Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, introduced the country’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy on 27 June 2023. What’s interesting to learn here is that The new plan brings amended measures, along with newer ones, to help Canadian businesses flourish in a competitive environment. Let’s take a look at the implications of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, as outlined by Sean Fraser.
For starters, the new open work permit stream enables H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US to go for a Canadian work permit. Plus, it offers opportunities for education and work permits for accompanying family members of the primary applicants.
Similarly, the development of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program is expected to attract skilled workers, giving them options to apply for employer-specific work permits with a validity of 5 years. They will be permitted to work for a company the federal government identifies as a contributor to its industrial innovation goals. In addition to this, open work permits for a maximum of 5 years will also be offered to highly skilled workers in specific in-demand occupations.
Furthermore, work permits under the Global Skills Strategy will once again follow a 14-day service standard. Canada has now been promoted as the ultimate destination for digital nomads.
On top of this, the establishment of a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection is also aimed at granting more invitations to apply via the Express Entry program.
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Start-Up Visa Program Improvements
Improvements to the Start-Up Visa Program are also expected to be announced soon. They will include the following amendments;
- Additional spots will be allocated to this program in 2023, with similar plans for 2024 and 2025.
- Applicants will be allowed to apply for a work permit with a validity of up to 3 years instead of one.
- Applicants can seek an open work permit instead of being restricted to only working for their start-up.
- The three-year open work permit will now be available to everyone on the entrepreneurial team instead of only people urgently required in Canada.
- Applications supported by angel investor groups, venture capital, and business incubators will be prioritized. This also includes applications supported by business incubators that are a part of Canada’s Tech Network.
Sean Fraser said that the introduction of Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy is targeted at newcomers who can help Canada emerge as a pioneer in the world of technology. He further commended the collaboration among business, start-up, and tech communities who helped provide valuable insights during the development of this strategy.
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