Today, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser unveiled six exciting initiatives aimed at attracting tech talent from around the globe to Canada.
Firstly, the IRCC will introduce a specialized pathway for permanent residency (PR) designed specifically for employees in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector. Building upon the success of the Global Talent Stream, which was established several years ago, the processing time for new work permit applications will be reduced to a remarkable two weeks.
Additionally, the Startup Visa program, catering to entrepreneurs with exceptional potential, will undergo improvements to address challenges and accommodate the surge in applications. Notably, the annual quota for this program has been increased from 1,000 to 3,500 spots.
Moving forward, the IRCC will prioritize applications with capital commitments or those endorsed by trusted partners.
Furthermore, applicants awaiting the processing of their applications in the regular queue will now be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them and their family members to work in Canada for up to three years. Throughout the year, Canada will develop a dedicated stream for employees working in the tech industry, regardless of whether they have a job offer.
Additionally, Canada will launch a digital nomad strategy, permitting individuals employed by foreign companies to work in Canada for a period of up to six months while immersing themselves in Canadian communities. If these individuals receive a job offer from a Canadian employer during their stay, they will be granted the opportunity to continue living and working in Canada.
Lastly, starting from July 16, a new stream will be introduced, enabling 10,000 H-1B visa holders from the United States to work in Canada. With these innovative measures, Canada is poised to attract and retain top-tier tech talent, solidifying its position as a global leader in the field.