Individuals employed in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who desire to relocate to Canada are presented with a plethora of possibilities. There are several routes available for Canada’s migration and work permit for STEM professionals.
Prior to the most recent revisions, Canada already provided numerous avenues for permanent residency. And employment visas to international STEM professionals. However, Canada has recently concentrated its efforts on broadening these prospects to entice a greater influx of STEM expertise. Ultimately bolstering its economic progress and bolstering its standing on the world stage.
Outlined below is a concise summary of notable options for permanent and temporary residence available to STEM specialists in Canada, duly considering these recent advancements.
Permanent residency through Express Entry: A popular federal immigration pathway
Canada’s federal government utilizes Express Entry as its main approach for accepting skilled immigrants.
Moreover, on May 31, Sean Fraser, the immigration minister, announced the initiation of selection draws based on categories for applicants under Express Entry. The IRCC will give priority consideration to Express Entry candidates who possess proficient French language abilities or have work experience in the designated sectors:
- Healthcare
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
In its first STEM category-focused selection, which occurred on July 5th. Furthermore, the IRCC extended an invitation to 500 individuals working in STEM fields to apply for permanent residency.
Both specific and general Express Entry selections aim to attract highly qualified candidates who can help address labor and market gaps in Canada. As well as contribute to economic goals.
The Express Entry pool employs a points-based system called the CRS to rank applicants. This system takes into account various factors, such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
Furthermore, to receive an invitation through a category-focused selection, you must meet all the requirements specified by the IRCC for that particular draw.
Canada’s migration and work permit routes for STEM professionals – Global Talent StreamWork Permits
An alternative to the regular work permit for foreign professionals working in I.T. (Global Talent Stream), or GTS as it is commonly known, is the Global Talent Stream (GTS). Apart from expediting work permit applications for IT professionals with exceptional skills, this program implements a variety of other measures.
Categorized into two distinct categories, the GTS consists of two parts.
- Category A includes high-growth organizations that can prove they need to hire distinctive, specialized workers from outside. As well as GTS referrals must come from a designated referral partner in this category.
- A category B employer fills a position on the Global Talent Occupations List based on its in-demand status and lack of labor supply.
It is possible that STEM employees may qualify under Category B since many of these occupations are in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that Quebec has access to the GTS as well.
Work permits issued under Quebec’s Facilitated Processing Stream
The Facilitated Processing Stream in Quebec allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers. It also waives some of the requirements for the labor impact assessment (LMIA), such as posting a job or making other efforts to recruit.
Despite being under no obligation to advertise the position for which foreign workers are sought. Also, Quebec’s employers must demonstrate the following:
- Foreign workers meet educational and experience requirements, as well as National Occupational Classification criteria.
- The hourly wage offered to foreign workers aligns with rates for Canadians and permanent residents in the same occupation and area.
- High-wage LMIA applications necessitate a transition plan, except for Quebec’s facilitated process.
- In Quebec, a transition plan is only mandatory for subsequent LMIA applications in the same occupation and location.
Furthermore, all categories of occupations qualified for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are included in the list of facilitated occupations for Quebec. STEM-related occupations make up a large portion of these jobs.
H1-B Open Work Permit Program launching on July 16
Applications will begin accepting for the new H1-B open work permit program on July 16, 2023. It is still in the process of finalizing the eligibility criteria and other specifics of the program.
Moreover, a number of Americans on H1-B specialist occupation visas have the ability to enter Canada on an expedited work permit. In the event a candidate meets the program’s requirements and is approved, they will receive an open work visa valid for three years. This permits them to work for just about any employer in the country.
Through this action, the IRCC is certain qualified professionals will have a better chance at continuing to work in the high-tech industry while fostering economic development in North America.
A temporary resident visa may also be applied for by the spouses. As well as dependents of the applicants with the appropriate job or study authorization.
In accordance with the policy, the IRCC will receive 10,000 applications within a year or until the policy expires. So, family members accompanying major applicants are not included in the application cap.
