There are many options for foreign nationals in STEM sectors who seek to come to Canada. Before the recent declarations, Canada already offered PR & work permit pathways to global STEM talent to support its economic growth & global competitiveness. 

In light of these declarations, here is an overview of some of Canada’s prominent work permit pathways for STEM professionals. 

Express Entry: Popular Federal Pathways For PR 

Express Entry is the significant way Canada’s federal government welcomes skilled immigrants/ newcomers. 

On May 31, the immigration minister of Canada, Sean Fraser, announced the launch of category-based selection for draws for Express Entry candidates. In addition, these applicants have strong French language proficiency & work experience in the following fields: 

  • STEM professions
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture/ Agri-food 

On July 5, IRCC held its first STEM category-based draw, inviting 500 candidates in STEM professions to apply for PR. 

In addition, Express Entry draws invite top-ranking applicants in both general as well as targeted draws which can help meet labor & job market vacancies in Canada, followed by overall economic goals. 

Moreover, applicants in the Express Entry pool are ranked using a point-based system called CRS, i.e., the Comprehensive Ranking System. This system ranks applicants based on language skills, education, work experience, etc. 

Thus, in order to be eligible via a category-based draw, you have to meet all the requirements united by IRCC for the draw. 

Global Talent Work Permit 

The GTS, i.e., Global Talent Work Permit, is another work permit pathway that targets foreign nationals working in the IT sector. Among other initiatives, the GTS establishes a two-week standard for processing the applications for skilled tech talent. 

Well, there are two categories under GTS, i.e., Category A & Category B. 

  • Category A is for companies that have high growth and can demonstrate a need to recruit specialized talent from other nations. In addition, employers in this category must be referred to the GTS by a referral partner. 
  • Category B is for employers aiming to recruit specifically skilled professionals/ workers for occupations found on the Global Talent Occupations List, which have been in demand & for which there is inadequate labor supply. 

STEM professionals might be eligible under Category B because most professions include science, technology, math, & engineering professions. 

However, it is vital to note that GTS is also available in Quebec. 

Quebec’s Facilitated Processing StreamWork Permits 

Under the Facilitated Processing Stream, employers in Quebec can hire temporary international professionals under targeted professions. In addition, they can benefit from this process as it waives some of the requirements needed under LMIA, like advertising the position or other recruitment efforts. 

 

Although the employer in Quebec is not needed to publicize the position for which they are hiring international workers/ professionals, but they need to prove the following: 

  • Foreign professionals must meet the work experience & educational requirements along with NOC requirements. 
  • The hourly wage offered to these professionals must be consistent. In addition, the PRs & citizens must work in the same occupation & geographic area. 
  • A transition plan is needed for all high-wage LMIA applications. But, under Quebec’s facilitated process, such a plan is only needed for a second/ subsequent application for an LMIA in a similar location and profession. 

The facilitated professions list in Quebec includes all classifications of occupations eligible for TFWP. Many of the occupations consist of professions in STEM. 

New H1-B Open Work Permit Program Comes On July 16

Another one of the significant work permit pathways is H1-B. 

IRCC has declared the launch of the new H1-B open work permit pathway, which will be available on July 16, 2023. The eligibility criteria of the program & other details are still getting finalized. 

Well, H1-B speciality professional visa holders in the US will be eligible for streamlined work permits to arrive in Canada. If eligible, approved candidates will obtain an open work permit for up to three years. This implies that they will be able to work for almost any employer in the nation.  

In addition, IRCC believes that this measure will expand available opportunities for skilled professionals to continue pursuing high-tech careers, along with contributing to North America’s economic growth. 

The spouses, as well as dependents of candidates, will also be eligible to apply for a TRV, along with a study permit or work permit, if required. 

This measure will continue to be in effect for one year until IRCC obtains 10,000 applications. Thus, it is vital to note that only principal candidates will be counted towards the application cap.