In a bid to attract its own share of global tech talent, Canada announced the launch of its first Tech Talent Strategy at the Collision 2023 event currently taking place in Toronto, Canada. The Tech Talent strategy, which was launched by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, includes new measures and improvements on existing measures to help businesses in Canada thrive in a competitive landscape.
As part of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy, Minister Fraser announced the following aggressive attraction measures:
- the creation of an open work permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US to apply for a Canadian work permit, and study or work permit options for their accompanying family members
- the development of an Innovation Stream under to the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals, options for which include: employer-specific work permits for up to five years; 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
- improvements to the Start-up Visa Program: more spots to this program for 2023, with further increases planned for 2024 and 2025; application for an open work permit instead of one that limits them to working for their own start-up; e.t.c
According to the minister, “we’re enthusiastic about the ambitious goals we have set in immigration, because they aren’t just about numbers—they are strategic. With Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we’re targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies. I’m grateful for the collaboration of the tech, start-up and business communities, who have provided valuable insight to develop this strategy. Having a fast and flexible approach, one that is broadly supported by Canadians, is truly Canada’s immigration advantage.”
The Government of Canada is embracing Canada’s emerging role as a leader in global tech talent recruitment and attraction to ensure Canada is not only filling in-demand jobs today but also attracting the skills and business talent to create the jobs of tomorrow.
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