Today, the Immigration Minister of Canada, Sean Fraser, declared that a new work permit for US H-1B visa holders would be introduced to attract more global tech talent in Canada. These measures comprise the launch of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy. 

 

New Work Permit For US H-1B visa holders 

IRCC will improve labor mobility in North America by creating a new work permit for US H-1B visa holders to apply to come to Canada. Presently, many workers in high-tech fields are working in companies/ industries with operations in Canada & the US. Moreover, the people working in the US often have H-1B speciality occupation visas. 

As of July 16, 2023, H-1B holders in the US & their family members will be eligible to come to Canada. The qualified/ approved applicants will obtain an open work permit for up to three years. This implies that they can work for any employer in Canada. In addition, their spouses & dependents are also eligible for TRV, i.e., Temporary Resident Visa. 

IRCC believes this new work permit for US H-1B holders will expand available opportunities for skilled workers. As a result, the holders will be able to pursue careers in high-tech sectors, thus contributing to overall economic growth in North America. Moreover, this measure will remain in effect for one year or until IRCC obtains over 10,000 applications. 

 

New Innovation Stream Under IMP 

IRCC will develop an innovation stream under IMP, i.e., International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals. After consulting with tech industry stakeholders, there are still some labor shortages in tech professions. This is why broadening Canada’s talent base is a top goal for IRCC. 

The Canadian government will thus launch an innovation stream by the end of 2023, which will create an exemption from LMIA, i.e., Labor Market Impact Assessment. As a result, this will help employers & qualified professionals support Canadian innovation priorities & high-tech industries. 

IRCC is presently considering two options:

  • Employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers working in the company identified by the Canadian government as contributing to industrial innovation goals. 
  • Open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in chosen in-demand professions. 

 

Attractions Digital Nomads 

IRCC will also promote Canada as the topmost destination for digital nomads. But what is a digital nomad? Well, a digital nomad is an individual who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. In the months ahead, IRCC will also collaborate with private & public patterns. This will be done to determine whether additional policies to attract digital nomads will be desirable or not. 

Under the present immigration rules of Canada, a digital nomad is allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months as a visitor/ guest while they do their job remotely for a foreign employer. IRCC expects a few of these digital nomads who arrive in Canada will seek work opportunities with Canadian employers, thus bringing their skills to Canada by applying for a temporary work permit or PR.    

 

STEM-Specific Draws Under Category-Based Express Entry Draws

IRCC is also launching category-based selection draws, which is part of a new work permit for US H-1B visa holders. IRCC will give preference to Express Entry applicants with strong French language proficiency/ work experience in numerous fields, like science, technology, mathematics, & engineering professions. 

The categories were selected based on labor market shortages & projections, along with the input obtained from IRCC partners, territories, provinces, & stakeholders across the nation. Moreover, Statistics Canada released a report asserting that there is a gap in skills required in Canada’s STEM labor force. 

 

Improvements In Existing Tech Programs 

Finally, IRCC will improve existing programs that cater to professionals in high-skill tech occupations, including Start-up Visa & Global Skills Strategy Program. 

The Global Skills Strategy supports Canadian employers looking for quick access to globally skilled talent. IRCC processing times for these work permits have recovered to the two-week standard after delays throughout COVID. In addition, Employment & Social Development Canada is meeting the two-week standard for processing Global Talent Stream LMIA for employers.  

Moreover, the Start-up Visa program is a pathway to gain permanent residency for international entrepreneurs to obtain the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund/ angel investor organization/ business incubator for start-ups. 

There was an increase in the spots under the program to address lengthy times of waiting for candidates. This implies that the targets have tripled the number of permanent inhabitants expected in the Federal Business Category. Moreover, this number is also likely to increase even more for 2024 – 2025. 

In addition, IRCC will also modify the temporary work permit options/ choices for SUV candidates, thus helping them apply for an open work permit of up to 3 years instead of a one-year work permit, limiting the candidates to work solely for their start-up. 

This is in response to feedback from stakeholders that have clarified that start-up entrepreneurs might not be able to make a full salary. Thus, having an opportunity to earn additional income elsewhere can ease financial/ monetary stress on individuals & their families. 

The work permit will be available to each family member of the entrepreneurial team. Before this declaration, only entrepreneurial team members who were recognized as essential & urgently required in Canada could apply for a work permit. 

IRCC will also prioritize applications which the committed capital or a business incubator supports. In addition, these might be members of Canada’s tech network to move to the front of the processing line.