Canada is introducing an accelerated immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders as part of a wider strategy to attract skilled workers and strengthen its innovation ecosystem, according to the 2025 Federal Budget, as reported by CIC News. The initiative is launched to draw professionals affected by the recent US' H-1B fee hike and to fill labour gaps in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, research, and advanced technology.
The government said the move aims 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 pathway forms part of a broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan outlined in the budget.
Targeted recruitment of international researchers
Under the plan, Canada will undertake a one-time initiative to recruit over 1,000 international researchers, supported by a funding package of up to CA $1.7 billion. The investment will help Canadian universities hire top global talent and provide them with the tools needed for cutting-edge research.
The funding breakdown includes:
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Boosting recognition of foreign credentials
Budget 2025 also proposes establishing a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund with CA $97 million allocated over five years, beginning 2026–27. The initiative will be managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to work with provinces and territories to streamline the credential recognition process.
The fund will prioritise sectors such as healthcare and construction, where the shortage of licensed professionals remains acute. Funding will be drawn from existing departmental resources, the government said.
The new measures follow recent statements by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who emphasised the need to attract and retain global talent to maintain Canada’s competitiveness. In a speech to the Liberal caucus earlier this year, Carney said the federal government was “actively working toward a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors and regional needs.”
The initiative also aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to reform its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and improve opportunities for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency.
Through these measures, Ottawa aims to position Canada as a preferred destination for highly skilled professionals seeking stability and long-term career opportunities, particularly as the United States tightens its visa and fee structures.
By coupling accelerated visa pathways with targeted funding for research and talent mobility, the government hopes to strengthen the country’s role in global innovation and economic growth. The 2025 Budget underscores that these efforts are essential to sustain productivity and technological advancement amid shifting international labour dynamics.
The government said the move aims 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 pathway forms part of a broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan outlined in the budget.
Targeted recruitment of international researchers
Under the plan, Canada will undertake a one-time initiative to recruit over 1,000 international researchers, supported by a funding package of up to CA $1.7 billion. The investment will help Canadian universities hire top global talent and provide them with the tools needed for cutting-edge research.The funding breakdown includes:
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- CA $1 billion over 13 years to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research to launch a new Accelerated Research Chairs Initiative;
- CA $400 million over seven years to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide research infrastructure;
- CA $133.6 million over three years to help international PhD students and post-doctoral fellows relocate to Canada; and
- Up to CA $120 million over 12 years to assist universities in hiring international assistant professors.
Boosting recognition of foreign credentials
Budget 2025 also proposes establishing a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund with CA $97 million allocated over five years, beginning 2026–27. The initiative will be managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to work with provinces and territories to streamline the credential recognition process.The fund will prioritise sectors such as healthcare and construction, where the shortage of licensed professionals remains acute. Funding will be drawn from existing departmental resources, the government said.
The new measures follow recent statements by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who emphasised the need to attract and retain global talent to maintain Canada’s competitiveness. In a speech to the Liberal caucus earlier this year, Carney said the federal government was “actively working toward a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors and regional needs.”
The initiative also aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to reform its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and improve opportunities for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency.
Through these measures, Ottawa aims to position Canada as a preferred destination for highly skilled professionals seeking stability and long-term career opportunities, particularly as the United States tightens its visa and fee structures.
By coupling accelerated visa pathways with targeted funding for research and talent mobility, the government hopes to strengthen the country’s role in global innovation and economic growth. The 2025 Budget underscores that these efforts are essential to sustain productivity and technological advancement amid shifting international labour dynamics.
