Canada has announced a new accelerated immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders as part of the 2025 Federal Budget, aiming to attract skilled workers and strengthen the country’s innovation and research sectors.
The initiative targets professionals affected by the recent US H-1B visa fee increases and seeks to fill labour shortages in healthcare, advanced technology, and research, reports CIC News, as cited by ET.
The government said the goal is to “strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries and other key sectors.” The new H-1B program is part of a broader International Talent Attraction Strategy.
Over 1,000 international researchers
As part of the plan, Canada will launch a one-time recruitment initiative to bring in more than 1,000 international researchers, supported by up to CA $1.7 billion. This funding will allow Canadian universities to hire globally trained experts and support high-impact research programs.
Funding breakdown:- CA $1 billion over 13 years for a new Accelerated Research Chairs Initiative
- CA $400 million over seven years for research infrastructure
- CA $133.6 million over three years to help international PhD students and post-doctoral fellows move to Canada
- Up to CA $120 million over 12 years to hire international assistant professors
Foreign credential recognition to be streamlined
Budget 2025 also proposes a CA $97 million Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, starting in 2026–27. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada, the program aims to fast-track recognition of international training, focusing first on healthcare and construction, where shortages of licensed professionals are most severe.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasised the importance of attracting global talent to maintain Canada’s competitiveness. He said the government was “actively working toward a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors and regional needs," as quoted by ET.
The initiative also supports ongoing reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers.
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