As of right now, those with an H-1B specialty occupation visa from the United States may be able to apply to work and live in Canada. Canadian Open Work Permit Stream for US H-1B Visa Holders
The initiative, which aims to increase labor mobility in North America, was unveiled by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, on June 27. It might have an effect on thousands of workers in high-tech companies in both Canada and the US, as well as their close relatives.
A three-year open work visa will be given to those who are accepted. With an open work permit, people can work for nearly any Canadian firm. They can also apply for employment or study permits for their spouses and dependents as necessary.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says the measure will last for either one year or until the cap of 10,000 applicants has been reached. This cap is on principal applicants and does not include family members.
Eligibility criteria for Canada’s H-1B visa holder open work permit
To be eligible for Canada’s H-1B visa holder open work permit, you need to:
- have a valid H-1B specialty occupation visa, and
- currently live in the U.S.
In order to apply for the open work permit, you need:
- a copy of your current H-1B visa
- Form I-797/I797B, Notice of Action (the letter from the U.S. government confirming your H-1B application was approved)
- proof that you live in the U.S. (such as Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, a recent utility bill, an income tax report, or any document that proves you live in the U.S.)
IRCC targeting STEM occupations
The inaugural Express Entry draw for candidates with experience in STEM fields was scheduled to take place, according to IRCC’s announcement on June 28. The draw is a component of the category-based selection standards that the Minister made public on May 31.
On July 5, the department followed through and extended invitations to 500 applicants with STEM job experience, many of whom would also be qualified for the new H-1B open work permit. Those who received invitations had already submitted applications through Express Entry.
For instance, the Canadian government said in Budget 2023 that it will invest $20 billion to promote the construction of significant clean electricity and infrastructure projects for economic growth. A significant portion of this progress will need the expertise of STEM specialists.
STEM job vacancies in Canada
According to Statistics Canada’s most recent statistics on job openings, there were 42,900 positions open in professional, scientific, and technical services in April, down from 73,600 at its peak in April 2022 by 7,700 (-15.2%) and 30,600 (-41.6%) respectively.
The most open positions are still to be found in Ontario and Quebec. Ontario recently eliminated the requirement for Canadian work experience for immigrants pursuing engineering licensing in order to assist in filling these vacancies, particularly in the STEM field.
On June 30, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development also announced that regulated professions in Ontario will be required to make and communicate registration decisions on applications from internationally trained newcomers within six months. This measure aims to make it easier for skilled newcomers, especially in licensed professions such as some under STEM professions, to fill job vacancies and close the skills gap.
You can contact our expert Immigration Consultants for
