Canada Offers Multiple Pathways for H-1B Visa Holders Seeking to Relocate

Key Takeaways

• H-1B holders can apply for Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program via Express Entry, with 232,150 economic immigrants targeted by 2025.
• Provincial Nominee Programs offer faster permanent residence options for high-demand professionals, like tech workers, through tailored provincial immigration streams.
• Global Talent Stream provides expedited two-week temporary work permits for H-1B holders with specialized or high-demand skills, requiring a $1,000 CAD fee.

H-1B visa holders in the United States who are exploring opportunities to move to Canada have several distinct pathways to consider. With a mix of permanent residence programs and work permits available, Canada continues to appeal to skilled workers in fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. Below, we unpack the primary options available as of February 2025 and discuss practical considerations for those planning to relocate.

Express Entry System

Canada Offers Multiple Pathways for H-1B Visa Holders Seeking to Relocate

The Express Entry System is one of the most popular options for skilled workers, including H-1B visa holders, to secure permanent residence in Canada. This system manages applications for three main federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). For H-1B holders, the FSWP is the most suitable route.

To qualify under the FSWP, applicants must meet specific requirements in key areas like skilled work experience, language ability (in English or French), and educational qualifications. Once eligible, individuals enter a pool of candidates and are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Higher scores improve the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Canada’s immigration targets reinforce the importance of the Express Entry route. By 2025, the country aims to welcome 232,150 economic immigrants, of which many will be through the Express Entry System. The targets for 2026 and 2027 are slightly lower but still significant, at 229,750 and 225,350 respectively. These figures show Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigrants, making this an attractive option for H-1B visa holders.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s provinces and territories offer the Provincial Nominee Programs as another pathway for skilled workers. PNPs let provinces nominate immigrants whose job skills meet their local labor needs. These programs offer targeted options for H-1B visa holders with expertise in high-demand industries, such as information technology.

Notable PNPs for tech workers include British Columbia’s PNP Tech, the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, and the Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Program. The Quebec program particularly focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects, aligning with the skills of many H-1B workers.

PNPs can often offer faster routes to permanent residence compared to the federal system, depending on provincial needs. With provinces actively seeking specific talent, many H-1B visa holders find this route to be a practical alternative.

Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The Global Talent Stream, part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, provides an expedited option for high-skilled workers to obtain a work permit. While primarily designed for Canadian employers to bring in foreign talent quickly, the program can be a stepping stone for H-1B visa holders considering permanent residence later.

Key aspects of the GTS include two categories: Category A for unique and specialized talent and Category B for workers in high-demand jobs. The program includes a $1,000 CAD application fee and requires employers to submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan highlighting how hiring foreign talent will benefit Canada. A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is also required to show that the hire won’t negatively impact the local job market.

Although the GTS focuses on temporary employment, it offers a significant advantage in its quick processing times, often under two weeks. Eligible workers can use this program to establish themselves in Canada before transitioning to permanent residence through a program like the Express Entry.

International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program’s LMIA-exempt work permits also present opportunities for H-1B visa holders, especially those employed by multinational companies. Intra-company transferees working in specialized roles or managerial capacities may transfer to a Canadian branch of their employer through this program.

To qualify for an intra-company transfer, H-1B holders must have worked with their current employer for at least one year. The transfer must involve a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary in Canada, and the applicant’s role must fall into one of three categories: executive, senior management, or specialized knowledge.

H-1B visa holders working in sectors like technology may also benefit from options provided under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly NAFTA. This agreement streamlines the process for eligible U.S. professionals to secure work permits for roles in Canada.

H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit Initiative (Closed)

In July 2023, Canada introduced a special initiative aimed at attracting H-1B visa holders directly. This program provided open work permits valid for up to three years and allowed family members to apply for work permits as well. However, with a cap of 10,000 applications, the program reached its limit within 48 hours of opening.

Despite its initial popularity, data shows that only 1,205 H-1B visa holders had moved to Canada through this program by the end of its first year. This accounts for approximately 12% of the total applicants, indicating that some used the program as a contingency plan rather than a concrete relocation option.

Although this specific initiative is closed, family members of those who applied can still request work permits until September 2024. Its success demonstrates Canada’s interest in attracting top talent from the U.S. and may inspire similar programs in the future.

Practical Considerations for Moving to Canada

H-1B visa holders contemplating relocation to Canada should weigh several key factors:

Employment Opportunities: Although Canada offers open work permits in some cases, securing a job may still be more challenging due to the differences in job markets between the U.S. and Canada.
Long-term Stability: Canada’s immigration pathways often provide clearer routes to permanent residence compared to the temporary and employer-dependent nature of the H-1B visa in the U.S.
Family Dynamics: Relocating with dependents might be complex for those with long-term ties to the U.S. However, Canada offers its own benefits for family inclusion, such as options for family members to obtain work permits.
Processing Times: With processing times averaging 15 weeks for Canadian work permits submitted from the U.S., planning ahead is essential.
Language Requirements: Proficiency in either English or French is crucial not only for immigration applications but also for successfully integrating and participating in Canada’s workforce.

Conclusion

H-1B visa holders have a wide range of options for immigrating to Canada, from permanent residence pathways like Express Entry and PNPs to temporary work permits under the Global Talent Stream or International Mobility Program. Although the specific H-1B visa-focused work permit initiative is no longer accepting applications, Canada’s broader immigration policies continue to support skilled workers.

While the decision to relocate requires balancing job opportunities, family considerations, and long-term goals, Canada offers a stable and welcoming environment for H-1B holders. For additional official information on pathways for skilled workers, readers can visit the IRCC website. As immigration policies shift, staying informed can help H-1B workers better prepare for potential moves.

Whether through Express Entry for permanent residence or temporary work permit programs, Canada’s opportunities reflect its strong commitment to skilled labor, making it an appealing destination for potential migrants. As VisaVerge.com highlights, skilled labor mobility is increasingly shaping Canada’s forward-looking immigration strategy.

Learn Today

Express Entry System → A points-based system managing skilled workers’ applications for permanent residence under specific federal immigration programs.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) → A scoring framework evaluating immigration candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) → Immigration programs allowing Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates meeting local labor market needs.
Global Talent Stream (GTS) → A fast-track Canadian work permit program targeting high-skilled foreign workers in specialized or high-demand jobs.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) → A document confirming that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect Canadian workers’ job opportunities.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada beckons H-1B visa holders with enticing immigration pathways. The Express Entry System offers permanent residence for skilled workers, while Provincial Nominee Programs target high-demand talent. Short-term options like the Global Talent Stream and International Mobility Program provide swift access. With career stability and inclusive policies, Canada ensures a promising future for skilled migrants.
— By VisaVerge.com