CANADA'S NEW WORK PERMIT FOR US H-1B VISA HOLDERS A BOON FOR INDIAN TECH PROFESSIONALS

INTRODUCTION

Canada has introduced a new work permit for US H-1B visa holders as part of its first-ever Tech Talent Strategy. According to the announcement made on June 27th, 2023, H1-B holders in the US and their accompanying immediate family members will be eligible to apply to come to Canada as of July 16th, 2023. The approved applicants will receive an open work permit for up to three years, which means they can work for almost any employer in Canada.

BACKGROUND

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three years. The H-1B visa is popular among Indian tech professionals who work in the US.

Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy is a program designed to attract and retain highly skilled global talent. The program aims to help Canadian companies grow by providing them with access to the best talent from around the world. The program includes a number of initiatives such as the Global Skills Strategy, which provides faster and more predictable processing of work permits for highly skilled workers.

BENEFITS

Canada’s new work permit for US H-1B visa holders has several benefits. First, it provides an opportunity for US H-1B visa holders to work in Canada and gain valuable experience in a new environment. Second, it allows Canadian companies to access a pool of highly skilled workers who have already been vetted by US companies. Third, it helps to address the skills shortage in Canada’s tech sector.

The new work permit is expected to greatly benefit Indian tech professionals as they comprised approximately 75% of the H-1B visas issued in 2020 and 2021. The work permit will provide Indian tech professionals with an opportunity to work in Canada and gain valuable experience in a new environment. It will also provide them with an opportunity to explore new career opportunities and expand their professional networks.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Canada’s new work permit for US H-1B visa holders is a welcome development for both US H-1B visa holders and Canadian companies. The work permit provides US H-1B visa holders with an opportunity to work in Canada and gain valuable experience in a new environment. It also allows Canadian companies to access a pool of highly skilled workers who have already been vetted by US companies.

The new work permit is expected to greatly benefit Indian tech professionals as they comprised approximately 75% of the H-1B visas issued in 2020 and 2021. The work permit will provide Indian tech professionals with an opportunity to work in Canada and gain valuable experience in a new environment. It will also provide them with an opportunity to explore new career opportunities and expand their professional networks.

Overall, Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy is a program designed to attract and retain highly skilled global talent. The program aims to help Canadian companies grow by providing them with access to the best talent from around the world. The new work permit for US H-1B visa holders is just one of the many initiatives included in the program.