Canada Launches New Tech Talent Strategy to Attract Global Tech Workers

On June 27th, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new Tech Talent Strategy to attract global tech talent to Canada. The strategy includes a number of measures, such as:

• A new innovation stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP) that will exempt highly talented tech individuals from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
• A new work permit for H1-B specialty occupation visa holders in the US, which will allow them to come to Canada and work for almost any employer across Canada.
• Improvements to existing tech programs such as the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-up Visa.
• Collaboration with private and public partners to promote Canada as a destination for digital nomads.

The Tech Talent Strategy is a significant step forward in Canada’s efforts to attract and retain global tech talent. The measures announced under the strategy will make it easier for tech workers from around the world to come to Canada and contribute to the country’s tech sector.

Other Ways to Immigrate to Canada as a Tech Worker

In addition to the programs included in the Tech Talent Strategy, there are a number of other work permit and immigration programs that are specifically tailored to foreign tech workers. These include:

• Express Entry category-based draws, which prioritize candidates with strong French language proficiency or work experience in STEM occupations.
• Tech Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, which allow provinces and territories to nominate foreign skilled workers for immigration to their provinces.
• Quebec’s Facilitated Processing Stream, which allows Quebec employers to hire temporary foreign skilled workers in certain target occupations without having to obtain an LMIA.

These programs offer a variety of pathways to immigration for tech workers, and they can be a great way to start a new life in Canada.