Alberta is launching new programs to help foreign nationals fast-track their visa processing.

The Startup Visa Stream will be geared toward U.S. graduates looking to launch a startup. Additionally, the Foreign Graduate Entrepeneur Program will be a similar opportunity for foreign nationals who graduated in Alberta.

The initiatives are part of the UCP government’s efforts to grow the tech sector. Alberta Economic Development Minister Tanya Fir said these programs will also help U.S. foreign graduates immigrate. “There’s hundreds of thousands of brilliant foreign graduates who are unable to access immigration status in the States,” she said.

While Alberta’s tech sector has significant potential, labour shortages have prevented it from growing. Tech companies in Alberta recently objected to the UCP government’s decision to cancel tax credits for investors.

In response, the government established a working group of business and investment leaders. Their goal is to develop additional strategies for the tech sector, to be announced in late spring or early summer.

Finance Minister Travis Toews reiterated his dislike of tax credits on Monday and hopes the group will have other solutions.

Source: calgaryherald.com