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On June 27, 2023, at the Collision 2023 conference, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Mr. Sean Fraser, announced Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy. This represents a significant breakthrough aimed at supporting the growth of businesses in Canada in an increasingly competitive environment. The strategy focuses not only on attracting top tech professionals from around the world but also on fostering creativity and innovation, helping Canada solidify its position on the global tech map.
At the Collision 2023 conference, several new measures to attract tech talent to Canada were announced, including:
Individuals currently holding a U.S. H-1B visa can apply for a Canadian work permit. They will also have the option to study or work alongside accompanying family members.
Minister Sean Fraser Announces Policies to Attract Talent
Employer-Specific Work Permits: Issuance of work permits for up to five years for workers intending to contribute to companies identified by the Government of Canada as significantly advancing innovation objectives in the industry.
Open Work Permits: Issuance of open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations designated by the government.
14-Day Service Standard: Restoring the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Talent Stream to ensure faster processing times for work permit applications.
Promoting Canada as a Destination for Digital Nomads: Enhancing Canada's reputation as an attractive destination for remote workers and digital nomads.
STEAM-Specific Draws: Introducing a specific draw for professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields to issue additional Invitations to Apply under the Express Entry system.
Updates to the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV): Implementing positive updates to the Start-Up Visa Program to attract innovative entrepreneurs and start-up projects to Canada.
These measures are designed to enhance Canada’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining top tech talent, contributing to the growth of the digital economy and fostering innovatio.
The Government of Canada has implemented significant reforms to the Start-Up Visa Program to attract and support global entrepreneurs and tech talent. These changes include:
Positive Changes to the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV
Increased Program Quotas: The government has increased the program quotas for the Start-Up Visa in 2023, 2024, and 2025, allowing more entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to settle in Canada.
Extended Work Permits: Applicants can now apply for work permits lasting up to 3 years, compared to the previous 1-year limit. This extension provides entrepreneurs with more time to establish and grow their businesses in Canada.
Open Work Permits: Applicants are offered the option of open work permits, rather than being restricted to working only on their start-up ventures. This flexibility enhances career opportunities and work options.
Support for Business Team Members: Each member of a business team can now receive a 3-year open work permit, not just the principal applicant. This facilitates the relocation of start-ups with multiple key members to Canada.
Priority for Applicants Backed by Venture Capital Funds, Angel Investors, and Business Incubators: The government has prioritized applicants supported by these investment sources and pledged funding for those endorsed by business incubators that are part of the Canadian Tech Network.
The Canadian government is committed to not only addressing current labor market needs but also attracting skilled talent and entrepreneurial expertise to create future job opportunities. If you have any questions or need further information, do not hesitate to contact Second Citizenship for detailed consultation.
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