Canada Invests $1.7B to Attract Top Global Researchers

Canada Launches $1.7B Research Talent Initiative to Attract Top Global Researchers

Canada has just unveiled an exciting new initiative aimed at bringing some of the world’s brightest research minds into the country. The federal government’s new Research Talent Initiative is a multi-billion-dollar investment designed to recruit and retain international researchers whose work will drive innovation, boost the economy, and enhance the lives of Canadians.

Let’s dive into what this means, who qualifies, and how it could open up some incredible opportunities for foreign researchers to build their careers—and lives—in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Canada is investing up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to attract 1,000+ top researchers worldwide.
• Three new research-focused programs: Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, Emerging Leaders, and Research Training Awards.
• Priority areas include AI, clean tech, healthcare, climate resilience, and more.
• Successful candidates will come to Canada through existing study or work permit pathways.
• Eligible family members may be able to join through open work permits.
• An additional $400 million will go toward research infrastructure at Canadian institutions.

What is the Research Talent Initiative?

In a bid to boost Canada’s global competitiveness in research and innovation, Ottawa has launched a suite of programs under the Research Talent Initiative. The focus is on bringing in experienced researchers, emerging academics, and doctoral/postdoctoral students in sectors that are critical to Canada’s future.

This initiative includes three new streams under the “Impact+” banner:

• Canada Impact+ Research Chairs
• Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders
• Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards

The goal? To make Canada a destination of choice for world-class research talent in areas like:

• Artificial intelligence and quantum technology
• Healthcare and biotechnology
• Clean energy and resource innovation
• Climate change and Arctic research
• Food and water security
• Democracy and community resilience
• Advanced materials and manufacturing
• Defence and dual-use technologies

In addition, a new Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund will provide $400 million over six years to help institutions equip labs and facilities to support incoming researchers.

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program

This stream will support around 100 top-tier researchers with long-term funding between $4 million to $8 million CAD (or more) over 8 to 12 years. The catch? You can’t apply individually—you must be nominated by a Canadian institution.

The program is competitive, and institutions are expected to offer robust settlement support, including help with immigration.

Eligibility Highlights

• Must be internationally based at the time of nomination
• Should qualify as a full or associate professor (or equivalent industry experience)
• Must take up a full-time faculty role in Canada within 12 months of accepting the award

First application deadline: March 10, 2026

How Do You Come to Canada?

Currently, there’s no special visa stream for this program. Instead, researchers will likely enter through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows Canadian institutions to hire foreign academics without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Once hired, nominees can apply for an employer-specific work permit under the IMP. These roles are considered high-skilled (TEER 0 or 1), which means that spouses and eligible family members may qualify for open work permits.

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program

This companion stream is aimed at recruiting early-career researchers (ECRs) who are ready to lead their own research programs. Institutions will receive $100,000 per year for six years to support these tenure-track hires, with the potential to renew for another six years.

Like the Chairs program, this is a competitive process where institutions apply and nominate candidates. Awards under this stream are tied to departments that have successfully nominated a Research Chair.

Eligibility Highlights

• Must be internationally based and working outside of Canada
• Must be an early-career researcher with an independent research agenda
• Must hold a full-time tenure-track position in Canada within 12 months of the Chair’s appointment

First application deadline: March 10, 2026

Immigration Pathway

Successful Emerging Leaders are also expected to apply for LMIA-exempt work permits under the IMP. And just like with the Chairs program, their spouses and family may be eligible for open work permits if they meet the requirements for family reunification under TEER 0/1 rules.

Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (Doctoral & Postdoctoral)

This one-time program offers generous funding to 1,000 international candidates—600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers. The total budget is $133.6 million CAD, and the aim is to bring fresh research talent to Canada for the long term.

Funding Overview

• Doctoral students: $40,000/year for 3 years
• Postdoctoral researchers: $70,000/year for 2 years

All awards must be activated by March 31, 2027.

Who Can Apply?

• Must be working or studying outside Canada
• Must not have any current affiliation with a Canadian institution
• Doctoral candidates must be accepted into a PhD program in Canada
• Postdocs must meet qualifications for postdoctoral research

Note: International students or postdocs already in Canada are not eligible for this program.

Pathway to Canada

There are no fast-track immigration options specifically tied to this stream. However, PhD students can benefit from existing perks such as 14-day study permit processing times under Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy.

Postdoctoral researchers can usually apply for LMIA-exempt work permits as research award recipients. In both cases, spouses and common-law partners may qualify for open work permits.

Funding & Settlement Support

While the awards cover living and training expenses, they don’t include relocation or airfare. These costs must be covered by institutions, supervisors, or the awardee’s personal funds. Paid parental leave is included, providing additional support for families.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s Research Talent Initiative is a big step toward strengthening our position as a global leader in research and innovation. With substantial funding and support for both senior and early-career researchers—as well as doctoral and postdoctoral students—this initiative opens a door to meaningful career opportunities in Canada’s top universities.

If you’re an international researcher dreaming of building your future in Canada, now’s the time to explore your options. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or an emerging scholar, these new programs could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Curious about your eligibility or the best immigration pathway to Canada?

Check out our guide to Canada’s immigration programs or use our Manitoba PNP calculator to explore provincial nomination options.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us for personalized guidance on work permits, study permits, or permanent residency options.