Canada has announced a series of new immigration initiatives aimed at attracting foreign talent and addressing the country’s skills shortage. The initiatives include a “digital nomad strategy” and a new immigration stream for tech talent.
The “digital nomad strategy” will allow foreign workers to stay and work in Canada for up to six months. If these workers secure a job offer while in the country, they can extend their stay. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser believes this strategy will be beneficial for Canada, as these workers will contribute to the local economy.
In addition to the digital nomad strategy, the federal government will be developing an immigration stream for tech talent by the end of the year. This stream will allow some of the world’s most talented individuals to come to Canada to work for tech companies, regardless of whether they have a job offer. The specific qualifications and the number of people to be admitted under this stream are yet to be clarified.
The third new program announced is specifically aimed at the United States. Starting July 16, the government will create an open work-permit stream to allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in Canada. The program will also provide for study or work permits for their family members.
These initiatives come alongside the fifteenth Express Entry draw of 2023, where Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,300 candidates in an all-program draw. Candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486 to qualify.
Starting later in the summer, IRCC will hold draws specifically for candidates falling into six new categories, including healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and individuals with strong French speaking abilities.
These new immigration initiatives reflect Canada’s commitment to attracting international talent and addressing its skills shortage. They also highlight the country’s recognition of the value that foreign workers can bring to its economy and communities.
