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) get the required number of applications.
Canada offers four key pillars for U.S. H-1B visa holders with a better sense of security and long-term prospects:
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. |
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
Information is yet to be provided by IRCC.
Fees |
$CAN |
Applicant work permit |
155 |
Biometrics |
85 |
Spouse open work permit |
100 |
Spouse Biometrics |
85 |
Children |
150 |
For processing the Canada Open Work permits for H-1Bs takes 0-2 months.
Explore what Global Indians have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future