Canada's recent announcement to launch a new scheme allowing 10,000 US H-1B visa holders to live and work in the country on an open work permit for up to three years. Every H1B visa holder sees this opportunity to immigrate to Canada as a silver lining and this initiative is taken to attract highly skilled workers from North America to Canada.
It is more likely to benefit many Indian tech professionals who are facing long waits for green cards in the US. However, the program has been so popular that it reached its cap of 10,000 applications in less than 48 hours after it opened on July 16.
Are you a H1B visa holder looking to Immigrate to Canada?
Knowledge is power and experience liberating. But did you know your expertise in the tech world can be the key to success in fulfilling your many dreams? If you are a U.S. H-1B work visa holder and wish to live in a Land full of opportunities for your talent? Then Canada might be the best choice for you.
By definition, an H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa allowing US employers to hire temporarily, for a specific period of time, foreign nationals having specialized skills to work in the United States.
Initiated on July 16th, 2023, the Canadian government has introduced a program for all extraordinary talents (yes, you!) that hold an H-1B visa, making them eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP), valid up to three years, permitting employment in most industries under any employer in Canada. The invitation extends towards the family members of the primary applicant, providing them with either a study or a work permit for Canada.
U.S H-1B VS CANADIAN H-1B
- While under a US H-1B visa, one is bound to a particular employer and job position, under a Canadian H-1B visa one is free to work for any employer under any profession.
- If the U.S. H-1B makes education affordable, the Canadian work permit makes it Free!
- The wait for a green card and eventual citizenship is long with a US H-1B but with a Canadian work permit, the eligibility to apply for Canadian PR is all but three years away
- Loss of employment under U.S. H-1B can lead to visa expiration and potential deportation! On the other hand, with a Canadian H1B visa, you are Autonomous when it comes to your job (unless PR card renewal requirements are not met. No deportation though!
Some potential threats to this initiative could be the lower salary rates, the low number of applications available as well as a strong preference towards the U.S as it is the largest economy in the world with a GDP of $26.85 trillion according to FOX Business News as on 10th July 2023. Also, many of the top IT Companies are in the U.S., thus it will be a major feat to attract tech-savvy talents to Canada from the U.S.
Eligibility for Canada Immigration with an H1B visa:
The applicant being a U.S H-1B visa holder makes them a good potential candidate to migrate to Canada. This offers an amazing opportunity to migrate to Canada on an open work permit and find suitable employment in Canada then you can extend your work permit as per the requirement of a Canadian employer And also may be eligible to Apply for Canadian PR once you meet the Criteria set by IRCC to get a permanent resident visa in Canada.
Other Requirements:
Here are some of the documents you may need to keep ready:
- Valid passport for more than 03 years
- Valid H1B authorization documents/ Proof of H1 B status
- Digital photograph
- Marriage & Birth certificate
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Updated CV
- Familial information such as Date of Birth, email IDs, current address of parents, and siblings etc.
In Canada's thriving technological sector, incredible prospects await Tech Talents, presenting vast opportunities for professional growth. The escalating demand for skilled Human resources further emphasizes the necessity for exceptional individuals. Countries collide in their venture of attracting the top talents and it will be interesting to see how these new initiatives perform in the market.
Canada eagerly anticipates your contribution and helps propel your personal trajectory forward. Immigration is the wings to a free bird we call development. Each individual is a feather for the flight towards a promising future.
