Canada Opens Doors to H-1B Visa Holders, Extends Benefits to Families

In a significant development, Canada 's Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced on Tuesday that the government will create an open work-permit stream, allowing 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in Canada. This decision aims to attract highly skilled individuals and provide them and their families with new opportunities and benefits.

The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship released an official statement outlining the program's details. According to the statement, the program will also extend study or work permits to the family members of H-1B visa holders.

"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 speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada," read the release.

Under this new decision, approved applicants will receive an open work permit with a duration of up to three years.

"They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed," stated the release.

Canada-based CBC News reported that Minister Fraser mentioned the federal government's plans to develop an immigration stream by the end of this year, catering to the world's most talented individuals who can work for Canadian tech companies, regardless of whether they have a job offer or not.

However, the specific criteria for qualification and the number of individuals to be admitted through this stream were not disclosed by the Immigration Minister.

H-1B visas have allowed foreign nationals to work temporarily in the US, particularly in specialised occupations such as the technology sector. However, the tech industry has experienced layoffs in recent times, leaving many H-1B visa holders seeking new employment opportunities.

Canada's decision to introduce an open work-permit stream offers an alternative destination for these highly skilled individuals, enabling them to continue their careers and support their families in a stable and welcoming environment.