In a bold move to strengthen its innovation-driven economy, Canada has announced a new fast-track immigration route for H-1B visa holders.
The initiative, part of the 2025 Federal Budget, is designed to attract global talent, fill ongoing labour gaps, and boost the country’s competitiveness in technology, healthcare, and research sectors.
The timing is strategic — as the United States raises H-1B visa fees and tightens immigration rules, many skilled professionals are looking for alternatives.
Canada now aims to become their top choice.
A New Path for Skilled Professionals and Researchers
The new program is a major element of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which focuses on making it easier and faster for skilled workers to enter the country.
According to government officials, the goal is to “address labour shortages and strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem.”
Alongside the immigration reforms, the government also plans to recruit over 1,000 international researchers, supported by a CA $1.7 billion investment.
This funding will help universities and research institutions bring in top global talent, close skill gaps, and accelerate innovation across key sectors.
Major Research Funding Breakdown
Here’s how the CA $1.7 billion investment will be distributed:
CA $1 billion over 13 years to research councils under the new Accelerated Research Chairs Initiative.
CA $400 million over seven years for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to improve research infrastructure.
CA $133.6 million over three years to support international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers relocating to Canada.
Up to CA $120 million over 12 years to help universities hire international assistant professors.
This major investment shows Canada’s long-term goal of becoming a global hub for cutting-edge research and development.
Making It Easier for Foreign Professionals to Work in Canada
To ensure skilled migrants can integrate smoothly, the government is also launching a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund worth CA $97 million over five years, beginning in 2026–27.
Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the fund will make it easier for foreign-trained professionals to get their qualifications recognized — especially in healthcare and construction, where demand is high.
Canada’s Plan to Become a Global Talent Magnet
Prime Minister Mark Carney has highlighted that attracting and retaining skilled professionals is essential for Canada’s long-term growth.
The 2025 Budget works in sync with reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and permanent residency pathways, creating smoother routes for global experts to settle and thrive in Canada.
By combining fast-track immigration for H-1B holders, large-scale research funding, and credential recognition reforms, Canada is positioning itself as a world leader in innovation and talent development — standing in sharp contrast to the increasingly restrictive U.S. immigration system.
