Canada launches an accelerated PR pathway for H-1B holders, i.e., the federal government has announced plans to recruit international talent and improve foreign credential recognition in the 2025 budget. 

Let us take a look at some of the key highlights. 

A New Pathway For H-1B Visa Holders 

The 2025 budget states that the government is planning to launch an accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders. 

Moreover, the measure has been announced to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries, and other key sectors. 

This measure aligns with Mark Carney’s recent statements on attracting tech talent to Canada, particularly those who have been affected by the United States’ H-1B fee hike. 

Launch Of The International Talent Attraction Strategy And Action Plan

The 2025 budget proposes a targeted, one-time initiative to recruit 1000+ highly qualified international researchers to Canada and invest up to $1.7 billion in related measures. 

These measures include providing funding for the following: 

  • To launch an accelerated research Chairs initiative to recruit international researchers to Canadian universities ($1 billion over 13 years, starting 2025–26, to the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council, Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research)
  • To enable top international PhD students and post‑doctoral fellows to relocate to Canada ($133.6 million over three years, starting 2026–27)
  • To help universities recruit international assistant professors (up to $120 million over 12 years, starting 2026–27)
  • And lastly, to help these Chairs have the equipment they need to conduct research in Canada ($400 million over seven years, beginning 2025–26, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation)

The government will announce more details about these measures in the coming weeks.

Establishing The Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund 

Budget 2025 proposes $97 million over five years (beginning 2026-2027) for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to establish the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund. 

This aims to help ESDC work with provinces and territories to improve foreign credential recognition, with a special focus on healthcare as well as construction. 

Moreover, funding would come from existing departmental resources.

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