On July 10th, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced measures to attract global tech talent to Canada. These measures, known as Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, include a new innovation stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP), attracting digital nomads, improving labor mobility for H1-B visa holders, and enhancing existing tech programs like the Global Skills Strategy and Start-up Visa.
The new innovation stream will be exempt from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and offer employer-specific work permits or open work permits for highly skilled workers in select occupations. The launch is expected by the end of 2023.
To attract digital nomads, IRCC plans to collaborate with partners and explore additional policies. Currently, digital nomads can only stay in Canada for up to six months while working remotely for a foreign employer.
Improvements have been made to existing tech programs. The Global Skills Strategy provides quick access to highly skilled foreign talent, with processing times back to normal. The Start-up Visa offers a path to permanent residence for foreign entrepreneurs, and more spots have been allocated under this program.
H1-B specialty occupation visa holders in the US and their families will be eligible to come to Canada with an open work permit for up to three years. Spouses and dependents can also apply for temporary resident visas.
Express Entry category-based draws prioritize candidates with strong French language skills or work experience in healthcare, STEM fields, trades, transport, or agriculture. Category-based draws have already begun for STEM professions.
Tech Provincial Nominee Program Streams allow provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers in tech occupations through their own immigration pathways. Alberta has the Accelerated Tech Pathway, British Columbia has the PNP Tech program, and Quebec has the Facilitated Processing Stream.
These measures aim to address labor shortages and expand Canada’s talent base in the tech industry.