Effective July 16th, 2023, H-1B visa holders and their immediate family members will have the opportunity to apply for a streamlined three-year open work permit in Canada.
This permit will grant them the ability to work for a wide range of employers, thereby making significant contributions to the advancement of Canada's thriving high-tech sector. By presenting an appealing alternative for H-1B visa holders, Canada aims to attract highly skilled technology professionals and alleviate labor shortages. This initiative serves as a means to bolster Canada's workforce and foster the growth of its technology industry.
Acknowledging the persistent scarcity of skilled professionals in critical technology fields, the IRCC is set to establish an Innovation Stream as part of the International Mobility Program (IMP). The primary objective of this stream is to attract exceptionally talented individuals by exempting them from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. The IRCC is currently considering two options: employer-specific work permits valid for up to five years and open work permits for highly skilled workers in specific high-demand occupations.
To establish Canada as an attractive choice for digital nomads, the IRCC plans to engage in partnerships with both public and private entities to investigate further policy options. Presently, digital nomads are permitted to stay in Canada for a maximum of six months as visitors while engaging in remote work for foreign employers. The IRCC anticipates that some digital nomads may opt to pursue job opportunities with Canadian companies, which could potentially result in temporary work permits or even permanent residency.
To tackle the skill shortages in Canada's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is set to introduce category-based selection draws for candidates applying through the Express Entry system. Express Entry serves as the pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency in Canada. The upcoming draws will give priority to candidates who possess strong French language skills and have work experience in STEM fields. By focusing on STEM, Canada ensures a talent pool that aligns with the nation's innovation objectives.
Lastly, IRCC is implementing enhancements to bolster existing programs aimed at high-skill tech occupations, such as the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. The Global Skills Strategy streamlines the process of obtaining work permits for Canadian employers in search of highly skilled international talent. This initiative enables companies to swiftly fill crucial positions with specialized expertise. To address delays, the SUV program's capacity has been expanded, and a three-year open work permit option has been introduced, alleviating financial strain on entrepreneurs.
Canada's Tech Talent Strategy showcases the country's commitment to attracting global tech talent, stimulating economic growth, and addressing labor shortages in key tech fields. Canada is positioning itself as the land of opportunity for skilled professionals worldwide. By fostering and emphasizing that Canada recognizes the importance of talent in driving innovation and economic success.
Would you like to explore this option and have a licensed Consultant assess how eligible you are and advise you on how to maximize this opportunity? You can book a consultation to speak with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants.