Canada opens work permit for American H-1B visa holders

Canada is becoming a popular destination for American H1-B visa holders who have been waiting for decades to secure a green card. Owing to their flexible immigrant policies, Canada has always welcomed highly skilled immigrants from all across the globe to strengthen and sustain the country’s economy and society. Canadian immigration is all set to issue 10,000 work permits for individuals who hold American H1B visas starting July 16, 2023. Sean Fraser, Canadian minister of immigration, announced an immigration programme called the tech talent strategy’ that has the potential to attract tech talents from various countries who are currently working in the USA under an H-1B visa to Canada.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits U.S. business enterprises to hire foreign workers in specialty areas that require theoretical or technical knowledge. Every year, technology companies rely on H-1B visas to hire tens of thousands of workers from countries such as India and China. However, the ongoing layoffs at US tech giants and other companies have put the H-1B visa holders’ lives at stake. But the good news is that Canadian immigration is actually targeting these groups of foreign workers in this tech talent strategy programme.

Since the American H-1B visa doesn’t offer much flexibility to the holder, H-1B visa workers from countries such as India, China, and Mexico possess concerns regarding their long-term status and stability in the country. This programme tries to overcome the major shortcomings of the American H-1B visa, such as the temporary work visa with no automatic or permanent path for obtaining PR status or any work permit for the dependents without authorization, and brings a solid solution to the immigrants’ concerns. This programme is going to be highly beneficial for tech professionals from India, who comprise a huge majority of H-1B visa holders in the USA.

As part of the tech talent strategy introduced by IRCC Canada, qualified candidates will receive a work permit for up to three years, and their dependents can apply for a temporary resident visa along with their work or study permit without any restrictions.

This initiative aims to tap into the pool of skilled individuals already established in the United States, offering them an alternative pathway to continue their careers in Canada. By providing a work permit for up to three years, Canada is offering stability and opportunities for growth to these tech talents. Moreover, allowing their dependents to apply for a temporary resident visa ensures that families can stay together and thrive in their new environment. This immigration programme not only showcases Canada’s commitment to attracting top talent but also recognises the valuable contributions that immigrants bring to the country’s tech industry. With this forward-thinking approach, Canada is poised to become a global hub for innovation and technological advancements, benefiting both the nation and these talented individuals seeking new opportunities.

Major benefits of this programme;

•  Job opportunities: 

Eligible candidates can explore unlimited job opportunities in Canada without a sponsor. This opens up a plethora of career prospects for both the primary applicant and their spouse. Canada offers a diverse range of industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and engineering, ensuring that there is something for everyone. With the freedom to work without the need for a sponsor, individuals can pursue their desired career paths and contribute to the Canadian workforce. Moreover, the benefits extend to the dependents as well.

• Dependent’s benefits: 

Your spouse is allowed to work full time in Canada without any restrictions or sponsorship, granting them financial independence and professional growth opportunities. This not only enhances their overall quality of life but also strengthens their integration into Canadian society. The absence of restrictions or sponsorship requirements further facilitates seamless employment opportunities for spouses, allowing them to fully utilise their skills and qualifications in the Canadian job market.

• Free education for children:

By offering free education, the government ensures that immigrant children have access to quality schooling, empowering them to thrive academically and contribute meaningfully to Canadian society. This progressive approach not only supports the integration of immigrant families but also fosters a diverse and vibrant learning environment where students can learn from one another’s unique experiences and perspectives.

• Impressive living standards and free health care:

It’s a known fact that Canada is one of the top countries with high living standards. The welcoming nature of Canadian society fosters a sense of belonging and community among immigrants, making it easier for them to integrate into their new home. The government’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident in its policies, which promote equal opportunities and free healthcare for all individuals regardless of their background.

• Settle in Canada:

The programme also gives a PR opportunity if the candidate is interested in settling in Canada. The PR opportunity allows candidates to establish themselves in the country, access healthcare and education benefits, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship. Moreover, settling in Canada offers a multitude of advantages, such as a strong economy, social security, and a safe environment for families. By participating in this programme, candidates can not only enhance their professional skills but also open doors to a brighter future in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.

The Canadian Immigration Authority plans to improve labour mobility in North America by introducing its first ever tech talent recruitment programme. The Tech Talent Strategy Programme is going to open on July 16, and IRCC is set to issue 10,000 work permits in the first year. It’s useful in filling the labour shortage and creating a repository for job opportunities in the future. In order to give a clearer picture of what awaits US H-1B visa holders, the IRCC has introduced four key pillars of immigration that are soon to be established in Canada.

• Streamlining work permits for H-1B visa holders in Canada: H-1B workers located in the US and their immediate family members will be able to apply for open Canadian work permits for up to three years starting on July 16, 2023. This will allow them to look into employment prospects with nearly any Canadian business.
• Innovation stream under the international mobility programme:Canada intends to begin the Innovation Stream by the end of 2023. This is in response to the ongoing labour shortages in important IT occupations. Employer-specific work permits valid for up to five years are issued for employees working for a government-accredited company to contribute to the country’s industrial innovation goals.
• Promoting Canada as the perfect destination for highly skilled remote workers: The government also intends to promote Canada as a destination for digital nomads, individuals who can do their jobs remotely from anywhere in the world. A digital nomad with visitor status is allowed to move to Canada for up to six months at a time to work remotely for a foreign company under the existing Canadian immigration laws. The IRCC expects some of these digital nomads to seek opportunities with Canadian employers and bring their skills to the country in the future.
• Improving the existing programmes for high-skilled tech workers: Along with these newly introduced programmes, IRCC plans to improve existing programmes such as the global skills strategy, a programme intended for highly skilled occupations through which candidates can access the work permit within a short period of time, and the start-up visa programme, a pathway for PR status for foreign entrepreneurs.

In addition to the open work permit strategy, the Canadian government announced the launch of the Express Entry draw for STEM-related jobs, so applicants who gain work experience in Canada under the Tech Talent Strategy 3-year open work permit will likely do well in the express entry system.

The new measure will be effective for one year, or until the applicants reach the limit of 10,000. It’s crucial to remember that the application limit only applies to the principal applicants and excludes any accompanying family members. By improvising the immigration rules, there is no doubt that Canada is going to maintain its status as the most immigrant-friendly country.

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