b'IMMIGRATIONto permanent residence. Currently, digitalCanada is moving towards a world-classStrategy in that it will permit Canadian nomads need a visitor visa when workingvisa free immigration system wherecompanies to bring highly skilled remotely from Canada and it is limited tocriteria is not based on the applicantspersonnel to Canada in significantly less six months. country of origin but instead uses criteriatime and have them work for a longer Equally important is Ottawas intent tothat include the skills the applicant bringsperiod before having to renewimprove the Global Skills Strategy (GSS)to the country, says Graeme Black, immi- their documentation.and the Start-up Visa Program (SVP) bygration lawyer with KPMG. meeting the two-week processing time forCompanies have already been able to take work permit applications. The governmentROLLING OUT THE STRATEGY advantage of the improved immigration will also allocate more spots for highlyThe new Innovation Stream will be ininitiatives this summer, although it is still skilled applicants in the SVP.place by the end of 2023, and stakeholdertoo soon to gauge the full impact. We feedback is a key component for theneed details and to see the new programs Other changes under the strategy includevarious approaches. This feedback will beunfold before they can be properly allowing people to apply for a workreceived through stakeholder consultationsassessed by industry, says Cosco. permit for up to three years instead ofin the coming months. Adds Black, We understand and agree the current one-year duration, removingMeanwhile the Global Skills Strategy,with the direction IRCC is going. We are limits on work permits that restrict them tolooking forward to the Ministrys progress applicants working for their own start-upwhich began in 2017, remains in place and those deemed essential and urgentlywith measures to assist Canadianas this new program unfolds.needed, and putting an emphasis on appli- companies with quick access to foreignFortunately, Canada remains a top destin-cants supported by investment groups andskilled workers. The IRCC is nowation for many in the global community. committed capital. returning to the two-week standard forImpressively, the country ranked as the completing Global Talent Stream assess- most attractive destination for immigrant The government stressed that the strategyments and work permit applications for would solidify the countrys commitmentCanadian companies. entrepreneurs in a 2023 OECD report. to aggressive international skills recruit- How quickly and easily it brings in new ment to ensure Canada fills in-demandThe much-lauded Start-up Visa Programtalent moving forward, however, will jobs now and attracts the highly skilledis scheduled to be in place later in 2023.determine if Canada continues to maintain people it needs for jobs of the future.The program builds on the Global Skillsits high ranking in the long run.Fall 2023PERSPECTIVES17'