In an effort to attract global tech talent to Canada, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced additional measures today. Fraser and IRCC have launched the work permit for U.S. H-1B visa holders in Canada to attract tech talent.
Open work permit for U.S. H-1B visa holders for three years
To increase labor mobility in North America, IRCC will create a streamlined work permit application process for U.S. citizens with H-1B specialized occupation visas who wish to move to Canada. Many people work in high-tech industries. They are employed by companies that are located in both the U.S. and Canada. As well as those who work in the U.S. frequently have H-1B visas.
Starting from July 16th, 2023, individuals have an H1-B visa in the United States. And their immediate family members will have the option to relocate to Canada. Successful applicants will be granted a three-year open work permit, allowing them to be employed by virtually any Canadian employer. Furthermore, they may also have the opportunity to apply for a temporary resident visa on behalf of their spouses and dependents.
As per the IRCC, this initiative will enhance the prospects for skilled professionals to pursue employment in the technology sector. And contribute to the economic growth of North America. This policy will remain in effect for one year or until the IRCC receives 10,000 applications. It depends on which occurs first.
IMP’s New Innovation Stream
To attract highly intelligent individuals, IRCC will establish a fresh Innovation Stream as part of the IMP. Stakeholder interviews with the industry reveal that there is still a shortage of workers in essential tech roles. It makes it crucial to prioritize expanding Canada’s pool of talented individuals.
Consequently, the Canadian government intends to introduce a novel Innovation Stream by the conclusion of 2023. This stream will waive the LMIA process for both firms and skilled employees. To advance the country’s innovation agenda and flourish high-tech sectors.
Two options are being considered by the IRCC:
- Employer-specific work permits valid for a maximum of five years will be available for workers who are intended to work for companies recognized by the Government of Canada as contributing to our industrial innovation objective.
- Open work permits, with a duration of up to five years, will be granted to highly skilled workers in specific in-demand occupations.
Digital nomads – Attracting them
Furthermore, the IRCC will advertise Canada as a place for digital nomads to relocate. Remote work is accomplished by digital nomads from anywhere on Earth. It will examine whether more regulations are needed to entice digital nomads to Canada over the next few months, working with public and commercial partners.
In accordance with current immigration laws, a digital nomad who works remotely for a foreign employer may stay in Canada for up to six months as a guest. Once they arrive in Canada, some of these digital nomads are expected to seek employment with Canadian businesses. Also, bringing their skills with them by applying for a temporary work permit.
Express Entry draw for STEM-specific candidates
A category-based selection drawing is also being held for Express Entry applicants. By giving preference to candidates with strong French language skills or experience in a variety of sectors, including STEM fields. IRCC will encourage applicants to apply for Express Entry.
According to IRCC partners, provinces, territories, and other stakeholders across the nation, the categories were chosen based on projected and actual labor shortages. In a report published by Statistics Canada in 2022, an insufficient number of STEM workers in Canada was identified.
Enhancements to existing tech programs
Furthermore, IRCC plans to enhance existing initiatives like the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program that support high-skilled tech workers.
A key objective of the Global Skills Strategy is to help Canadian companies find highly qualified personnel easily around the world. The IRCC has resumed processing these work permits within two weeks after delays throughout the epidemic. Furthermore, Employment and Social Development Canada processes Global Talent Stream LMIAs in less than two weeks.
Start-Up Visa (SUV) offers permanent residency for international business owners who receive funding from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor organization, or business incubator.
The number of spaces available under this program has been increased from 1,000 to 3,500 to accommodate the long waitlists of applicants. As a result, there are expected to be three times as many permanent residents in the Federal Business category for 2023 as there were in 2022. And the number is expected to grow even more in 2024 and 2025.
IRCC will also change SUV temporary work permit options. So, that they can now apply for an open three-year work permit instead of just a one-year permit that allows them to work for their own start-ups.
This is because stakeholders have expressed concern that start-up business owners might not be able to make a full wage. And that they and their families might be less stressed about money if they could generate additional income elsewhere.
Work permits will be available to all members of the business team. This revelation changed the way work permits were approved for entrepreneurs who were urgently needed in Canada.
As well as prioritizing applications backed by committed funding and approved by Canadian Tech partners. IRCC will also prioritize applications backed by committed funding.
