Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy: 10,000 H-1B To Get 3-Year Open Work Permit

Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy 2023  

Announced on: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Program

Details

Applicable from

H-1B

● Creation of Canadian Open Work Permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders

● Open Work Permits for up to 3 years in duration, can work for any employer anywhere in Canada.

● Dependents can join on temporary resident visas.

● Canada Study Permit or Canada Work Permit options for H-1B visa holder’s accompanying family members

● 10,000 principal applicants to benefit

● To remain in effect for 1 year or until cap of 10,000 reached

The new work permits for H-1B visa holders will be available from July 16, 2023.

Express Entry

Creation of a STEM-based draw under the newly-announced category-based selection criteria

Innovation Stream

To be developed under the International Mobility Program to attract high-skilled foreign workers.

● Employer-Specific Work Permits for up to 5 years, for company identified by the Canadian Government as contributing to industrial innovation goals

● Open Work Permits for up to 5 years for high-skilled workers in specific in-demand occupations

Expected to be launched by end-2023.

Global Skills Strategy (GSS)

A return to the 14-day service standard for work permits under GSS.

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Start- Up Visa (SUV) Program

● More visa spaces in 2023, with further increases in 2024 & 2025

● Can apply for a 3-year work permit, instead of existing 1 year

● Can apply for Open Work Permit, instead of existing permit that limits them to work only for their own start-up

● 3-year Open Work Permit available for every member of entrepreneurial team, instead of existing limitation to only those essential and urgently needed in Canada

● Priority to be given to those supported by - (1) venture capitals, (2) angel investor groups, (3) business incubators that have capital committed.

● Priority also to be given to those supported by business incubators that are members of Canada’s Tech Network.

Changes in the work permit option as well as the application prioritization plan to be in place later this year.

Promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads.