Talent is Everywhere

There are more than 27 million people living as refugees around the world who have fled conflict or persecution. Many of them have skills needed by companies and communities across Canada.

Employers can now access this talent pool. TalentLift and our partners are working to connect hiring managers with job seekers who are refugees, unlocking global job and skilled visa opportunities as a new solution to displacement. 

If just 1% of the international talent moving to Canada to fill skills shortages came from within refugee populations, thousands of people would be contributing their skills, rebuilding their lives alongside their families, and leaving displacement behind. 

We envision a world where talented people living as refugees can compete for global jobs and skilled visas, and where access depends on potential and not the privilege of living without fear.

Mohammed is a fullstack developer working and living in Kitchener, Ontario, with the procurement software firm Bonfire. Bonfire interviewed and hired Mohammed while he was living as a Syrian refugee in Lebanon. Mohammed had registered with the global non-profit Talent Beyond Boundaries, a TalentLift partner, eager to contribute his skills and grow his career. He had a bachelor’s degree in information technology but, like many refugees, Mohammed couldn’t legally work in Lebanon, get decent pay or treatment, or reach his full potential.

Today he’s a core part of an industry-leading team and has a secure future ahead.

What’s New at TalentLift

  • Hiring with Impact: Employers now have a faster route to hire displaced talent to address skills shortages
    Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced today that a new federal immigration pathway is coming this summer to support Canadian employers to hire candidates living as refugees.   The new pathway will be an expansion of Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) and will not replace the current EMPP changes to other existing visa pathways, but […]
  • Emergency visa to Canada for Ukrainians extended
    Canada will continue to welcome Ukrainians displaced by war through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), which was set to expire March 31, 2023.  Canada’s Immigration Minister announced that the program will be extended as follows: How it works This visa pathway is open to any Ukrainian national. Applicants apply online for a visitor […]