Ottawa is preparing to relaunch an accelerated immigration pathway for U.S. H-1B visa holders and other skilled professionals as part of its 2025 Federal Budget.

The initiative, though absent from the new Immigration Levels Plan, signals a targeted move to strengthen Canada’s position as a global destination for top talent.

The government has allocated $97 million over five years to accelerate foreign credential recognition in healthcare and construction, along with $1.4 billion to attract leading researchers through a new Research Chairs Program.

While detailed program criteria and caps have not yet been released, the measure is framed around sectors such as technology, healthcare, and research, where skilled labour shortages are most pressing.

The new H-1B pathway is also seen as a response to tightening U.S. immigration rules that limit career options for highly qualified workers.

By creating a faster, more predictable path to permanent residency, Canada aims to attract innovators, scientists, and tech experts seeking long-term stability.

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