US: H-1B Visa Holders Eligible For Open Work Permit In Canada!

The IT sector in the US was on a hiring spree during Covid and it is now on the layoff spree. There are many companies in the US that are laying people off in large numbers and most of them are on H-1B visas. Though the US is making amendments to H-1B visa holders’ legal stay validity with temporary EAD for a year so they can find a new job during that time, Canada is bringing on a meaty offer for H-1B Visa holders.

Canada is creating an open work-permit stream for 10,000 American H-1B visa holders, as announced by Canada Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on Tuesday. The program also allows the H-1B visa holder’s family members to obtain study or work permits. The approved applicants will receive an open work permit of up to three years.

‘Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B specialty occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada. They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed,’ the press release read.

While this open work-permit stream from Canada will be creating more opportunities for H-1B visa holders, it has to be seen how the extension of H-1B visas works and if Canadian immigration allows them to apply for Canadian Visa after three years of work permit.