Attracting tech talent to Canada
Canada’s technology sector continues to grow. Employers in Canada need more top talent with in-demand skills that can drive the sector forward. Immigration is key to this. It will help us
- meet our innovation priorities
- solidify our place as a world leader in emerging technologies
With the Tech Talent Strategy, we’re developing new programs and improving existing ones to meet these needs.
Programs we’re introducing
Work permits for H-1B visa holders
Status: Closed
Canada wants to offer international tech talent the opportunity to stay and work in North America.
Our new program will let current H-1B Specialty Occupations visa holders
- work for almost any company in Canada for 3 years
- bring their immediate family with them
This temporary program will last for 1 year, or until we get 10,000 applications.
An Innovation Stream for IMP
Coming in 2023
The International Mobility Program (IMP) lets Canadian employers hire foreign workers without a labour market impact assessment (LMIA).
Later this year, we’ll introduce a new Innovation Stream to bring talented workers to Canada to help build innovative businesses.
Programs we’re improving
Reducing backlogs for the start-up visa
The start-up visa (SUV) offers permanent residence to entrepreneurs looking to bring innovative business ideas and jobs to Canada.
We’re improving the program to cut wait times and fast-track supported groups by
- tripling last year’s target by admitting 3,500 people in 2023 (including SUV and self-employed persons)
- prioritizing applications from start-ups with committed capital New
- inviting all start-up members to apply for an open work permit of up to 3 years New – 2023
Two-week processing for Global Skills Strategy
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS)
- helps employers hire highly skilled workers without an LMIA
- gives workers faster application processing and enhanced customer service
The pandemic caused delays with processing applications, including the GSS. In the next 2 weeks, we’re returning to 2-week processing for complete GSS applications.
Promoting Canada to digital nomads
Digital nomads working remotely for an employer outside of Canada can live and work here for up to 6 months at a time. They don’t need a work permit. All they need is visitor status.
We’re working with provinces and territories to consider more options to attract digital nomads.
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