Canada introduces new programs to bring top researchers, i.e., the Canadian government has introduced a new set of programs called the Research Talent Initiative. These programs are designed to bring leading researchers from around the world to Canada. The goal is to help Canada grow in science, technology, healthcare, and many other important fields.
Through this initiative, Canada is creating three new programs to bring in top researchers from around the world and encourage them to stay. These researchers are expected to bring strong economic, social, and health benefits to Canadians.
These new streams will help Canadian universities hire experts in STEM fields, healthcare, francophone studies, and other key areas. Researchers who come through these streams will use existing study permit and work permit pathways.
The three new streams under the Research Talent Initiative are:
- Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program
- Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program
- Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
Together, these programs aim to bring over 1,000 researchers to Canada. The government will invest up to $1.7 billion CAD over the next 10 years to support their work, research, and settlement needs.
These streams will focus on researchers in the following important areas:
- Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
- Health and biotechnology
- Clean technology and resource value chains
- Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
- Food and water security
- Democratic and community resilience
- Manufacturing and advanced materials
- Defence and dual-use technologies
In addition, the government has also started the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund. This fund helps universities pay for the equipment and tools needed for incoming researchers. Canada will invest $400 million CAD over six years in this fund.
Canada Impact + Research Chairs
As Canada introduces new programs to bring top researchers, let us discuss the first program.
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is a one-time initiative that aims to bring about 100 top global researchers to Canada. The government will spend over $1 billion CAD on this program over the next 12 years.
Researchers cannot apply directly for this program. Instead, Canadian universities must nominate them. The government then selects researchers through a competitive process, comparing nominees from different institutions.
Successful nominees can receive $4 million to $8 million CAD or more over 8 – 12 years. This funding can be used to support their work, salary, and research team. Universities are expected to provide settlement support and immigration help to these researchers.
Important Dates And Requirements
- The first registration deadline is March 10, 2026.
- Nominees must:
- Live and work outside Canada at the time of application.
- Be eligible to become full or associate professors, or an equivalent level if coming from industry.
- Start a full-time faculty position in Canada within 12 months of accepting the award.
Pathway To Canada
At this time, there is no special visa pathway for Impact+ Research Chairs.
Researchers will come to Canada through existing categories under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Many foreign academics can already come to Canada without needing an LMIA, including:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Award recipients
- Eminent global researchers
- Visiting professors
After being hired, nominees apply for an employer-specific work permit under the IMP. They then arrive in Canada as high-skilled workers (TEER 0 or 1).
Spouses and eligible dependents of these researchers can usually get open work permits, even under Canada’s updated family OWP rules.
Canada Impact + Emerging Leaders
This program works alongside the Impact+ Research Chairs. It helps universities recruit early career researchers (ECRs) into tenure-track positions.
Under this program, universities receive $100,000 per year for six years, with a possible extension for another six years. Institutions apply directly and nominate eligible researchers, similar to the Chairs program. They must provide settlement and immigration support as well.
The Emerging Leaders awards are only issued after a university receives an Impact + Research Chair. This ensures that ECRs are connected to departments with strong leadership.
Important Dates And Requirements
- First registration deadline is March 10, 2026
- Nominees must:
- Be early career researchers with independent research programs.
- Hold (or be ready to hold) a tenure-track position.
- Live and work outside Canada at the time of nomination.
- Start full-time work in Canada within 12 months of the Chair being accepted.
Pathway To Canada
Nominees under this program will typically receive an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit. Their spouses and eligible family members can usually get family open work permits, since these are high-skilled positions.
Canada Impact + Research Training Awards (Doctoral & Postdoctoral)
This one-time program provides $133.6 million CAD to support 600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers from outside Canada.
The award amounts are:
- Doctoral Students: $40,000 per year for 3 years
- Postdoctoral Researchers: $70,000 per year for 2 years
All awards must be activated by March 31, 2027. After this date, researchers cannot come to Canada through this pathway. The government notes that immigration processing times may affect start dates.
Nominee Requirements
Nominees must:
- Not have any current tie or affiliation with a Canadian institution
- Be studying or working outside Canada
- Doctoral nominees must be eligible for a PhD program in Canada
- Postdoctoral nominees must qualify for postdoctoral research positions
International students or postdocs already in Canada cannot apply for this program.
Pathway To Canada
The government has clearly stated that there will be no special or faster processing for these awards. Nominees must apply for:
- A study permit (doctoral students), or
- A work permit (postdoctoral researchers)
They may benefit from some existing exemptions:
For Doctoral (PhD) Students:
- They need admission to a Canadian PhD program
- Canada offers 14-day processing for PhD study permits filed from abroad
- Their spouses/common-law partners remain eligible for spousal open work permits, even under the updated 2025 rules
For Postdoctoral Researchers
- They will likely arrive under LMIA-exempt IMP work permits
Their spouses and family members can get family open work permits because Canada counts postdocs as high-skilled workers.
Funding And Support In Canada
The awards cover living and training costs, but they do not include funds for:
- Travel
- Relocation
- Moving expenses
These costs must be covered by:
- University top-up funds
- Supervisor funding
- The researcher’s own resources
Award holders can also receive paid parental leave.
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