Canada Announces New Work Permit for U. S. H1-B Visa Holders

As things stand, H1-B specialty occupation visa holders from the United States are now eligible to apply for work and reside in Canada. Canada launched a website that invites highly skilled immigrants or H1-B visa holders of the United States to apply and work in their country. This new scheme focuses on tech workers holding an American H1-B visa. This is the first time that a country has generated an immigration program based on another country’s immigration system. 

This new scheme allows 10,000 work permits which are considered beneficial for Indians hugely on H1-B visas in the US. With that being said, over 70% of H1-B visa recipients every year are from India. This scheme was introduced by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, on 27th June 2023. 

It aims at improving the labor mobility in North America. This measure impacts a large number of workers in high-tech industries both in Canada and the United States and their family members.

Why Canada wants US H1-B, visa holders?

It is thin on the ground to invite immigrants from other countries to work and reside. However, Canada’s immigration department entirely relies on the American Immigration system. The reason why Canada targets H1-B visa holders is because of the problems these visa holders face in the US.

The US H1-B visa is tied to employment and if any H1-B visa holder loses his/her job, they only have 60 days to find a new employer with visa sponsorship or leave the country. Indians who hold H1-B visas live with uncertainty even if they have a job because of the country-based green card quota system.

By observing these challenges faced by people, Canada implemented this scheme that became beneficial to the H1-B visa holders who face struggles in the US. On the contrary, Canada’s way to getting permanent residency is relatively easy. The US H1-B visa holders in Canada will be able to switch to the Canadian PR program.

What does the scheme offer?

The scheme offers the following to US H1-B visa holders:

• The US H1-B visa holders can get an open work permit in Canada. 
• This open work permit allows applicants to reside, study, or work in Canada for up to 3 years. 
• Applicants do not require a job offer or acceptance from a Canadian college to apply for the scheme.
• The spouses and dependents of the application will also be allowed to reside, work, and study for 3 years under the program. 
• This scheme is likely to run for 1 year or till the quota of 10,000 applicants. It does not include family members of the primary applicant. 

Elon Musk, The CEO of Tesla Motors, stated that Canada’s scheme is a smart move. Canada is fundamentally schlepping off on the American Immigration system’s efforts in picking the world’s best talent to allure them to its country. For all US H1-B visa holders, this could be the right opportunity for you! If you’re looking for more information and guidance connect with CanApprove right away!