Ottawa, Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will soon unveil a comprehensive immigration overhaul aimed at aligning workforce needs with national capacity. The initiative, part of the upcoming federal budget, will include a “talent attraction strategy” to position Canada as a global hub for innovation and skilled professionals.
Carney said the new plan will modernize the country’s approach to immigration by integrating skills training, apprenticeships, and sector-specific pathways to attract scientists, innovators, and professionals from around the world.
“To ensure immigration meets our needs and our capacity, the upcoming budget will introduce Canada’s new immigration plan — a strategy designed to benefit newcomers and all Canadians,” said Carney during his address on Wednesday.
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Talent Strategy to Target Global Tech Professionals
The government’s talent strategy will specifically target highly skilled workers from the technology, research, and innovation sectors, including professionals who may have previously sought opportunities in the United States.
Carney highlighted that Canada aims to attract workers affected by the U.S. H-1B visa policy changes, particularly after recent U.S. decisions such as President Donald Trump’s introduction of a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The policy shift has driven many global tech talents to explore alternatives, with Canada emerging as a preferred destination.
“We see a clear opportunity to welcome professionals who once relied on U.S. H-1B visas. Many of these individuals are from the tech industry and are looking for new destinations to advance their careers,” Carney said earlier in London.
Balancing Immigration and Capacity
The Carney administration continues to uphold the immigration caps set under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who limited temporary foreign worker and student intakes amid record population growth. However, the government now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust in immigration policy as living costs and housing pressures intensify.
Analysts note that public support for immigration has dropped to its lowest level in years, largely due to rising housing prices, rental costs, and stagnant wages. Despite these challenges, economic experts emphasize that immigration remains vital to filling skill shortages.
“Canada’s domestic student population isn’t sufficient to meet future labour demands,” said Virginia Machiavello, CEO of Machiavello Consulting Limited. “With our birth rate at just 1.3, we urgently need international talent to support innovation and industrial growth.”
Sharp Decline in Student and Worker Arrivals
Government data shows a significant decline in international arrivals in the first half of 2025. Canada recorded 214,520 fewer foreign students than the same period in 2024 — a 70% drop in international student enrolments and a 50% decrease in foreign work permits.
The upcoming immigration plan is expected to address these trends by streamlining pathways for skilled professionals while ensuring sustainable population and housing growth.
Outlook
Canada’s new immigration framework will likely play a crucial role in shaping its economic and innovation agenda for the coming decade. By focusing on talent mobility, skill development, and global competitiveness, the country aims to strengthen its position as one of the world’s top destinations for skilled migrants.
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