Canada To Introduce New Work Permit Scheme For H-1B Visa Holders From The

Canada To Introduce New Work Permit Scheme For H-1B Visa Holders From The US

Do you have a US H-1B visa and are dreaming of a fresh start?

Canada is aiming to lure temporary workers in the tech sector in the United States to fill Canadian job vacancies with a new immigration initiative called the Tech Talent Strategy.

The Tech Talent Strategy will lead to the creation of an open work permit stream for foreign nationals working in the United States with H-1B visas. The H-1B visa is widely used by US tech companies to bring in highly-skilled immigrants.

This work permit stream will be available from July 16, 2023, and will enable H-1B visa holders to apply for a Canadian work permit, while also offering study and work permit opportunities for their family members accompanying them.

This measure is to remain in effect for one year, or until Canada’s immigration department receives 10,000 applications, with only principal applicants and not their accompanying family members counting towards the application cap.

“With Canada's first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we're targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies. I'm grateful for the collaboration of the tech, start-up and business communities, who have provided valuable insight to develop this strategy. Having a fast and flexible approach, one that is broadly supported by Canadians is truly Canada's immigration advantage,”
Sean Fraser

Great news from Toronto!

We unveiled Canada's Tech Talent Attraction Strategy at #CollisionConf.

With its thriving tech ecosystem, 🇨🇦 is a top destination for innovation & growth—and we’re going to make sure we continue to win the global race for talent. https://t.co/Pcsm1l2Ns3 pic.twitter.com/nFV4MlYVCB
— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 27, 2023

Successful applicants will be granted an unrestricted work permit for a maximum period of three years, which means they will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada.

To attract highly talented individuals, the Canadian government will also introduce an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program later this year.

US Tech Company Job Cuts

According to reports, more than 150,014 workers in US-based tech companies (or tech companies with a large U.S. workforce) have been laid off in mass job cuts.

Layoffs in the technology sector in the United States have raised concerns for foreign workers mostly with H-1B visa holders as their residency status is tied to their employment, which is now uncertain due to the layoffs.

The US tech industry is currently witnessing a contraction in some areas and this has resulted in job losses for many professionals, including those who had migrated from different parts of the world to contribute to the tech ecosystem in the country.

The introduction of the open work permit stream in Canada comes at a crucial time providing opportunities for skilled professionals seeking new employment avenues and a stable future.

Do you have plans to move to Canada? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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