CIMM – Innovation Stream of the International Mobility Program (IMP) – November 07, 2023

Key Facts and Figures

• On June 27, 2023, IRCC announced Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy.
• The Tech Talent Strategy consists of four pillars: 
  • Open work permits of up to three years for H-1B Specialty Occupations visa holders, capped at 10,000 applications received.
  • The development of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals
  • The promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads
  • Improving the Start-Up Visa program for permanent residency and processing times under the Global Skills Strategy.

Key Messages

• Canada is emerging as a global tech leader, and IRCC is aiming to ensure that Canada is attracting the skills and business talent to create the jobs of tomorrow.
• IRCC is creating a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment requirement to attract highly talented individuals.
• IRCC plans to consult with provincial and territorial partners over the coming months, and continue to liaise with industry stakeholder groups to further refine the proposal.

Supplementary Information

• Stakeholders have shared that labour shortages are persistent in key tech occupations, such as software engineers and developers, and information systems specialists.
• IRCC’s proposal for a new innovation stream includes two options, and the Department intends to consult with provincial and territorial partners and industry stakeholders on the option(s) chosen once a Ministerial decision is taken. These options include: 
  • employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to work for a company identified by the Government of Canada as contributing to our industrial innovation goals
  • open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations