b'IMMIGRATIONNEW IMMIGRATION PATHWAYSBy Warren HeeleyTech talent strategybringing highly skilled talent to CanadaT he Canadian government This was an exciting announcement inreached in less than 48 hours. This under-understands that there is an that it indicates IRCC now possesses thescored the incredibly high interest among escalating shortage of skilledtools to target specific industry needs inforeign-born workers in the U.S. to work workers throughout most indus- their immigration policies, explains Faronin Canada.tries, so attracting foreign workersCosco, business immigration lawyer at with high-calibre skills is vital to the Vialto Partners LLP. IRCC can now beAlso, there is a new Innovation stream countrys future.nimble and specific in how they respondunder the existing International Mobility to Canadian industry needs based on theirProgram (IMP) to attract highly talented To address this need, Immigration, Refugeespriorities and the feedback they individuals. Workers in industrial and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has beenare soliciting.innovation and skilled workers in select introducing a number of new programs inin-demand occupations will be able to the last few years aimed at making CanadasAs noted in the governments news apply for employer-specific work permits immigration policy world-class and ensuringrelease on the program, this strategyfor up to five years. This program will be the country remains an attractive destina- includes new measures and improvementsexempt from the current labour market tion for potential talent.on existing measures to help assessment process (LMAP) included in businesses in Canada thrive in a the Global Talent Stream program. A new program was announced this pastcompetitive landscape.A strategy targeting digital nomads June at Collision 2023, a conference oftenOne of these measures was the creation ofwho perform their jobs remotely from called the Olympics of Tech. It representsa streamlined open work permit for H-1Banywhere in the world is also being Canadas first immigration program withspecialty occupation visa holders in thedeveloped. IRCC will work with public a tech talent strategy and aims to ensureU.S. who can apply for a Canadian workand private partners to create new policies that Canadian companies have access to thepermit. The program launched in July,to attract nomads and help them explore international skilled workers they need toand the response was so overwhelmingopportunities with Canadian employers drive innovation and new technologies.that the initial cap of 10,000 slots waswhile they are here, including pathways 16PERSPECTIVES Fall 2023'