Canada Unveils New Plan to Draw Top Global Researchers

Canada started a wide new effort to bring top researchers from around the world. The government introduced the Research Talent Initiative, a long-term plan that will help the country welcome leading experts in many fields. Officials want this push to support national growth and create strong benefits for people across Canada.

The plan creates three new streams for researchers who show strong promise and clear impact. These streams aim to recruit skilled talent in STEM, healthcare, French studies, and other areas. Successful candidates will enter Canada through current study and work permit programs.

Three New Programs for Researchers

The plan includes the Impact+ Research Chairs, Impact+ Emerging Leaders, and Impact+ Research Training Awards. Together, these streams target more than 1,000 researchers. Canada will invest up to $1.7 billion over ten years to support their work and help them settle.

The three new streams focus on key areas, including advanced digital tools such as AI and quantum technology, health research, clean tech, climate resilience, food and water security, democratic systems, advanced manufacturing, and defence technology.

The government also launched the Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund. It gives $400 million over six years to institutions so they can upgrade labs, buy tools, and support new researchers.

Impact+ Research Chairs

The Research Chairs program will fund about 100 top researchers. Canada plans to invest more than $1 billion over 12 years in this group. Institutions nominate candidates directly, and a competition model selects the final chairholders.

Successful nominees will receive $4–8 million or more over 8–12 years. Institutions must offer strong support, including help with settlement and immigration. The first registration deadline is March 10, 2026.

Nominees must work and live outside Canada at the time of nomination. They must qualify for a full or associate professor role and begin work in Canada within 12 months of accepting the award.

Most of these researchers will arrive under existing pathways for foreign academics. Their spouses and dependants will also qualify for open work permits.

Impact+ Emerging Leaders

This companion program supports early career researchers. Institutions can receive $100,000 each year for six years, with the chance for renewal. These positions will link to departments that already hold an Impact+ Research Chair.

Candidates must work outside Canada and hold a clear research program. They must start full-time work within 12 months of acceptance. The first deadline matches the Research Chairs deadline.

Selected researchers will come through LMIA-exempt work permit streams, similar to nominees in the Research Chairs program. Their families can usually receive open work permits.

Impact+ Research Training Awards

The Impact+ Training Awards support 600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers. Funding totals $133.6 million. Doctoral candidates get $40,000 a year for three years. Postdocs get $70,000 a year for two years. All awards must start by March 31, 2027.

Nominees must study or work abroad. They cannot hold a current link to a Canadian school or lab. Doctoral applicants need admission to a PhD program, while postdocs must meet postdoctoral requirements.

Study and work permits follow regular rules. Doctoral students benefit from a 14-day processing goal for study permits filed abroad. Postdocs will hold LMIA-exempt work permits.

Award holders must cover their own travel and moving costs. Institutions may offer extra help. Awardees can also receive paid parental leave.