Brain Gain: The Appeal of Canada for Global Tech Talent

In the face of challenges such as funding cuts, visa cancellations, and political pressures in the U.S., many skilled tech workers and researchers are considering Canada as a promising alternative for their careers. A recent Nature poll revealed that 75% of U.S.-based scientists are contemplating relocation, with Canada emerging as a top destination. This shift is reflected in a noticeable increase in inquiries to Canadian recruiters and an influx of international candidates in various institutions and companies across the country.

Five professionals share their motivations for choosing Canada as their new home for innovation and research.

Evan Shelhamer, 35, moved to Vancouver from San Francisco in January 2025. He is now an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and a Canada CIFAR AI Chair, focusing on deep learning and making AI more accessible for visual data analysis. His desire to pursue a collaborative and open approach to AI research motivated his move. Shelhamer appreciates Canada’s commitment to open science, aiming for broader accessibility in machine learning. The strength of the Canadian AI community encouraged his decision.

Isabella Batten, 29, previously from Dublin, fell in love with Toronto’s culture during a summer visit and relocated in February 2025 to join a biotech startup, Noa Therapeutics. As someone with a background in medical science, she recognized Canada as a leader in drug discovery and therapeutics. Batten values the professional growth opportunities in Canada, accessible at top pharmaceutical companies. She also appreciates the nation’s emphasis on inclusive work culture and work-life balance, essential elements as she builds her career.

Dieter Büchler, 38, immigrated from Tübingen, Germany, to Edmonton last November. He became an assistant professor at the University of Alberta and a research group leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. Büchler’s decision was influenced by the robust AI ecosystem in Canada, specifically citing the support from the Amii institute for researchers and industry connections. His aim to enhance reinforcement learning research and real-world robotics in collaboration with notable computer science faculty reinforced his move.

Jackie Nolan, 31, began a remote role with Vancouver-based Novarc Technologies as a sales engineer in January 2024. For her, joining a Canadian company represented more than just a job change; she sought to be part of an innovative team dedicated to shaping the future of manufacturing. Nolan found Canada’s tech ecosystem marked by a commitment to innovation while maintaining core values like inclusion and sustainability, which align with her professional beliefs.

Sandeep Giri, 44, is a serial entrepreneur who moved from Bangalore, India, to Oakville, Ontario, two years ago to build his latest venture, an AI education platform named CloudxLab. Giri noted that Canada’s reputation for diversity and inclusivity significantly influenced his decision to relocate. He was particularly drawn to the country’s innovative spirit and collaborative culture within the tech industry, recognizing ample opportunities for growth in emerging technologies.

The experiences of these five individuals illustrate the compelling reasons why talented professionals are increasingly choosing Canada as a destination to advance their careers and contribute to a vibrant tech landscape.