Canada is introducing an accelerated immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders as part of a wider strategy to attract highly skilled professionals and strengthen its innovation ecosystem. The initiative is included in the 2025 Federal Budget and aims to address labour shortages in key sectors while boosting innovation across the country.
The government said the new pathway seeks to “strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries and other key sectors,” according to CIC News. The programme is designed to target professionals affected by the recent increase in US H-1B visa fees and to fill gaps in sectors such as healthcare, research, and advanced technology.
Fast-track immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders
Under the plan, Canada will launch a dedicated immigration route for individuals currently holding or having previously held a US H-1B visa. CIC News reported that the measure is intended to leverage recent changes in the US programme, which includes a fee hike under President Donald Trump, to attract skilled workers who might otherwise seek opportunities in the US. The pathway forms part of the broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan outlined in the 2025 Federal Budget.
Funding boost for research and talent recruitment
The Budget allocates CA$1.7 billion to recruit over 1,000 international researchers through a one-time initiative, according to CIC News. The funding breakdown includes:
• CA$1 billion over 13 years to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to launch a new Accelerated Research Chairs initiative.
• CA$400 million over seven years to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide research infrastructure.
• CA$133.6 million over three years to assist international PhD students and post-doctoral fellows in relocating to Canada.
• Up to CA$120 million over 12 years to help universities hire international assistant professors.
These investments are intended to support Canadian universities in attracting top global talent and equipping them with the resources necessary for cutting-edge research.
Boosting recognition of foreign credentials
Budget 2025 also proposes establishing a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, with CA$97 million allocated over five years starting in 2026-27, according to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The fund will work with provinces and territories to streamline the recognition of international qualifications, with a focus on sectors facing acute shortages such as healthcare and construction.
Context and motivation behind the move
The new pathway is partly a response to the US H-1B programme fee increases under President Donald Trump, which prompted Canada to position itself as a more attractive destination for skilled professionals. CIC News reported Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that “not as many people are going to get visas to the US. And these are people with lots of skills, enterprising, and willing to move to work. So, it’s an opportunity for Canada, and we are going to take that into account, and we are going to have a clear offering on that.”
Expected benefits and high-demand sectors
The Canadian government expects the initiative to fill labour shortages in healthcare, research, advanced industries, and other strategic sectors, according to CIC News. By combining accelerated visa pathways with targeted research funding and improved credential recognition, Canada aims to enhance its global competitiveness and innovation capacity.
The 2025 Budget outlines a coordinated approach across immigration, research funding, and workforce recognition to attract and retain top international talent. Officials indicated that implementation details and additional guidance would be released in the coming weeks, signalling a major step in Canada's long-term strategy for economic growth and technological advancement.
The government said the new pathway seeks to “strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries and other key sectors,” according to CIC News. The programme is designed to target professionals affected by the recent increase in US H-1B visa fees and to fill gaps in sectors such as healthcare, research, and advanced technology.
Fast-track immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders
Under the plan, Canada will launch a dedicated immigration route for individuals currently holding or having previously held a US H-1B visa. CIC News reported that the measure is intended to leverage recent changes in the US programme, which includes a fee hike under President Donald Trump, to attract skilled workers who might otherwise seek opportunities in the US. The pathway forms part of the broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan outlined in the 2025 Federal Budget.
Funding boost for research and talent recruitment
The Budget allocates CA$1.7 billion to recruit over 1,000 international researchers through a one-time initiative, according to CIC News. The funding breakdown includes:
• CA$1 billion over 13 years to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to launch a new Accelerated Research Chairs initiative.
• CA$400 million over seven years to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide research infrastructure.
• CA$133.6 million over three years to assist international PhD students and post-doctoral fellows in relocating to Canada.
• Up to CA$120 million over 12 years to help universities hire international assistant professors.
These investments are intended to support Canadian universities in attracting top global talent and equipping them with the resources necessary for cutting-edge research.
Boosting recognition of foreign credentials
Budget 2025 also proposes establishing a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, with CA$97 million allocated over five years starting in 2026-27, according to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The fund will work with provinces and territories to streamline the recognition of international qualifications, with a focus on sectors facing acute shortages such as healthcare and construction.
Context and motivation behind the move
The new pathway is partly a response to the US H-1B programme fee increases under President Donald Trump, which prompted Canada to position itself as a more attractive destination for skilled professionals. CIC News reported Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that “not as many people are going to get visas to the US. And these are people with lots of skills, enterprising, and willing to move to work. So, it’s an opportunity for Canada, and we are going to take that into account, and we are going to have a clear offering on that.”
Expected benefits and high-demand sectors
The Canadian government expects the initiative to fill labour shortages in healthcare, research, advanced industries, and other strategic sectors, according to CIC News. By combining accelerated visa pathways with targeted research funding and improved credential recognition, Canada aims to enhance its global competitiveness and innovation capacity.
The 2025 Budget outlines a coordinated approach across immigration, research funding, and workforce recognition to attract and retain top international talent. Officials indicated that implementation details and additional guidance would be released in the coming weeks, signalling a major step in Canada's long-term strategy for economic growth and technological advancement.
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