Canada Open Work Permit for US H-1B Visa Holders

• Apply for a 3-year Open work permit.
• Accepting 10,000 applications.
• 4 easy ways to settle in Canada.
• FREE Education for your Children.
• Easily acquire Canada PR.
• Better sense of security and long-term prospects.

Canada offers a promising future for H-1B’s 

The Canadian government announced an H-1B holder work permit which will be available from July 16th, 2023. If you already have an H-1B visa in the United States, you might be very well qualified to make the transition to Canada. You can make the transition to Canadian Permanent Residence based on your profile and eligibility.

Canada has announced the creation of an open work-permit stream for 10,000 U.S. H-1B visa holders. The four key pillars introduced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offer a glimpse of a more promising future for H-1B’s. These pillars provide U.S. H-1B visa holders a better sense of security and long-term prospects on offer in Canada than what currently is available in the United States.

Note: This golden opportunity will remain in effect for one year or until Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gets the required number of applications.

Important Announcement: Canada is accepting applications of Family members of H-1B visa for Open Work permit

H-1B visa holders can no longer apply

The US reached the cap of 10,000 applications for new public policy on June 17, 2023. Family members of H-1B visa holders will be eligible to apply under this new public policy.

Family members of H-1B visa applicants

Family members of H-1B visa applicants who have already applied for an H-1B visa can apply to come to Canada as visitors, workers, or students.

Under this public policy, the last date to submit open work permit applications is September 27, 2024. There is no deadline for visitor or student applications.

Study permit fee exemption for some children

Few children are exempt from paying the processing fee for study permits when applying for one in Canada.

Deadline to submit: September 27, 2024

4 key pillars for H-1B visa holders

Canada offers four key pillars for U.S. H-1B visa holders with a better sense of security and long-term prospects:

• Pillar 1: 3-year Open work permits for H-1B’s and their immediate family members.
• Pillar 2: Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program.
• Pillar 3: Canada promotes itself as a destination for Digital Nomads.
• Pillar 4: Strengthening existing programs for High-Skilled Tech Workers.

Eligibility criteria for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B

• Applicants with U.S. H1B
• Applicants who want to advance their career in North America
• When the application intake opens – 9 am Pacific time, 12 noon EST time
• You need to be in the USA with a Visa.
• Not being in the USA and having an H1B visa is not the criteria which has been mentioned but we need to wait till the official rules are released.

Requirements for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B

• Valid passport for more than 03 years
• Valid H1B authorization documents/ Proof of H1b status
• Digital photograph
• Marriage & Birth certificate
• Transcripts and degree certificates
• Updated CV
• US PCC and PCC, where the applicant has lived for more than six months in recent 10 years, are not required at the time of application.
• Prepare 10 years of personal and address history without any gaps.
• Family information like birth date, email IDs, and current address of parents, and siblings.

Life of H-1B’s in U.S. Vs. Life of H-1B’s in Canada

Check the comparison of the life of H-1B’s in the USA and in U.S. H-1B’s in Canada.

Factors	H-1B’s in the U.S.	U.S. H-1B’s in Canada
Status	Temporary work visa for skilled workers	Acquire Permanent residency status
Country	United States	Canada
Duration	Up to 3 years initially, can be extended up to 6 years	Permanent residency does not expire, but a PR card needs to be renewed every 5 years.
Future	Uncertain.	Promising Future, especially for H-1B’s.
Eligibility	Employer sponsorship and job offer required	67 points in Canada’s points grid. Job offer is NOT required.
Job Restrictions	Tied to a specific employer and job position	Free to work for any employer in any occupation
Dependents	Spouses and unmarried children can get H-4 visas	Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children can also get PR.
Education for Children	Education is affordable	Education is FREE.
Path to Citizenship	Can lead to a Green Card and eventual citizenship	Eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Citizenship Timeline	Takes several years	Takes 3-5 years
Healthcare	Access to a universal healthcare system.	Free Healthcare for you and your family members.
Geographic Flexibility	Limited to working for the sponsoring employer and location	Live and work anywhere in Canada under any employer.
Cost	7000$ – 9000$	2000$ – 2,300$
Dependence on Job	Loss of employment can lead to visa expiration and potential deportation.	Independent of job, unless PR card renewal requirements are not met. No deportation.

Canada’s 3-year open work permit for H-1B visa holders

Starting from July 16, 2023, U.S.-based H-1B workers and their immediate family members are eligible to apply for Open Canadian work permits of up to 3 years, enabling them to explore employment opportunities with almost any Canadian employer. This permit gives you the freedom to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada, opening up a world of possibilities to expand your professional network and gain valuable international career experience.

Benefits of 3-year Open Work Permit for H-1B’s 

• Job opportunities: Unlimited job opportunities in Canada without needing a sponsor.
• Family benefits: Your spouse can work full-time without any restrictions or sponsorship.
• Free Education: Your children can enjoy FREE education.
• Settle in Canada: This is your chance to take your career to the next level while offering your family an unforgettable experience of life in Canada.
• Contribute to economic growth and prosperity.

Steps to Apply 

Information is yet to be provided by IRCC.

Processing Fees for H-1B’s Canada Open Work Permit

Fees	$CAN
Applicant work permit	155
Biometrics	85
Spouse open work permit	100
Spouse Biometrics	85
Children	150

Processing time for H-1B’s Canada Open Work permit

For processing the Canada Open Work permits for H-1Bs takes 0-2 months.

How can Y-Axis help you to immigrate to Canada as an H-1B?

• If you’re interested in this exceptional opportunity, please reach out to us immediately. We will check your profile and evaluate if you are eligible
• This is your chance to take your career to the next level while offering your family an unforgettable experience of life in Canada.
• Even if you are not an H1B holder, send us your CV to check if you are eligible under the Category Based Selection Program for Canada.