The H-1B visa program allows highly skilled workers from foreign countries (mostly from India and China) to live and work in the United States. This program has been a huge backdown for thousands of US IT companies. For example, the booming tech industry in Silicon Valley relies on the H-1B program because more than half of their tech workforce employees are foreign-born.
New 3-Year Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B Visa Holders
IRCC is taking steps to enhance labor mobility within North America by introducing a simplified work permit process for individuals holding H-1B specialty occupation visas in the United States who wish to apply for entry into Canada. Currently, many professionals working in high-tech industries are employed by companies that operate in both Canada and the US, with those in the US often holding H-1B specialty occupation visas.
Starting from July 16th, 2023, holders of H-1B visas in the US and their immediate family members will be eligible to apply for entry into Canada through the Tech Talent Strategy. If approved, they will be granted an open work permit valid for a period of up to three years, enabling them to work for almost any employer in Canada. Additionally, their spouses and dependents may also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa.
IRCC anticipates that this initiative will expand the range of opportunities available to skilled workers who wish to pursue careers in the high-tech sector, thereby contributing to economic growth in North America. This measure will be in effect for one year or until IRCC receives 10,000 applications, whichever comes first.
Are H-1Bs Hard to Get in the United States?
In the US, H-1B requirements and criteria can be challenging to meet because you must first be hired by a U.S. company willing to sponsor you. Competition for jobs in the United States is tough, and demand for visas to enter the country is increasing on a daily basis. In addition, the number of H1B visas provided each year is limited.
When Donald Trump was president in 2020, there was a push for restricting how many H-1B visas are given out, making it harder to be accepted, and taking away some H-1B holder benefits. The administration has repeatedly deferred decisions on the H4 visa, which allows the spouses of H-1B visa holders to live and work in the US.
Where Should H-1B Seekers and H-1B Holders Go? Canada!
Although the United States is a huge hub for technology workers many foreign workers are looking towards Canada instead. Tech workers in the US are shifting their sights from Silicon Valley to Canada’s many up-and-coming tech cities. Toronto and Vancouver are gradually becoming established tech hubs that are attracting international talent.
What Is Canada’s Version of an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B Visa is an American visa but Canada has a program similar to the H-1B Visa. A Canadian H-1B visa is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for a limited amount of time. In most cases, you need a job offer in Canada to be eligible for a Canadian work permit, but not all cases.
If you are interested in working in Canada permanently you may want to apply for the Express Entry. Also most Canadian provinces also offer pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers. These programs are called the Province Nominee Program which will allow you and your family to immigrate to an individual province of Canada to work and live.
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