US Visa Changes Create Opportunities for Canada

1. US H-1B Visa Fee Hike Creates Opportunities for Canada

Recently, President Donald Trump increased the fee for the US H-1B visa program to $100,000, affecting highly skilled workers, particularly in tech and research sectors.

Consequently, lawyers and business experts are urging Canada to attract these workers and offer them an alternative pathway.

However, experts caution that Canada’s immigration system also has its challenges, so careful planning is essential for potential immigrants.

2. Canada’s Government Signals Interest

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is paying attention to this shift. In a speech at the Council of Foreign Relations, he highlighted Canada’s strong research and AI talent but noted that most of this talent currently moves to the US.

Furthermore, during a trip to the UK, Carney mentioned that Canada is exploring a clear offering for tech professionals who would have been eligible for the H-1B visa.

Thus, skilled workers who cannot afford or access the US visa may now consider Canada as a viable alternative.

3. Who is Affected by the US Visa Changes?

Trump’s new visa fees mainly impact:

• Recent international graduates from US universities who wanted to stay and work
• Tech companies relying on foreign workers for high-skilled positions

As a result, many highly educated workers are now looking at other countries, including Canada, to continue their careers.

4. Experts See This as an Opportunity for Canada

Canada-based immigration lawyer Evan Green described the situation as a “wonderful opportunity” for Canada to attract skilled talent.

Similarly, Build Canada, a non-profit focused on productivity, urged Canada to move quickly. Their memo emphasized:

• Hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals are seeking a new home
• Canada’s world-class research, proximity to the US, and high quality of life make it an attractive option

Therefore, Canada could benefit economically if it acts promptly.

5. Historical Evidence Supports Canada’s Advantage

A 2020 study showed that when the US restricted skilled worker visas in 2004, multinational companies hired the same talent in Canada instead.

Moreover, in 2023, Canada introduced a pilot program for US-based H-1B holders to obtain a three-year work permit. Applications filled within 24 hours, showing strong demand among skilled workers to move to Canada.

Thus, Canada has a proven record of attracting highly skilled talent when opportunities arise.

6. Challenges and Cautions

Nevertheless, Canada’s immigration system is not without challenges:

• Permanent residency processing can be slow
• Wage structures are generally lower than in the US
• Political debates exist around the temporary foreign worker program
• Canada has scaled back immigration in recent years, making the system less predictable

Economists warn that these factors may limit Canada’s attractiveness unless reforms are made.

7. Canada’s Current Immigration Options

Despite the challenges, Canada offers pathways for skilled immigrants:

• Express Entry for highly skilled workers
• Global Skills Strategy, which allows fast processing of temporary work permits
• IRCC continues to explore new ways to attract top global talent

Therefore, skilled workers seeking alternatives to the US H-1B visa can still consider Canada as a strong option.

8. Key Takeaways for Immigrants

• US H-1B fee hikes push highly skilled workers to explore Canada
• Canada has programs to quickly attract and retain talent
• Potential immigrants should seek guidance to navigate the system efficiently
• While opportunities exist, they must be aware of processing times, wage differences, and residency pathways

This situation presents a timely opportunity for skilled professionals worldwide to consider Canada as a preferred destination for work and long-term immigration.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).