On July 27, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship launched Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy. This new plan incorporates new measures as well as refinements to current measures to assist Canadian businesses to prosper in a competitive environment. Minister Fraser outlined the following aggressive attraction efforts as part of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy:
- The establishment of an open work permit stream allows H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the United States to apply for a Canadian work permit, as well as opportunities for study or work permits for their accompanying family members.
- The creation of an Innovation Stream within the International Mobility Program to attract highly skilled workers, with options including employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to work for a company identified by the federal government as contributing to its industrial innovation goals, and open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations.
- a return to the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Skills Strategy
- the promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads
- the creation of a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection to issue additional invitations to apply under the Express Entry program
Start-Up Visa Program Improvements
Improvements to the Start-Up Visa Program will also be made, which include:
- allocating more spots to this program for 2023, with further increases planned for 2024 and 2025.
- applicants will be able to apply for a work permit that is up to three years in duration instead of one year.
- applicants will be able to apply for an open work permit instead of one that limits them to work for their own start-up.
- making this three-year open work permit available to each member of the entrepreneurial team instead of only those who are essential and urgently needed in Canada.
- prioritizing applications that are supported by venture capital, angel investor groups and business incubators and have capital committed, along with applications that are supported by business incubators who are members of Canada’s Tech Network.
With Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, said Fraser, “we are targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies. I am grateful for the collaboration of the tech, start-up, and business communities, who have provided valuable insight to develop this strategy.”
Are You Interested in Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.