In 2024, the H-1B visa saw a whopping 7,80,884 registrations, acting as a major gateway for international students aiming to work in the US. But now, there's a noticeable shift happening. Canada is becoming a top choice for H-1B visa holders, especially those in the US tech industry dealing with job uncertainties.
With all the layoffs and shifting job market dynamics, this blog digs into why more skilled professionals are choosing Canada over the US. We'll explore what makes Canada so appealing compared to the usual draw of the United States.
What Is the US H-1B visa?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States, designed to enable skilled professionals from other countries to work for US companies. It permits holders to stay and work in the US for up to three years initially. They can extend it for an additional three years.
H-1B visa requirements are employer sponsorship, specialized occupation, bachelor's degree, or equivalent. So, individuals use this visa after completing higher education degrees, such as MBAs or business master's programs, to land jobs with sponsoring companies. Big tech firms like Apple, Meta, and Google are major sponsors, drawing a lot of H-1B applicants each year.
What’s Happening - Why Canada over USA
Earlier this year, H-1B visa holders faced a major setback when the US tech industry went through massive layoffs. Big names like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google announced huge staff cuts — Amazon planned to let go of 18,000 employees, Microsoft 10,000, and Google 12,000. (Note that Amazon holds the distinction of being the largest sponsor of H-1B visas in 2022!)
The result? Many H-1B visa holders were left in a tough spot, giving them just 60 days to leave the country, find a new visa, or quickly get another job with sponsorship.
Here’s Why People Are Moving to Canada from the US
The big shift with skilled professionals moving from the US to Canada in recent times is fueled by a strategic initiative launched by the Canadian government. On July 16, Canada unveiled its groundbreaking Tech Talent Strategy. And what’s that? An open work permit stream specifically tailored for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders from the US!
The program was set up to welcome up to 10,000 H-1B visa holders from the US. H-1B visa Canada applications flooded in through the Authorized Paid Representatives Portal and it hit its cap by July 17, 2023. Seeing that some applicants missed the deadline, Canada decided to still process work permits for those who had applied for the pilot program just before the cut-off.
Canada's Tech Talent Strategy isn't just a reaction to market changes; it's a strategic investment to boost the country's booming tech scene. This permit has been attracting top talent in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and other high-demand fields. So, Canada is pushing forward with its goals of sparking innovation and driving economic growth.
Read More:Important Things to Know as a Job Seeker in Canada
Canada’s Conducive Environment for Career Growth
A CBRE study that came out in July 2023 showed how Canada's tech scene is blowing up! Places like Vancouver, Calgary, and the Waterloo Region are seeing remarkable job growth rates. Basically, Canada's becoming a hot spot for tech innovation on a global scale
Canada's got this pull for skilled individuals that goes way beyond just handing out work permits. Think about it: if you're stuck with the headaches of the US immigration maze on an H-1B visa, Canada starts to look like a breath of fresh air. Their hassle-free processes and fertile ground for career blossoming make it a no-brainer for those seeking stability and growth.
Read More:10 In-Demand Jobs in Canada for 2024
Study and Work Permit Options for Accompanying Family Members
This three-year open work permit is like a package deal. But how? Well, it isn't just about job opportunities for the visa holders. It also hooks up their family members with study and work permits. So, this permit presents an appealing proposition for those affected by the wave of layoffs in the US tech industry.
Waiver of Study Permit Processing Fees for Minor Children
The temporary public policy introduced several provisions aimed at facilitating the transition for H-1B visa holders and their families. Among these measures is the waiver of study permit processing fees for minor children of H-1B holders. It's like a free pass to get them sorted out, which is super helpful for families making the move to Canada.
Employment in the US through TN Visas
Getting Canadian citizenship isn't just about being Canadian. It opens up perks like easy entry into the US with TN (Trade NAFTA) visas. These visas are way faster than the long wait for green cards. So, becoming a Canadian means a smoother ride to work across the border.
Conclusion
Canada's the hot spot now for people holding H-1B visas from the US. Thanks to Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, the country offers open work permits, makes immigrating a breeze, and even throws in perks for families. So, it has become like a magnet for skilled pros hit by the US tech layoffs. And with booming job markets in cities like Vancouver and Calgary, Canada's the place to be for a steady career climb!
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