Immigration Canada

Moving to Canada from the U.S. on an H-1B Visa: Your 2025 Guide

Introduction: From Uncertainty to Opportunity

If you're an H-1B visa holder in the United States, you are likely familiar with a landscape of uncertainty. The odds of being selected in the H-1B lottery have plummeted, with the selection rate for FY 2025 hitting a historic low of just 12.8%. For those who succeed, the path to a green card can be daunting, with backlogs stretching as long as 150 years for some applicants. Compounding this, recent layoffs in the tech sector have left many skilled professionals feeling insecure about their long-term future.

Amidst these challenges, Canada is presenting itself as a stable and welcoming alternative. The Canadian government is actively seeking skilled professionals and has set ambitious targets to welcome over 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025. However, it's crucial to understand that these targets are not static. Influential policy groups like the C.D. Howe Institute are recommending a "fundamental course correction" with a potential reduction in overall numbers. This evolving landscape underscores the need for strategic and timely action, as Canada shifts its focus to prioritize candidates with specific in-demand skills and valuable in-Canada experience.

1. Why H-1B Holders Are Choosing Canada: A Comparison

The contrast between the U.S. and Canadian immigration systems for skilled workers is stark. Canada has strategically designed its policies to attract the exact talent facing uncertainty south of the border.

U.S. H-1B System Challenges	Canada's Strategic Advantages
Lottery-Based System: Selection is based on chance, with historically low odds (12.8% in FY 2025).	Predictable, Points-Based System: Pathways like Express Entry rank candidates on skills, not luck.
Lengthy Path to PR: Green card backlogs can span decades for certain nationalities.	Direct PR Pathways: Express Entry offers a direct path to permanent residency for high-scoring candidates, often processed in under a year, bypassing the need for a temporary work permit.
Limited Spousal Work Rights: Spouses of H-1B holders face significant restrictions and delays in obtaining work authorization.	Immediate Open Work Permits for Spouses: Spouses of most skilled workers are eligible for open work permits upon arrival.
Employer-Specific Visa: The H-1B visa is tied to a specific employer, making job changes difficult and risky.	Employment Flexibility: Open work permits and permanent residency grant the freedom to work for nearly any employer.
Slow Processing Times: The entire H-1B process can take over six months, even before the lottery.	Fast-Track Processing: Programs like the Global Talent Stream process work permits in as little as two weeks.

Understanding these advantages, let's explore the primary pathways you can take to make the move to Canada.

2. Direct Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)

For many highly skilled professionals, it's possible to qualify directly for Canadian permanent residency without first needing a temporary work permit. These routes are designed to assess your "human capital"—your education, skills, and experience—and fast-track you to long-term status.

2.1. Express Entry: The Fastest Route for Skilled Workers

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for skilled immigrants. It operates on a points-based model called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks candidates in a pool based on key factors:

Age
Education level
Professional work experience
Language proficiency in English and/or French

Many H-1B holders are exceptionally strong candidates for Express Entry due to their advanced degrees, professional experience in high-demand fields, and strong language skills. Canada also conducts targeted draws for candidates with specific skills, such as the Express Entry STEM category draws, which directly invite tech professionals to apply for permanent residency.

Success Story: Rajiv, a software engineer stuck in the U.S. green card backlog for 8 years, applied for Express Entry. With a high CRS score, he received an Invitation to Apply and landed in Toronto as a permanent resident within 10 months.

2.2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Tailored Provincial Streams

If your CRS score isn't quite high enough for a direct Express Entry invitation, the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer an excellent alternative. Canadian provinces can "nominate" individuals who have the specific skills and experience needed in their local economies. A provincial nomination provides a significant boost to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.

Several provinces have dedicated streams for tech talent:

Ontario: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) regularly holds draws for tech professionals. In 2024, it held draws targeting tech professionals, issuing invitations to individuals with CRS scores as low as 460.
British Columbia: The BC PNP Tech stream provides a fast-tracked pathway for in-demand tech workers.
Alberta: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program includes streams that target skilled workers in the province's growing tech sector.

If a direct PR path isn't immediately available, several work permit options can serve as a strategic stepping stone to permanent residency.

3. Work Permit Pathways: Gaining Canadian Experience

Canada's immigration system increasingly favors a "two-step" model. Under this approach, individuals first come to Canada on a temporary work permit. While this two-step model is designed to overcome barriers like the devaluation of foreign experience, research shows that earnings gaps and underemployment persist, making the type of Canadian experience gained critically important for strengthening a future permanent residency application.

3.1. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

If your current U.S. employer has a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is an ideal option. This program allows companies to relocate key employees to Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The ICT is specifically designed for individuals in:

Executive or senior managerial roles
Functional managerial roles
Roles requiring "specialized knowledge" of the company's products, services, or processes

After working in Canada for 12 months, many ICT workers use their Canadian experience to become eligible for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

3.2. Pathways Requiring a Canadian Job Offer

If an ICT is not possible, securing a job offer from a Canadian employer opens several other doors.

The Global Talent Stream (GTS): This is Canada's premier fast-track program for employers hiring highly skilled tech talent. For roles on the Global Talent Occupations List, employers can get applications processed in as little as two weeks. It is a direct and efficient alternative to the H-1B lottery.
The Innovation Stream: This new, LMIA-exempt work permit is for skilled individuals with a job offer from one of Canada’s most promising high-growth companies. These companies are part of the "Global Hypergrowth Project" and include: Ada Support Inc., AlayaCare, Cellaegis, Clarius Mobile Health, Clio, Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, Lightspeed Commerce, and Vive Crop Protection. The process begins with the employer submitting the offer via the employer portal to receive an employment number, which the applicant then uses for their work permit application.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This is the standard route for many work permits. It requires a Canadian employer to first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available.

4. Important Update: The H-1B Open Work Permit Pilot

In 2023, Canada launched a pilot program offering open work permits to H-1B visa holders. This program was extremely popular and reached its capacity quickly.

Please note: this program is now closed to new applications from H-1B visa holders. The cap of 10,000 applications was reached on July 17, 2023.

Family members of those who successfully applied under this pilot may still be eligible to apply for their own open work permits until September 26, 2024.

While these pathways offer incredible opportunities, it's also important to have a clear picture of the realities of the Canadian job market and economy.

5. The Reality on the Ground: A Balanced Perspective

A strategic move requires a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges. While Canada's immigration system offers predictability, the labour market presents distinct hurdles that even highly skilled newcomers must navigate. Research shows that despite policy shifts like the "two-step" model, significant labour market disparities persist. Key barriers include:

Devaluation of Foreign Credentials and Work Experience: Education and experience gained outside of Europe or the U.S. are often discounted by Canadian employers. This is a particular challenge for racialized immigrants.
The "Canadian Experience" Requirement: Some employers create a catch-22 by requiring local experience, which is difficult for newcomers to obtain and can trap them in low-wage "survival jobs."
Underemployment ("Brain Waste"): This occurs when highly skilled immigrants work in low-skill jobs that do not match their education. This issue is growing; by 2016, over 60% of recent immigrants with a university degree experienced this mismatch.

First-hand accounts from those who have made the move reveal a clear trade-off. Many accept economic challenges like lower salaries, high taxes, and diminishing purchasing power in major cities in exchange for stability and peace of mind.

"We sleep better because we are not afraid of being kicked out the next day. If you lose your job you get some assistance unlike H1B where you become out of status." At the same time, others caution that "due to unmanageable levels of immigration there are way too many people for the few jobs here. As a result there is wage suppression because you have a lot of experienced people applying for entry level roles."

6. Charting Your Course: Your Next Steps

Canada offers clear, stable, and strategic pathways for H-1B visa holders looking for a secure future. The key is to move from uncertainty to action with a well-researched plan. While the journey requires careful preparation, the opportunity to build a life free from visa lotteries and endless backlogs is a powerful motivator.

Your Immediate Next Steps

Assess Your Profile: Use an online calculator to estimate your potential Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry. This will give you a clear idea of where you stand.
Explore Provincial Needs: Research the in-demand occupation lists for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta to see if your profession is a priority.
Speak with Your Employer: If your company has a Canadian presence, inquire about the possibility of an Intra-Company Transfer.
Stay Informed: Immigration policies evolve. For example, influential bodies like the C.D. Howe Institute are recommending shifts in Canada's immigration targets and selection criteria. Staying updated on announcements from IRCC is crucial to ensure your strategy aligns with the latest priorities.

Canada’s Untapped Opportunity: Turning U.S. H-1B Turmoil Into Canadian Talent Advantage

The U.S. government’s new restrictions on the H-1B visa program—complete with prohibitive fees and uncertain processing—have left thousands of highly skilled workers questioning their futures in America. For Canada, this disruption is an opportunity. By designing targeted policies, Canada can attract these skilled professionals, stabilize its tech workforce, and even provide a base for U.S. companies to keep them employed remotely from Canadian soil.

1. Fast-Track Pathway for H-1B Holders

Canada should build on its 2023 H-1B Open Work Permit pilot, which allowed 10,000 U.S.-based H-1B holders to obtain Canadian work permits in a matter of days. The program filled within 48 hours. This proves the demand exists.
Next steps:

Make the pilot permanent with an annual quota.
Offer an 18–24 month open work permit to H-1B holders and their families, with a direct pathway to permanent residence under Express Entry or provincial nominee programs.

2. Remote Work Hub Strategy

Many U.S. firms facing new visa fees could relocate roles to Canada if their talent pool moved north:

Cross-border remote work: H-1B holders in Canada can legally work for U.S. companies remotely, avoiding U.S. visa barriers.
Nearshoring incentive: Canada could offer tax credits or payroll rebates for U.S. companies that “nearshore” high-value roles into Canadian jurisdictions.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Establish hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Waterloo where foreign workers can base themselves while serving U.S. clients.

3. Bridging Programs & Integration

To maximize retention:

Credential recognition & upskilling: Partner with Canadian universities and tech accelerators to retrain workers in AI, quantum, cybersecurity, and green tech.
Family settlement supports: Provide relocation grants, fast school enrollment for children, and spousal open work permits.
Permanent pathways: Align with Express Entry’s STEM category-based draws to ensure long-term immigration success.

4. Marketing Canada as the “Safe Tech Harbour”

Canada should explicitly market itself as the “Plan B for global tech workers”:

Messaging to H-1B holders: Promote stability, permanent residence options, and healthcare as competitive advantages.
Messaging to U.S. companies: Position Canada as a “North American remote-work extension” — same time zones, cultural alignment, and IP protection, but without visa turmoil.
Global branding: A coordinated campaign led by IRCC, Global Affairs, and Invest in Canada could reframe Canada as the Silicon Valley safety net.

5. The Win-Win Outcome

For Canada: A direct influx of highly educated STEM workers and their families, fueling innovation and tax revenue.
For U.S. companies: Retention of critical talent, at lower administrative and legal risk.
For workers: A future anchored in stability, with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

Canada does not need to outcompete the United States. It only needs to open the door wider when the U.S. closes its own.

Canada Immigration Wait Times 2025: Backlogs, Processing Delays, and Policy Shifts

Canada’s immigration system is under unprecedented strain in 2025. New performance metrics reveal major differences across key immigration streams when it comes to processing times, inventory backlogs, and the percentage of applications that can realistically be finalized this year. While some programs continue to operate within service standards, others face staggering delays that raise serious concerns for both applicants and policymakers.

Federal High Skilled Programs: Efficiency Through Express Entry

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) streams continue to reflect the “just-in-time” design of Express Entry. Both programs show wait times of only 5–6 months, and nearly all existing inventory is projected to be finalized in 2025.

This demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining Express Entry as the flagship pathway for economic immigration. Quick processing times ensure Canada remains competitive in attracting global talent, particularly in professional and knowledge-based sectors.

Regional Pathways: PNP and AIP Under Pressure

By contrast, regional immigration programs are struggling to keep pace with rising demand.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP Base) shows a backlog of nearly 88,000 applications, with only 35% expected to be processed this year. New applicants may face wait times of up to 19 months.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is similarly overburdened, with 24-month waits and just 33% of inventory slated for completion.

These delays reflect the surplus of provincial nominations compared to federal admissions spaces. While provinces are eager to attract newcomers, federal capacity limits constrain how many applications can be finalized. This mismatch risks frustrating applicants and undermining confidence in Canada’s regionalization strategy.

Business Class and Pilot Programs: Decades-Long Wait Times

Perhaps the most alarming statistics come from business class and pilot programs, where wait times stretch into decades:

Start-Up Visa (SUV): 35 years (420 months) with only 2% of inventory processed in 2025.
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: 19 years (228 months) with 5% processed.
Caregiver Pilots: 9 years (108 months) with 14% processed.
Quebec Business: 9 years (108 months) with 3% processed.

These numbers reveal a deep structural imbalance: intake far exceeds admissions targets, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. The SUV program, in particular, has now been capped for new applications in an effort to reduce backlogs—a measure already applied to the Self-Employed Program.

Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications: Decades of Waiting

For in-Canada Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) claims, wait times range from 12 months to 50 years (600 months). With nearly 50,000 cases in inventory and only 13% expected to be processed this year, applicants face an uncertain future.

Special measures for groups such as Sudanese, Ukrainian, and Hong Kong residents also show limited progress. Despite large inventories (e.g., 24,400 for Ukraine and 21,000 for Hong Kong), only about 9–18% of cases will be finalized in 2025.

What This Means for Immigration Policy

The data paints a clear picture:

Express Entry remains efficient and central to Canada’s economic immigration strategy.
Regional programs are bottlenecked by limited federal spaces despite strong provincial demand.
Business class and pilot programs are unsustainable, with decades-long waits undermining credibility.
Humanitarian applications risk systemic failure without reforms to intake and processing capacity.

The federal government is beginning to respond by pausing new applications (Self-Employed) and capping others (SUV), signaling that intake restrictions may become a key tool for backlog management.

Conclusion: A System in Transition

Canada’s immigration system in 2025 is marked by extremes: efficiency in high-skilled pathways, crushing backlogs in business and humanitarian categories, and growing misalignment between federal admissions and provincial nominations.

The logical next step is for policymakers to recalibrate intake to match realistic processing capacity while expanding resources in overstretched programs. Without this, applicants in many categories will continue to face waits measured in decades, eroding trust in one of the world’s most respected immigration systems.

Canada s Economic Crossroads

How Canada Can Become a Global Semiconductor Powerhouse in the Next 30 Years

The semiconductor industry is the backbone of our modern world — powering everything from smartphones to satellites, cars to clean energy grids. But the global chip shortage in recent years revealed just how fragile the supply chain can be. Countries like the United States and European Union members have responded with massive investments to bring semiconductor production closer to home.

It’s time for Canada to take bold action too.

With abundant clean energy, political stability, critical minerals, and skilled talent, Canada has the ingredients to become a global leader in chip manufacturing. By learning from best practices in Taiwan, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe, Canada can secure its place in this trillion-dollar industry.

Why Semiconductors Matter for Canada

The global semiconductor market is expected to reach $1 trillion USD by 2030 (McKinsey & Company). If Canada moves now, we can attract billions in foreign direct investment (FDI), create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Three big advantages make Canada stand out:

Clean and Stable Energy – Nuclear, hydro, and hydrogen power offer reliable and low-carbon electricity essential for chip fabs.
Strategic Minerals – Canada has lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths needed for advanced electronics.
Trade Agreements – Access to U.S., EU, and Asia-Pacific markets through USMCA, CETA, and CPTPP.

Learning from Global Leaders

Taiwan built its chip dominance by combining government support, industry clusters, and a focus on engineering education. TSMC is now the world’s largest chipmaker.
United States launched the CHIPS Act in 2022, offering $52 billion USD in subsidies for domestic manufacturing and R&D.
European Union created the EU Chips Act, investing €43 billion in fabs, research centers, and skilled workforce programs.

These examples show that success requires policy support, infrastructure investment, and workforce development — all working together.

Canada’s 30-Year Semiconductor Strategy

Here’s how Canada could roll out its plan:

Phase 1 (2025–2030): Laying the Groundwork

Designate Semiconductor Manufacturing Zones (SMZs) in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and BC.
Build hydrogen and nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) to power fabs.
Create a Semiconductor Investment Act with $40B in tax credits and subsidies.
Launch a fast-track immigration pathway for chip engineers and technicians from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and India.

Phase 2 (2031–2040): Scaling Up

Open Canada’s first large-scale fabs with partners like TSMC or Samsung.
Develop critical mineral refining plants to secure the supply chain.
Expand public transit, housing, healthcare, and STEM schools in SMZ regions.
Promote Canada globally as a hub for high-tech manufacturing.

Phase 3 (2041–2055): Becoming a Global Leader

Establish the Canadian Semiconductor Export Agency (CSEA).
Invest in R&D for quantum and AI chips.
Operate fully autonomous, carbon-neutral fabs.
Lead international semiconductor alliances for supply chain security.

Benefits for Canadians

300,000+ new jobs across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and logistics.
Billions in foreign investment.
Stronger economic independence from unstable global markets.
Technological sovereignty for national security and innovation.

The Time to Act Is Now

If Canada waits, we risk being left out of the global semiconductor race. By making smart investments in energy, infrastructure, immigration, and education, Canada can become a critical player in one of the world’s most important industries — securing prosperity for decades to come.

How Immigration Can Help Solve Canada’s Housing Crisis

By Andy Rodriguez
Published: August 2025

Canada is facing a historic housing shortage that threatens affordability, social stability, and economic growth. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the country needs at least 3.5 million additional homes by 2030 to restore affordability — and that’s beyond the homes already planned.
To meet this challenge, Canada must think boldly and strategically.

One key solution? Integrating immigration policy directly into housing infrastructure planning.

📊 The Housing Gap by the Numbers

The shortfall affects every region, but especially Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta. For example:

Ontario: 1.85 million homes needed by 2030
Quebec: 860,000 homes
B.C.: 570,000 homes
Alberta: 450,000 homes

Smaller provinces and territories are also under pressure, with growing demand in medium and small cities such as Guelph, Nanaimo, Moncton, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit.

🛠 Immigration as a Strategic Tool for Housing Development

Canada already relies heavily on skilled newcomers to build its economy, but targeted immigration programs can do much more.
By designing housing-specific immigration pathways, we can attract both the skilled workers needed to construct new homes and the investors who can fund large-scale developments.

🏗 Proposed Immigration-Linked Programs

Here’s how this strategy could work:

1. National Housing Construction Visa (NHCV) – For Skilled Trades and Professionals

Target: Construction workers, engineers, architects.
Requirements: Valid job offer in construction, at least 2 years of experience, relevant trade certification.
Goal: Fill immediate labor shortages in housing projects.

2. Investor Housing Bonds Pathway – For Real Estate and Institutional Investors

Target: High-net-worth individuals and firms.
Requirements: Minimum $2M CAD investment in housing bonds for 5 years; proven development track record.
Goal: Direct private capital into affordable housing builds.

3. Regional Housing and Settlement Program – For Skilled Workers in Smaller Communities

Target: Tradespeople and property managers willing to relocate.
Requirements: Commit to living and working in target regions for 3+ years.
Goal: Balance population growth and revitalize smaller cities.

4. Green Housing Specialist Stream – For Sustainable Construction Experts

Target: Green building professionals and eco-construction innovators.
Requirements: Proven expertise in sustainable housing solutions.
Goal: Promote energy-efficient, eco-friendly building.

5. Affordable Housing Entrepreneur Program – For Housing Innovators

Target: Entrepreneurs developing new housing models or technologies.
Requirements: $500K CAD minimum investment, incubator/municipal partnership.
Goal: Innovate in affordable housing production.

6. Housing Innovation Research Visa (HIRV) – For R&D Experts

Target: Researchers in construction, materials science, AI, robotics.
Requirements: Master's/PhD, research proposal aligned with Canadian housing challenges.
Goal: Develop cost-effective, high-quality housing innovations.

🌱 Why This Matters

By linking immigration policy to housing development, Canada can:

Accelerate construction to close the housing gap.
Attract billions in private capital for infrastructure.
Distribute growth beyond major urban centers.
Promote sustainability in building practices.

📌 The Bottom Line

Canada’s housing crisis is solvable — but not with piecemeal efforts.
We need a coordinated national strategy that treats immigration as part of the solution, not just a population driver.
With targeted visas, investment pathways, and settlement programs, we can build the homes Canadians need while strengthening the economy.

Canada’s Healthcare at a Crossroads: How Immigration Can Strengthen Services and Build Our Workforce

By Andy Rodriguez

Canada’s healthcare system is under unprecedented strain. With an aging population, critical shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, and infrastructure gaps in both urban and rural communities, the demand for healthcare services is outpacing our system’s ability to respond.

The solution? A bold, targeted immigration program that not only brings in skilled healthcare workers but also attracts foreign investment to expand and modernize our healthcare infrastructure.

The Canada Health Services Growth & Workforce Program (CHSGWP)

The CHSGWP is a proposed immigration and investment initiative that aims to solve two major challenges at once:

Bring skilled healthcare workers to Canada to fill urgent staffing needs.
Attract international capital to fund new hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

This dual approach would address immediate gaps in service while building the capacity needed for the future.

Why This Program is Needed

Aging Population: By 2030, one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65, driving up healthcare demand.
Labour Shortages: Canada already faces a shortfall of more than 60,000 healthcare workers, including nurses, physicians, and support staff.
Infrastructure Gaps: Rural and fast-growing urban areas often lack adequate healthcare facilities.

Without action, these challenges could lead to longer wait times, reduced quality of care, and increased pressure on already overburdened healthcare workers.

How the CHSGWP Works

The program would have three targeted streams:

1. Healthcare Investment Stream (HIS)

Attracts $10M+ foreign investments for approved healthcare infrastructure projects.
Partnerships with provinces, municipalities, or Indigenous communities.
Fast-tracked Permanent Residency (PR) for investors upon meeting project milestones.

2. Healthcare Labour Mobility Stream (HLMS)

Brings qualified healthcare workers with recognized credentials to Canada.
Requires a job offer from an approved healthcare employer.
Provides a two-year work permit leading to PR for the worker and family.

3. Healthcare Entrepreneurs Stream (HES)

Targets foreign healthcare business owners willing to invest $2M+ in Canadian healthcare services.
Must employ at least 30% Canadian citizens or PRs.
Work permits for owners and a pathway to PR upon meeting operational goals.

Expected Results in Just 5 Years

30,000+ new healthcare workers in the system.
Dozens of new or modernized healthcare facilities across Canada.
Billions in private-sector investment into Canada’s healthcare system.
Improved access to care for both urban and rural populations.

Benefits for Canadians

Reduced wait times and improved patient care.
More healthcare workers to meet the needs of an aging population.
Economic growth through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Stronger healthcare services in communities of all sizes.

Next Steps for the Proposal

For the CHSGWP to move forward, the federal government should:

Approve it as a pilot program under immigration legislation.
Consult with Health Canada, provincial health authorities, and healthcare industry leaders.
Launch the first intake within 12 months to address urgent needs.

Final Thoughts

The CHSGWP is more than an immigration program — it’s a national strategy to ensure every Canadian has access to timely, high-quality healthcare, while also stimulating economic growth. With the right policies in place, Canada can become a global leader in healthcare innovation and accessibility, supported by the best talent and infrastructure from around the world.

Now is the time to act.

Proposal: “Strategic Growth Immigration Plan (SGIP)” – A Federal-Provincial Partnership for Regional Economic Development

🎯 Objectives

Support economic resilience in key sectors (construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing).
Attract high-human capital immigrants: skilled tradespeople, STEM professionals, and business investors.
Strengthen commercialization of innovation in Canada rather than abroad.
Promote population and investment growth in smaller cities and rural regions.
Reduce economic reliance on the U.S. by bolstering domestic production and internal trade.

I. Immigration Pathways to Support Industrial Development

A. Skilled Trades Stream under Express Entry – Targeted Expansion

Proposal: Expand Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) with:

Priority NOCs: electricians, welders, heavy equipment mechanics, engineers, machinists, pipefitters, millwrights.
Fast-track processing (<4 months) for applicants with job offers in critical sectors outside metro areas.
Mandatory employer onboarding for IRCC pre-approval.

B. Regional Infrastructure Worker Program (RIWP)

New Pilot under Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Designed for construction, energy, and mining projects outside Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Must be tied to a registered infrastructure or energy project (e.g., mine, dam, pipeline).
Employer consortia may sponsor batches of workers.
IRCC issues employer-specific open work permits tied to project duration.

C. National Credential Recognition Fund (via NOCR)

Fast-track credential equivalency in construction, engineering, and skilled trades.
Reduce delays for internationally trained professionals through digitized assessments and NOCR certification.
Launch foreign-to-Canadian trade certification bridging programs in key provinces.

II. Entrepreneur and Investor-Focused Programs

A. Innovation Commercialization Visa (ICV)

Aligned with CD Howe’s focus on commercializing Canadian IP:

For foreign inventors/entrepreneurs who agree to scale a patented product/service in Canada.
Requires:
- Proof of Canadian patent or IP rights.
- 2 Canadian employees within 12 months.
- $200,000 CAD minimum investment.
Offers PR after 2 years of verified business activity.

B. Regional Investor Program (RIP)

Focused on communities <100,000 population

For investors committing a minimum of $300,000 in manufacturing, mining, or renewable energy ventures.
PR eligibility after 2 years of verifiable job creation and business operation.
Target markets: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America.

C. Commercialization Start-up Visa (C-SUV)

Modification of Start-Up Visa program:

Requires Canadian VC or accelerator backing for manufacturing, clean tech, or mineral processing ventures.
Government co-matching fund of up to $200,000 via BDC or IRAP.
IP must remain domiciled in Canada with a plan for domestic scaling.

III. Regional Integration and Development Support

A. Canada Regional Growth Allocation (CRGA)

Immigration quotas allocated by IRCC to small cities based on:
- Housing availability.
- Healthcare capacity.
- Presence of industrial projects.
Allocations should favour communities participating in programs like Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) or new energy/mining corridor developments.

B. Municipal Partnership Incentives

Municipalities that adopt fast-track zoning and infrastructure support for housing immigrant workers receive federal infrastructure grants.
Tie in with the National Trade Corridors Fund and Indigenous Development Bank for inclusive regional growth.

IV. Alignment with C.D. Howe Priorities

Policy Goal	SGIP Alignment
Productivity Growth	Skilled worker attraction, SME expansion, commercialization of IP
Commercialization of Innovation	C-SUV and ICV routes retain IP in Canada
Reduced U.S. Dependence	Regional development and internal trade increase domestic capacity
Infrastructure Development	RIWP supports energy/mineral infrastructure; CRGA encourages investment in trade corridors
Immigration Reform	Points system strengthened, PNPs aligned with EE, regional caps for PRs and TRs integrated with economic capacity

V. Conclusion

The Strategic Growth Immigration Plan (SGIP) represents a focused response to C.D. Howe Institute’s call for immigration policy reform aligned with national economic goals. It ensures that immigration is not just a demographic lever, but a direct driver of productivity, innovation, and balanced regional development—anchoring Canadian sovereignty in infrastructure, energy, and enterprise.

Countries with Healthcare Training Systems Comparable to Canada

Canada’s healthcare system depends heavily on a highly skilled workforce, and internationally educated professionals (IEPs) are a vital part of meeting our growing healthcare needs. However, not all medical and health training systems are created equal. Certain countries produce healthcare graduates whose education, clinical practice models, and licensing structures align closely with Canadian standards—making integration smoother.

These systems typically share four key characteristics:

Western-based clinical models
English or French as a medium of instruction
Accreditation and licensing oversight
Integration of evidence-based and community-oriented care

Below, we explore the top countries and regions whose healthcare training systems most closely mirror Canada’s.

🇺🇸 United States

Similarities:

USMLE/MCC equivalency pathway for physicians
Similar curriculum duration and structure for MDs, RNs, and NPs
Nursing education (NCLEX) transferable to Canada

Credential Recognition: Fast-tracked for most health roles.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Similarities:

GMC and NMC-accredited medical and nursing degrees
Structured foundation training (similar to Canadian residency)

Credential Recognition: Most UK credentials accepted with minimal bridging.

🇮🇪 Ireland

Similarities:

Shared medical school accreditation frameworks
Strong history of exchange between Canadian and Irish-trained professionals

Credential Recognition: High compatibility.

🇦🇺 🇳🇿 Australia & New Zealand

Similarities:

Similar clinical models and licensing exams
Shared standards in physiotherapy, pharmacy, and nursing

Credential Recognition: Recognized for most regulated professions.

🇫🇷 France

Similarities:

Rigorous medical and pharmacy education
Shared French-language institutions in Canada and France

Credential Recognition: Accepted in Quebec; bridging required elsewhere.

🇩🇪 🇳🇱 🇸🇪 Germany, Netherlands, Sweden

Similarities:

Strong public health focus
EU-based harmonized training programs

Credential Recognition: Selective; language barriers can be a factor.

🧭 Asian and Latin American Countries with Recognized Institutions

🇭🇰 🇸🇬 🇰🇷 🇯🇵 Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan

Similarities:

OECD-aligned medical training
High pass rates in Western licensure exams

Recognition: Accepted with bridging and English/French proficiency.

🇲🇽 🇧🇷 🇨🇴 Mexico, Brazil, Colombia

Similarities:

Select medical schools accredited by international boards (e.g., WHO directory)
Some institutions recognized for PR/immigration purposes in certain provinces

Recognition: Selective; bridging and licensing often required.

🇵🇭 Philippines

Similarities:

US-modeled medical and nursing programs
Large representation among Canadian-trained nurses and PSWs

Recognition: Most nursing degrees accepted with licensing exams.

🌍 Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya)

Similarities:

British-based training systems in many universities
WHO-recognized medical schools producing globally mobile professionals

Recognition: Varies; bridging usually required, but acceptance is expanding.

💡 Why This Matters

Understanding which countries have comparable healthcare training systems helps inform immigration policy, streamline credential recognition, and strengthen Canada’s healthcare capacity—especially in high-demand professions like nursing, elder care, and rural medicine.

By targeting recruitment from these countries and improving integration pathways, Canada can more quickly fill critical gaps in our healthcare system.

Policy Brief: Healthcare Investment and Immigration Acceleration Program (HIIAP) (proposal)

Executive Summary

Canada is experiencing a critical healthcare labour shortage and mounting pressure on infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved regions. The Healthcare Investment and Immigration Acceleration Program (HIIAP) is a federal initiative designed to simultaneously boost the workforce and scale medical infrastructure using immigration reform and foreign investment. The plan aligns with Canada’s economic and demographic needs while ensuring timely access to care.

🧩 Pillar 1: Immigration Pathways for International Healthcare Professionals

1.1 Global Health Express Immigration Stream

Fast-track work permits and permanent residency for:
- Physicians, nurses, PSWs, midwives, and allied health professionals
- Healthcare IT specialists and operations professionals
Eligible candidates must hold a medical or healthcare degree from a recognized institution, possess at least one year of experience, and meet CLB 6–9 language standards.

1.2 Priority Source Countries

Includes but is not limited to:

USA, EU nations, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Singapore
Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil

🏛️ Pillar 2: Fast-Track Credential Recognition

2.1 Global Credential Accord (GCA)

A bilateral/multilateral framework to fast-track recognition of credentials from top global medical institutions.
Features:
- Pre-arrival online evaluation
- IRCC/ESDC-funded 6-month bridging programs
- Digital credentialing and verification platform
- Tiered licensing (e.g., provisional licenses)

🌍 Pillar 3: Foreign Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure

3.1 Canada Health Infrastructure Investment Fund (CHIIF)

A public-private investment vehicle enabling foreign capital to:

Build or upgrade regional hospitals, senior care homes, and research centres
Finance innovation in telemedicine, digital records, and AI diagnostics

Investor Incentives:

Capital gains tax holidays on long-term projects
Executive PR pathways for developers and medical entrepreneurs

📍 Pillar 4: Regional Health Integration Zones (R-HIZ)

Targeted communities with limited healthcare access will:

Receive priority allocations for immigrant professionals
Get fast-track support for new clinics and hospitals
Offer settlement supports, including housing, language, and spousal permits

📊 Metrics & Targets (2025–2030)

Area	Goal
👩‍⚕️ Healthcare Workers	75,000+ international hires
🌍 Foreign Investment	$10B+ via CHIIF
🏥 Infrastructure	100+ new/renovated facilities
📋 Licensing	Credential recognition time ↓ 70%