Canada unveils fast-track pathway for U.S. H-1B visa holders

The federal government has introduced new plans in the 2025 Budget to bring more skilled workers to Canada. The focus is on attracting top global talent, improving foreign credential recognition, and supporting Canada’s growing industries. Officials said these steps will help fill labour gaps and strengthen Canada’s economy.

New Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders

Canada plans to launch a special fast-track immigration pathway for skilled professionals currently holding U.S. H-1B visas. Many of these workers face challenges after the recent fee hike in the United States.

The government said this new route will “strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries and other key sectors.”

This move follows recent comments from Mark Carney, who highlighted Canada’s need to attract more tech talent. By offering an easier way for H-1B holders to come north, Canada hopes to draw experienced professionals who can boost its growing innovation and research sectors.

New International Talent Attraction Strategy

The 2025 Budget also introduces the International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan. The program aims to bring over 1,000 highly qualified international researchers to Canada. The government will invest up to $1.7 billion to support this effort.

The plan includes several funding measures:

• Research Chairs Initiative: $1 billion over 13 years starting in 2025-26 to help recruit global researchers for Canadian universities.
  
• Research Equipment Funding: $400 million over seven years to ensure these researchers have proper tools and facilities through the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
  
• Support for Graduate Talent: $133.6 million over three years starting in 2026-27 to bring top international PhD students and post-doctoral fellows to Canada.
  
• Hiring International Professors: Up to $120 million over 12 years beginning in 2026-27 to help universities recruit assistant professors from abroad.
  

Officials said more details on these programs will be released in the coming weeks.

Improving Foreign Credential Recognition

The government also plans to create the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund. This fund will help new Canadians use their professional qualifications in Canada more easily.

The budget sets aside $97 million over five years starting in 2026-27 for this program, led by Employment and Social Development Canada. The goal is to work with provinces and territories to make it faster and simpler for newcomers to have their credentials recognized, especially in healthcare and construction.

The funding will come from existing departmental resources.

Looking Ahead

These new measures show Canada’s growing commitment to attracting global talent and making it easier for skilled newcomers to work in their fields. The government believes these investments will help fill shortages, boost research and innovation, and support long-term economic growth.