Canada Launches Dedicated Work Permit Program for US H-1B Visa Holders, Welcoming Skilled Professionals

In a move to leverage the expertise and talents of American H-1B visa holders, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, announced the introduction of a specialized work permit program on Tuesday. This initiative aims to attract and benefit from the skills of approximately 10,000 individuals currently holding H-1B visas in the United States.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, the program will not only provide work permits for H-1B visa holders but also extend its provisions to include study or work permits for their family members.

Minister Sean Fraser revealed the plan for an open work permit stream tailored specifically for American H-1B visa holders. This stream is set to accommodate up to 10,000 individuals, offering them the opportunity to work in Canada.

The accompanying press release from the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship also emphasized that the program will enable family members to obtain study or work permits.

The official release highlighted the fact that many professionals in the high-tech sector work for companies operating in both Canada and the United States. These professionals often possess H-1B visas, which grant them specialized occupation status in the US. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B visa holders, along with their immediate family members, will be eligible to apply for the new Canadian work permit.

“Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B specialty occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada,” the release stated.

Successful applicants under the new program will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years, allowing them to work for any employer across Canada.

Additionally, spouses and dependents of H-1B visa holders will have the opportunity to apply for a temporary resident visa, along with a work or study permit, based on their specific needs.

In an effort to attract highly skilled individuals globally, Minister Fraser expressed intentions to develop an immigration stream tailored specifically for such professionals, even if they do not have a job offer at the time of application. However, the minister did not provide specific qualification criteria or the number of individuals to be admitted under this stream.

H-1B visas are temporary work permits issued by the United States, primarily for individuals working in specialized occupations, particularly in the technology sector.

With several tech companies experiencing hiring surges during the pandemic but also undergoing recent layoffs, many H-1B visa holders find themselves seeking new employment opportunities.

Through the introduction of this new work permit program, Canada aims to provide an attractive alternative for H-1B visa holders, enabling them to continue their careers and contribute their skills to the Canadian job market.