Canada Unveils Major New Research Talent Initiative to Attract Global Experts
In a landmark move to strengthen its position as a global research leader, the Government of Canada has introduced a comprehensive Research Talent Initiative. This strategy includes three newly developed programs designed to attract, fund, and retain top-tier international researchers, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows across crucial sectors such as health, clean technology, digital innovation, climate science, and advanced manufacturing.
Through this long-term investment, Canada aims to welcome more than 1,000 internationally recognized researchers and early-career academics, committing up to $1.7 billion over the next decade.
Alongside these three programs, Canada has also launched a dedicated infrastructure fund to help research institutions upgrade laboratories, equipment, and technological assets required to support incoming scholars.
New Programs Under Canada’s Research Talent Strategy
1. Impact+ Research Chairs Program
This one-time national program will support approximately 100 world-leading researchers considered global authorities in their fields. More than one billion dollars will be allocated over the next 12 years.
Key points:
- Candidates must be based outside Canada—both living and working abroad at the time of nomination.
- They must qualify for full or associate professor roles, or equivalent senior positions in industry.
- Selected nominees must relocate and hold full-time faculty positions in Canada within 12 months of accepting the award.
- Funding for each chair ranges from $4 million to $8 million or more, covering salary, research activities, and institutional support.
This program operates in a competitive format, where Canadian institutions nominate candidates and the federal government selects recipients based on research excellence and alignment with national priorities.
2. Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program
Designed to strengthen Canada’s pipeline of future research innovators, this program will support early-career researchers entering tenure-track positions.
Key points:
- Institutions receive $100,000 annually for six years, with the potential for renewal.
- Nominees must be internationally based early-career researchers with an independent research portfolio.
- They must begin full-time work at a Canadian institution within 12 months of the related Research Chair appointment.
- Awards are issued only after a department has been anchored by an Impact+ Research Chair.
This program promotes long-term mentorship by pairing early-career researchers with senior chairholders.
3. Impact+ Research Training Awards (Doctoral and Postdoctoral)
With an investment of $133.6 million, this initiative will support 600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers from outside Canada.
Award details:
- Doctoral researchers receive $40,000 per year for three years.
- Postdoctoral researchers receive $70,000 per year for two years.
Eligibility:
- Nominees must not be currently affiliated with any Canadian institution.
- They must be studying or working abroad at the time of nomination.
- Doctoral nominees must be admissible to a Canadian PhD program.
- Postdoctoral nominees must meet the qualifications required for postdoctoral research roles.
All awards must be activated by March 31, 2027.
Immigration Pathways for Selected Researchers
No new visa category has been created specifically for these programs. Instead, selected individuals will use existing immigration pathways:
- Senior researchers and academics typically qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits under the International Mobility Program.
- Doctoral students require admission into a PhD program and a study permit.
- Postdoctoral fellows generally receive LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits as recognized research award recipients.
- Spouses of qualified TEER 0 or 1 workers and spouses of PhD students remain eligible for open work permits under current rules.
Canada has also committed to faster processing standards for PhD study permits submitted from outside the country.
Infrastructure Support for Institutions
A separate Research Infrastructure Fund has been introduced, offering $400 million over six years to Canadian institutions. These funds are intended to help universities and research centres acquire advanced laboratory equipment, digital tools, and facility upgrades required to host new talent.
A Long-Term Investment in Canada’s Future
By reshaping its academic talent strategy, Canada aims to strengthen research output, accelerate innovation, and support sectors that will shape the global economy. This initiative is also intended to boost Canada’s competitiveness, create knowledge-based jobs, and build deeper international research partnerships.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
