What Canada’s latest announcement on H-1B visa holders means for workers, students

Amid a shifting global tech landscape, Canada's latest immigration overhaul is designed to draw H-1B visa holders away from the United States. This strategic initiative includes the creation of an open work permit category, opening new avenues for 10,000 tech professionals and their families. By offering a direct route to citizenship and enhancing its visa programs, Canada is fortifying its tech workforce, while providing an appealing substitute to Indian and other foreign tech workers impacted by the unpredictability of its southern neighbour. 

Canada's recent unveiling of H-1B visa reform incorporates multiple new strategies to court worldwide tech expertise.

New work permit opportunities for H-1B holders

As part of the reform, Canada has introduced a scheme to grant a new work permit category to H-1B visa holders currently in the US. This fresh open work-permit channel targets 10,000 H-1B visa holders, including those negatively affected by layoffs in the US tech sector. Successful candidates will secure a three-year open work permit that enables them to work for any Canadian employer.

The open work permit privileges also extend to the families of H-1B visa holders, giving them the chance to apply for temporary resident visas accompanied by work or study permits. As a result, Indian students, who are dependents of these workers, stand to gain from this initiative as they can apply for study permits to further their education in Canada.

The new rules are going to be a boon for skilled professionals who have been unsettled by the unpredictability and complexities related to the US H1-B program. Considering the high demand for skilled tech professionals in Canada, Indian workers and their families might encounter more stable and favourable circumstances in Canada.

Canada H-1B visa and tech talent plan

With the launch of the Tech Talent Plan, Canada's goal is to woo global tech talent and bolster its information and communications technology sector's growth. Under this plan, the government intends to establish an Innovation Pathway under the International Mobility Program, providing exemptions for high-growth businesses and proficient tech workers. This plan incorporates various strategies to stimulate business expansion, including enhancements to the Start-up Visa Program.

Canada's objective is also to prioritise Express Entry applicants proficient in French and those with STEM expertise. The Global Skills Strategy and Start-Up Visa program are set for improvements, ensuring faster access to skilled talent and extended work permit durations. All members of entrepreneurial teams will now qualify for work permits, and applications supported by capital or endorsed by Tech network incubators will be prioritised for processing.

Implications of Canada’s new H-1B visa rules on Indian professionals

The reformed program is likely to be especially advantageous for Indians, who form the bulk of H-1B visa holders. Indian IT professionals, among others, who have suffered due to layoffs, now have a promising opportunity with Canada's latest initiative. These revisions in Canada's immigration policy aim to broaden opportunities for skilled workers and their families, offering a compelling alternative to the US H-1B visa program. By doing so, Canada is laying the groundwork to emerge as a global technology leader, and these changes are poised to accelerate the growth of its tech sector.

How long can H-1B visa holders work in Canada for? 

The H-1B speciality occupation visa will give you and your family a window to work for three years. 

Will H-1B visa holder need a job offer in Canada?

No, you don’t need a job offer to apply.

How soon will Canadian authorities process Express Entry applications for skilled newcomers?

From the date of application submission, the processing time is of 6 to 12 months.