Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has just unveiled six incredible improvements and ideas aimed at attracting tech talent from around the globe.

1. New Open Work Permit Pathway For US H-1B Visa Holders
2. Dedicated PR Pathway For STEM occupations
3. Restoration of Faster Processing Under the Global Talent Stream
4. New Innovation Stream Without Job Offer
5. Digital Nomad Strategy
6. New Improvements To Startup Visa Program

If you’re ready to level up your career and be part of Canada’s thriving tech ecosystem
Regarding new pathways and improvements to the country’s immigration system. Let’s dive right in!

First Major announcement:

New Open Work Permit Pathway For US H-1B Visa Holders:

Starting July 16, 2023, Canada will introduce a new open work permit stream specifically for 10,000 H-1B visa holders from the United States. These skilled individuals will be able to work for any employer in Canada, without any employer-specific restrictions. What’s more, their accompanying family members can also apply for study or work permits. The application limit of 10,000 only applies to primary candidates, and their family members will not be counted toward this quota.

Second Major Announcement:

Dedicated PR Pathway For STEM Occupations:

Minister Sean Fraser also announced a dedicated pathway for permanent residency (PR) exclusively designed for professionals working in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector. This pathway builds upon the successful targeted Express Entry draws for STEM occupations, and it suggests that the 24 STEM sector occupations may receive higher weightage in upcoming draws.

3rd Major Announcement:

Restoration of Faster Processing Under Global Talent Stream:

Good news for skilled workers! The Global Talent Stream (GTS) will return to its previous processing time of just two weeks. The GTS provides the fastest immigration path for eligible employers seeking to bring in workers to Canada.

4th Major Announcement:

New Innovation Stream Without Job Offer:

To attract highly talented individuals, Minister Fraser announced the creation of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program. This stream will offer two pathways:

1. open work permits for up to five years for highly trained professionals in certain in-demand fields, without the need for a job offer, and
2. employer-specific work permits for up to five years for individuals working in firms that support Canadian industrial innovation objectives.

5th Major Announcement:

Digital Nomad Strategy:

Canada is launching a digital nomad strategy, allowing individuals with foreign employers to work inCanada for up to six months. This strategy aims to simplify visitor visas for foreign nationals whose companies permit remote work. Digital nomads will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian communities, contributing to local economies and fostering community integration. If they receive a job offer from a Canadian employer during their stay, they can continue working in Canada.

6th Major announcement:

New Improvements To Startup Visa Program:

The Startup Visa program, designed for entrepreneurs with extraordinary potential, is receiving exciting improvements to address challenges and accommodate more applications. Here are the key enhancements:

1. Priority will be given to applications with capital commitments or funding from recognized Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators.

2. Applicants in the regular queue will receive an open work permit for themselves and their family members for three years while their application is being processed.

3. The temporary work permit option for Startup Visa Program applicants will be extended to three years, allowing them to work for other Canadian employers, not just their startups.

4. The annual intake for the program has increased from 1,000 to 3,500 spots, making it easier and more attractive for founders to relocate to Canada while awaiting their permanent residency approval.

5. All members of the business team will have access to the work permit, not just those deemed essential by the supporting organization.

6. Further plans to reduce processing times and enhance program efficiency will be revealed later this year.

7. These remarkable updates demonstrate Canada’s commitment to attracting global talent, fostering innovation, and providing various pathways for skilled individuals to contribute to the Canadian economy and communities.