Government of Canada Launches Global Skills Strategy to Attract Skilled Foreign Talent

The Government of Canada this week released is much-anticipated Global Skills Strategy, which will give employers a faster and more predictable process for attracting top talent and new skills to the country, creating economic growth and more middle-class jobs for Canadians, according to the government.

“Employers that are making plans for job-creating investments in Canada will often need an experienced leader, dynamic researcher or an innovator with unique skills not readily available in Canada to make that investment happen,” said The Honorable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

As part of the Strategy, which includes four pillars, high-skilled workers coming to Canada on a temporary basis are now able to benefit from two-week processing of applications for work permits and, when necessary, temporary resident visas, according to the government; open work permits for spouses and study permits for dependants will also be processed in two weeks when applicable.

“We’re keeping Canada competitive in the global marketplace and helping our industries grow and succeed,” said The Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labor.

Researchers coming to Canada will be permitted one 120-day stay every 12 months without requiring a work permit when they are working on a research project at a publicly-funded degree-granting institution or affiliated research institution.

“Paired with Budget 2017’s investments in innovation, skills and education, Canadians can feel confident we’re building the foundation for a bright future for our economy,” said MP Roger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.