Canada to Target H-1B Visa Holders and Launch International Talent Action Strategy

On This Page You Will Find:

• Overview of Canada’s International Talent Action Strategy
• New accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders
• Major research recruitment and funding measures
• Efforts to improve foreign credential recognition
• Integration and long-term goals of the 2025 strategy

Overview: Canada’s New Focus on International Talent

Budget 2025 introduces the International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan, a cornerstone of Canada’s efforts to strengthen its economy through highly skilled immigration.

The initiative positions Canada to compete globally for the best researchers, innovators, and professionals, while keeping immigration levels sustainable. The government says the plan will ensure that immigration continues to meet strategic labour market needs and supports sectors critical to the country’s long-term competitiveness.

The strategy builds on Canada’s reputation as a hub for technology, healthcare, and research, while addressing current challenges such as labour shortages and the under-utilisation of immigrant skills.

Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders

A major component of the new strategy is the upcoming accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders. This measure follows the success of Canada’s 2023 pilot that welcomed thousands of highly skilled U.S.-based tech workers whose American visas were set to expire.

In the coming months, Canada will open this fast-track immigration stream to attract skilled professionals in healthcare, research, advanced industries, and emerging technology sectors.

By offering a clear route to work and settle in Canada, the government aims to capture talent from the United States that faces growing immigration uncertainty. This approach aligns with broader goals to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem and sustain growth in strategic sectors.

Recruiting Top Global Researchers

The International Talent Attraction Strategy also focuses on bringing world-class researchers and academics to Canada. Over $1.7 billion has been allocated to support research recruitment and infrastructure from 2025 through 2038.

Key Investments Include:

• $1 billion over 13 years to Canada’s major research councils to launch an accelerated Research Chairs initiative, aimed at recruiting exceptional international researchers.
• $400 million over seven years for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and laboratory equipment for these researchers.
• $133.6 million over three years, beginning in 2026–27, to help leading international doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows relocate to Canada.
• Up to $120 million over 12 years, starting in 2026–27, to help universities recruit outstanding international assistant professors.

These initiatives will attract experts in fields such as engineering, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and clean technology – areas seen as central to Canada’s economic future.

Improving Foreign Credential Recognition

Canada also plans to unlock the potential of immigrants already living in the country who are under-employed due to credential barriers.

Over $97 million will go toward the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, which will work with provinces and territories to make the process faster and fairer.

The fund will prioritise healthcare and construction sectors, where qualified professionals are often unable to work in their fields despite having strong international experience.

The government notes that more than half of immigrants with a university degree are overqualified for their jobs, representing billions in lost economic potential each year.

Supporting Transition to Permanent Residence

In addition to recruiting new global talent, Budget 2025 proposes a one-time measure to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 existing work permit holders to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027.

These individuals have already built lives and careers in Canada and are contributing through taxes and community engagement. This policy aims to retain workers who have proven to be a good fit for the economy and society.

Integration and Future Outlook

Together, these measures mark a significant step toward reshaping Canada’s immigration system into a tool for long-term economic strategy.

The government’s approach aims to balance talent recruitment, integration, and sustainability, while addressing housing and service capacity concerns through stable immigration targets.

As global competition for skilled professionals intensifies, the new International Talent Action Strategy signals Canada’s commitment to attracting and retaining world-class innovators – including those from the U.S. technology sector who may be seeking more predictable immigration opportunities.

Further details on the H-1B pathway and recruitment processes are expected later this year.

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