Sean Fraser, the immigration minister, announced the First-ever tech talent strategy announced in Canada on June 27, the initiatives IRCC will take to entice foreign tech talents to Canada.
In order to accomplish these goals, Canada has developed a Talent Strategy for the Tech Sector.
A few examples of this technology are:
- Introduction of an innovation stream in the International Mobility Program (IMP).
- Focus on attracting digital nomads to Canada.
- Enhancement of labor mobility by establishing a simplified work permit for H1-B specialty occupation visa holders in North America.
- Improvements were made to existing tech programs like the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-up Visa.
Introducing a new innovation stream within IMP
It is IRCC’s goal to entice highly qualified tech workers by creating a new innovation stream within the IMP to address the labor shortages in critical tech vocations.
It is anticipated that the launch will take place by the end of 2023. In addition to being exempt from LMIA requirements, the stream will enable companies and employees to support Canadian priorities.
Two options are being considered by the IRCC:
- Employer-specific work permits are granted for a maximum of five years to workers employed by companies recognized by the Government of Canada for their contribution to industrial innovation.
- Open work permits are available for up to five years for highly skilled workers in specific in-demand occupations.
First-ever tech talent strategy announced in Canada – Attracting digital nomads
As part of its marketing strategy, the IRCC also plans to assess whether further regulations for digital nomads are necessary to market Canada as a destination for digital nomads.
The current immigration restrictions in Canada restrict digital nomads from working remotely for foreign companies for more than six months. The IRCC hopes that these digital nomads will choose to remain in Canada and look for job possibilities with local businesses.
Upgrades to current tech programs
It is IRCC’s goal to make the existing programs in place in Canada more effective for high-skilled tech workers.
Canadian firms are encouraged to utilize the Global Skills Strategy to find highly qualified overseas personnel quickly. Under the Global Skills Strategy, work permit applications are now being processed at levels comparable to those before the pandemic. Furthermore, ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) processes LMIAs for its Global Talent Pool in less than two weeks. And IRCC processes work visa applications in less than two weeks.
The Start-Up Visa is available to foreign entrepreneurs who receive funding from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor organization, or business incubator.
More slots were made available under this program in order to resolve the lengthy application wait periods. Moreover, the number of permanent residents predicted in the Federal Business category in 2023 has tripled. As well as is expected to rise in 2024 and 2025.
In recognition of the lengthy application wait times due to the popularity of the SUV program. IRCC is changing the temporary work permit option for SUV applicants to allow them to apply for an open work permit of up to three years. As opposed to a one-year work permit that limits them only to work for their own start-up.
The work permit will be available to all entrepreneurial team members, unlike today, when only those needed in Canada urgently can apply.
Additionally, a business incubator or those backed by committed cash will be given priority consideration by the IRCC to expedite the application process.
Specialty occupation visa holders with H1-B work permits
The high-tech industries employ thousands of workers, many of whom hold H1-B visas for specialist occupations.
Starting July 16, US citizens with H1-B specialty visas and their accompanying family members will be able to enter Canada. A three-year open work visa will allow them to work for virtually any employer in Canada for the first three years of their stay. A temporary resident visa is also available for spouses and dependents with a job and study permit if necessary.
A full year or 10,000 applications will be required before the IRCC changes its policy. Family members who accompany major applicants are not included in this number.
A tech worker’s other options for immigrating to Canada
Apart from H1-B specialty occupation visas and the Global Talent Stream programs covered by the Tech Talent Strategy, foreign tech workers also have other options for immigration and work permits.
Draws based on Express Entry categories
In late May, Sean Fraser announced the initiation of category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. IRCC will prioritize candidates with robust French language skills or professional experience in specific fields:
- Transport
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Agriculture and agri-food
According to Statistics Canada, there is a skills shortage in the Canadian STEM labor force. As evidenced by the number of STEM-related occupations eligible for category-based draws.
July 5 marked the first time category-based drawings were conducted for STEM careers. A total of 500 applicants in the STEM fields received invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Category-based Express Entry draws are conducted by the IRCC to select applicants. With the highest scores they can contribute to the achievement of a certain economic objective and fill job vacancies in the Canadian labor market. Additionally, these will take place as part of Express Entry.
Express Entry ranks applicants based on a points-based methodology called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience are all considered when ranking candidates. To be eligible for an ITA for that particular draw, candidates must still achieve the minimum CRS score required by IRCC. Even if they fall into a targeted group.
Tech Provincial Nominee Program Streams
Provinces and territories can design their own immigration routes using the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) based on the needs of their labor markets and economies. In the PNP, provincial and territorial authorities will designate skilled foreign workers that they wish to immigrate to their jurisdictions.
Tech-specific streams are available in some regions.
Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway offers fast-track immigration for tech workers who have Express Entry profiles. Candidates who are employed or have a job offer from an employer in a qualified technology occupation may start the application procedure under this accelerated pathway.
A rapidly expanding demand for expertise in the technology sector led to the establishment of the British Columbia PNP Tech in 2017. A permanent program was established in 2021. Inviting qualified applicants with a genuine job offer from one of 29 relevant tech occupations once a week will be sent by the program. At least a year must pass since the job offer must be for a full-time position and come from an eligible firm across the province.
Facilitated Processing Stream in Quebec
Facilitated Processing Stream allows Quebec employers to hire temporary foreign-skilled employees who qualify for specific target vocations. Stream members can get a waiver of some LMIA requirements that they would otherwise have to meet.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) facilitated occupations include all occupations eligible for the program. The tech sector is a hotbed of these jobs.
