Canada aims to be the world leader in attracting IT talent to the country. The strategy is not only about today’s contribution of talented professionals to the development of the Canadian economy but also to build many innovative start-ups and additional modern jobs in the future.
The new strategy includes:
• By the end of 2023, the Government of Canada will launch a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program. Under this program, the government will likely issue work permits to certain companies for five years, which will result in a new exemption from the labor market impact assessment process. The second option, which does not exclude the first one, is that open work permits will be issued for up to five years for highly qualified workers in selected in-demand professions.
• Promoting Canada as a destination for IT professionals working remotely from other parts of the world. Previously, such people received a visitor visa and could come to Canada for a period of up to 6 months. Such professionals may have the opportunity to obtain a work permit, which will give them the prospect of moving from remote work to work in a Canadian company.
• Starting July 16, 2023, H-1B U.S. Special Work Visa holders and accompanying closest family members will be eligible to apply to enter Canada and receive an open work permit for up to three years. This measure will be in place for one year or until IRCC receives 10,000 applications.
• Improving existing programs for highly technical workers such as the Global Skills Strategy (two-week application processing standard) and the Start-up Visa Program (making more spots for this program, the opportunity to obtain an open work permit for three years instead of one, for an entrepreneur and each member of his team, as well as the priority in processing such applications)
