BREAKING: Canada launches new work permit for techies, US visa holders

Canada‘s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has announced additional measures aimed at attracting global tech talent to Canada.

These measures include the launch of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy.

BREAKING: New immigration pathways announced in Canada

– For Tech Workers to come to Canada to work(no job offer needed)

– Digital Nomads Visa (to work remotely from Canada for up to 6 months)

– For USA H-1B visa holders & their families to work in Canada (no job offer needed) pic.twitter.com/DuBIJU8eZV

— Olú (@Olufemiloye) June 27, 2023

One of the key measures is the introduction of a new three-year open work permit for H-1B visa holders in the United States. Starting from July 16th, 2023, H-1B visa holders in the U.S. and their immediate family members will be eligible to apply to work in Canada. Approved applicants will receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada. This move is expected to expand opportunities for skilled workers in the high-tech sector and contribute to economic growth in North America. The measure will remain in effect for one year or until the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives 10,000 applications.

Additionally, IRCC will establish a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program. This stream will create an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, making it easier for employers to hire highly talented individuals in support of Canada’s innovation priorities and high-tech industries. The Innovation Stream will offer employer-specific work permits for up to five years or open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations.

Furthermore, IRCC will promote Canada as an attractive destination for digital nomads—individuals who can work remotely from anywhere in the world. IRCC will collaborate with public and private partners to explore policies to attract digital nomads to Canada. Currently, digital nomads can stay in Canada for up to six months as visitors while working for foreign employers. It is expected that some digital nomads will seek opportunities with Canadian employers and may apply for temporary work permits or permanent residence.

In order to address skills shortages, IRCC will launch category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates, giving preference to candidates with strong French language proficiency or work experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

IRCC will also make improvements to existing programs such as the Global Skills Strategy, which allows Canadian employers to access highly skilled talent globally, and the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, which provides a path to permanent residence for foreign entrepreneurs. Changes to the SUV program include increasing the number of spots available and allowing SUV applicants to apply for an open work permit of up to three years.

These measures reflect Canada’s commitment to attracting top talent and fostering innovation in the tech sector, positioning the country as a leading destination for skilled workers from around the world.