Canada to Roll Out Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders to Boost Skilled Worker Recruitment

Kritika Pandey

Updated On Nov 5, 2025

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The Canadian government has introduced new plans to recruit international talent. Scroll through and find new pathways for H-1B visa holders, the international talent strategy & action plan, and more.

Canada to Roll Out Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders to Boost Skilled Worker Recruitment

The Canadian government has introduced plans to recruit international talent and enhance foreign credentials as part of the 2025 budget measures. Here's a quick rundown of what they plan to implement:

New, Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders

One of the best initiatives is the launch of an accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders. This new route is made to build up Canada鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in sectors like healthcare, research, and advanced industries.

The move aligns with recent comments from Mark Carney about bringing more tech talent into Canada, especially those affected by the U.S. H-1B fee hikes.

Also Read: Canada鈥檚 IRCC Announces Which PR Applicant It Processes in 2025

Launch of the International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan

Canada is also rolling out a targeted, one-time initiative to bring over 1,000 highly qualified international researchers into the country. An investment of up to $1.7 billion will support various related measures:

A substantial $1 billion will be invested over 13 years (starting 2025鈥�26) to create an accelerated program for research Chairs. This money will go to the country's main research granting agencies (NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR) and is intended to directly recruit elite international researchers to Canadian universities.
To ensure these new research leaders can hit the ground running, $400 million is set aside for over seven years (starting 2025鈥�26) for the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
To build the next generation of researchers, $133.6 million is proposed over three years (starting 2026鈥�27) to help top international PhD students and postdoctoral fellows move to and settle in Canada.
Universities will also receive support, with up to $120 million over 12 years (starting 2026鈥�27) specifically designated to help them recruit talented international assistant professors.

Also Read: Canada to Redefine Immigration Strategy to Attract Skilled Global Talent & Boost Innovation

Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund

The government has also earmarked $97 million over five years (starting 2026鈥�27) for the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund (managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)). The fund aims to focus on the recognition process of foreign credentials, with a particular focus on the healthcare and construction sectors. The resources will come from existing departmental funds.

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