US H1B visa holders can now apply for work permit in Canada, in some good news for Indian techies
The Canadian flag flies at the stern of a ship in Vancouver harbour. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Canada on Tuesday (June 27) announced that the government will create an open work-permit stream to allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country.
This is going to greatly benefit Indian tech professionals, as they comprised approximately 75% of the H-1B visas issued in 2020 and 2021. Indians accounted for 73% of the nearly 442,000 H-1B workers in fiscal year 2022.
Canada's Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said the program will also provide for study or work permits for the family members of H-1B visa holders, reported ANI.
"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," a press release from the Canadian government read.
Great news from Toronto!
— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 27, 2023
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
Inclusive benefits for H-1B visa holders and their families
The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship has outlined additional benefits within the program. Alongside the work permits, eligible H-1B visa holders will have the option to apply for study or work permits for their family members.
"They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependents will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed," said the release.
Opening doors for skilled individuals
The Canadian government said that 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 special occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply come to Canada," the release said.
Extending opportunities for global talent
Minister Fraser has revealed plans to create an immigration stream specifically tailored for highly skilled individuals.
This stream will allow talented individuals from around the world to work in Canada's tech industry, regardless of whether they have a job offer or not.
The specific eligibility criteria and admission quotas are yet to be announced.
Providing opportunities amidst layoffs in the tech sector
The introduction of the open work-permit stream in Canada comes at a crucial time. Many H-1B visa holders have faced uncertainty due to layoffs in the technology sector following the pandemic.
Canada's new program offers a potential lifeline, providing opportunities for skilled professionals seeking new employment avenues and a stable future.
What is a H1-B visa?
An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows American employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialized occupations. The H-1B visa program is designed to address specific labour shortages in fields such as technology, engineering, science, medicine, and other professional sectors.
H-1B visa holders can generally stay in the United States for a maximum period of six years. Initially, the visa is granted for three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension.