Canada is currently faced with an unparalleled opportunity to enhance its tech hub with highly-skilled immigrants from across the globe as the Trump administration continues to restrict immigration into the United States. As of December 7th, 2020, new regulations by U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Labor will come into effect further limiting the number of immigrants under the H-1B visa with the goal of “protecting American jobs.” These new measures will unquestionably result in highly educated and skilled foreign workers turning to Canada in search of stability and new opportunities with its welcoming and consistent immigration policy as well as its admirable management of the pandemic.

A provocative ad campaign in Silicon Valley by #Communitech in August of this year is a great example of how the Canadian tech ecosystem has already made its intention to absorb and welcome workers impacted by the clampdown on H-1B visas known. With seven of the planet’s ten biggest tech companies conducting research and development in Ontario, the Kitchener-Waterloo priding itself on being the world’s second area with the highest number of start-ups per capita and Toronto establishing itself as one of the top-five tech talent markets in North America, it is no wonder that several tech companies and tech workers are looking to relocate to and invest within Canada in consideration of the rising rejection rate of H-1B visa applications in the United States.

Furthermore, Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is one example of a popular streamlined work permit program that has been used to bring H1B holders specializing in IT and STEM-related occupations to Canada on an expedited basis. GTS is focused on foreign talents specialized in IT and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The processing time for a work permit under this program is only two weeks and there is no cap limit on the number of application intakes per year and consists of a foreseeable pathway to permanent residency, thus being perfectly situated to profit from a probable migration of highly skilled workers from south of the border.

At heart, Canada is a thriving country and tech companies and tech workers would be wise to choose Canada for its innovation as well as its ability to harness talent and generate financial success.

Please refer to our LinkedIn page to get access to online webinars or articles posted on the most recent Canadian immigration updates. To discuss the details of your situation, please reach out to our office and we will gladly assist you.