As of now, those with a US H-1B visa with a particular occupation may be able to apply to work and settle in Canada.
The initiative, which aims to increase labour mobility in North America, was announced by Canada\’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, on June 27. It might have an effect on thousands of workers in high-tech companies in both Canada and the US, as well as their close relatives.This initiative is intended to make it easier for US citizens with H-1B visas to obtain a work permit in Canada. It may open up a route for those working in high-tech fields to start businesses in Canada without going through the regular immigration procedure.
The above news will benefit who?
The creation of an open work permit stream for US H-1B visa holders to apply for a Canadian work permit, as well as study or work permit options for their accompanying family members, was announced by Canadian Immigration Minister Fraser as part of Canada\’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy.
Starting on July 16, 2023, the new H1-B particular occupation visa holder work permit will be accessible.
Under the International Mobility Program, an Innovation Stream is also being developed to attract highly talented individuals. By the end of this year, the Innovation Stream will be launched. Also, this announcement will benefit and can be used by all the US H-1B visa holders looking to work and study in Canada.
Eligibility criteria: Canada’s H-1B visa holder open work permit
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for Canada\’s open work permit for H-1B visa holders:
- Hold a valid US H-1B visa for a particular occupation
- Currently live in the US
The following are the requirements for applying for an open work permit:
- A copy of your current US H-1B visa
- Form I-797/I797B, Notice of Action (notification that your H-1B application was approved by the US government)
- Proof that you live in the US
US H-1B visa Requirements
Applicants for the US H-1B visa must meet the following requirements:
- An offer of employment from a US employer that requires particular knowledge for the position.
- You must have a bachelor\’s degree in that field or equivalent experience.
- In order to be considered for the job, your employer must demonstrate that there are not enough qualified US applicants.
IRCC Targeting STEM Occupations
The inaugural Express Entry draw for candidates with experience in STEM fields was scheduled to take place, according to IRCC\’s announcement on June 28. The draw is a component of the category-based selection standards that the Minister made public on May 31.
There are five new Express Entry categories for persons with work experience in particular vocational domains. The sixth group is appropriate for people with a command of the French language. Following study and consultation with IRCC partners, stakeholders, and provincial and territory governments—which are perhaps more aware of local workforce shortages—the categories were chosen.
According to the IRCC, inviting applicants through the Express Entry STEM category was a significant step in Canada\’s commitment to luring top international talent and maintaining its leadership position in global R&D and innovation.
Canada’s tech talent attraction strategy
The International Resource Centre (IRCC) is seeking to create a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Programme (IMP) in addition to the 3-year open work visa for H-1B holders. By the end of this year, according to Minister Fraser, the Innovation Stream will be launched.
The feedback provided by stakeholders over numerous recent consultations is being used to build and inform the stream\’s possibilities.
There are two possibilities being thought about.
- Worker-specific work permits for up to five years for those going to companies that the Canadian government has selected as supporting its objective of industrial innovation.
- A five-year open work permit can be granted to highly trained employees in certain in-demand professions.
In a 2023 evaluation by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada was named the most alluring location for immigrant entrepreneurs.
The rankings took into account a wide range of elements, including access to finance, corporate tax rates, worker skills, university excellence, and immigration laws for business owners and their families.