Canada launches first Tech Talent Strategy to attract global skilled talent

Canada announced the introduction of its first Tech Talent Strategy at the Collision 2023 event, which is now taking place in Toronto, Canada, to recruit its fair share of global tech talent. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, introduced the Tech Talent plan, which includes new and improved policies to assist Canadian firms to prosper in a competitive landscape.

Minister Fraser outlined the following aggressive attraction efforts as part of Canada's first-ever Tech Talent Strategy:

• the creation of an open work permit stream for H-1B speciality 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 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 work for their own start-up; and other opportunities.

“We are enthusiastic about the ambitious goals we have set in immigration because they aren’t just about numbers—they are strategic," the minister says. "With Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we are targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies. I am 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 increasing role as a global leader in digital talent recruitment and attraction to guarantee that Canada not only fills in-demand jobs today but also attracts the skills and business talent to build opportunities of the future.

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