Canadian pilot programme enticing technology workers

A Canadian pilot immigration programme, designed to entice foreign technology workers to the country, is proving to be a success.

According to figures obtained by the Canadian broadcaster CBC, the Global Skills Strategy, which was launched in June, saw 1,600 technology workers arrive in Canada during its first two and a half months.

The two-year pilot scheme cuts the amount of time a foreign worker needs to wait for a work permit, with decisions being made within two weeks instead of months. It also makes it easier for immediate family members of the technology workers to enter Canada.

“The feedback from the private sector has been very positive,” Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development, told CBC News.

The figures show that more than 2,000 technology workers have already applied through the Global Skills Strategy — meaning about 80 per cent of the applications to the programme have so far been fast tracked.

The scheme is clearly having a positive impact on the number of technology-based arrivals in Canada. Last year, 8,785 tech workers moved to Canada. For the first eight months of 2017 the number is at 6,940 — nearly 80 per cent of last year’s total already.

Article published 13th November 2017