Canada Open Work Permit for US H-1B Visa Holders

• Apply for a 3-Year Open Work Permit
• Simple Pathway to Settle in Canada
• Cost-Free Education for Children
• Easy Canada PR Process
• Security and Long-Term Benefits

 

Canada offers a promising future for H-1Bs

The Canadian government has released a new work permit option for H-1B visa holders, set to be effective from July 16th, 2023. If you are already a H-1B visa holder in the United States, you are qualified to transition to Canada. Candidates with a qualifying profile and eligibility, you can pursue Canadian Permanent Residence.

 

Canada has introduced an open work-permit stream specifically for 10,000 U.S. H-1B visa holders. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) came up with four committing for H-1B visa holders. These not only offer a pathway to Canada but also present a sense of security and long-term benefits.

 

Important to note: This opportunity will be available for one year or until Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives the required number of applications.

 

4 key pillars for H-1B visa holders

The long-term benefits offered by Canada for U.S. H-1B visa holders via the four pillars are given below:

• Pillar 1: Extended Work Permits:

Offers H-1B visa holders and their immediate family members a 3-year open work permit.

• Pillar 2: Innovation Stream in the International Mobility Program:

Facilitates entry into Canada through an Innovation Stream, and mobility options.

• Pillar 3: Digital Nomad Destination:

Actively promotes itself as an attract destination for digital nomads, to promote talent globally.

• Pillar 4: Support for High-Skilled Tech Workers:

Strengthens existing programs to further support and integrate high-skilled tech workers into the workforce of Canada.

 

Eligibility criteria for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B

The eligibility criteria for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B are given below:

• U.S. H1B Visa Holders:

Individuals holding U.S. H1B visas are eligible to apply.

• Career Advancement in North America:

Suitable for applicants aiming to progress their careers in North America.

• Application Intake Schedule:

The application intake begins at 9 am Pacific time and 12 noon EST time.

• Location Requirement:

Applicants must be present in the USA with a valid visa during the application process.

• Clarification on Criteria:

The necessity of being in the USA with an H1B visa has not exclusively mentioned, official rules are yet to be confirmed.

 

Requirements for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B

The requirements for Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B are given below:

• Passport Validity:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least three years.

• H1B Authorization Documentation:

Provide valid H-1B documents or proof of current H1B status.

• Digital Photograph:

Include a recent digital photograph as part of your application.

• Marriage and Birth Certificates:

Submit copies of marriage and birth certificates as required.

• Educational Documents:

Include educational certificates in your application.

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV):

Provide an updated CV.

• US Police Clearance Certificates (PCC):

US PCC and PCC from places of residence exceeding six months in the last 10 years are not initially required.

• Family Information:

Include birth dates and current addresses of parents and siblings in the application.

 

Life of H-1B’s in U.S. Vs. Life of H-1B’s in Canada

The table given below draws the differences between H-1B visa holders in the United States and in Canada.

Factors	H-1B’s in the U.S.	U.S. H-1B’s in Canada
Status	Temporary work visa for skilled workers	Acquire Permanent residency status
Country	United States	Canada
Duration	Up to 3 years initially, can be extended up to 6 years	Permanent residency does not expire, but a PR card needs to be renewed every 5 years.
Future	Uncertain.	Promising Future, especially for H-1B’s.
Eligibility	Employer sponsorship and job offer required	67 points in Canada’s points grid. Job offer is NOT required.
Job Restrictions	Tied to a specific employer and job position	Free to work for any employer in any occupation
Dependents	Spouses and unmarried children can get H-4 visas	Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children can also get PR.
Education for Children	Education is affordable	Education is FREE.
Path to Citizenship	Can lead to a Green Card and eventual citizenship	Eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Citizenship Timeline	Takes several years	Takes 3-5 years
Healthcare	Access to a universal healthcare system.	Free Healthcare for you and your family members.
Geographic Flexibility	Limited to working for the sponsoring employer and location	Live and work anywhere in Canada under any employer.
Cost	7000$ – 9000$	2000$ – 2,300$
Dependence on Job	Loss of employment can lead to visa expiration and potential deportation.	Independent of job, unless PR card renewal requirements are not met. No deportation.

 

Canada’s 3-year open work permit for H-1B visa holders

Starting from July 16, 2023, individuals holding H-1B status in the U.S. and their immediate family members have the opportunity to seek Open Canadian work permits valid for up to three years. This allows them to explore employment opportunities across a wide range of Canadian employers. With the flexibility to work for almost any employer, this permit offers the freedom to expand professional networks and acquire valuable international career experience in Canada.

 

Benefits of 3-year Open Work Permit for H-1B’s 

• Abundance Job Opportunities:

Explore unlimited job opportunities in Canada without the requirement for sponsorship.

• Family-Friendly Policies:

Your spouse can work full-time without restrictions or the need for sponsorship.

• Education at No Cost:

Provide your children with the benefit of FREE education.

• Settle and Grow in Canada:

Advance your career while offering your family a life-changing experience in Canada.

• Contribute to the country’s economy:

Be an active member towards the economic and growth of Canada.

 

Steps to Apply 

Details are yet to be released by the IRCC.

 

Processing Fees for H-1B’s Canada Open Work Permit

Fees	$CAN
Applicant work permit	155
Biometrics	85
Spouse open work permit	100
Spouse Biometrics	85
Children	150

 

Processing time for H-1B’s Canada Open Work Permit

The processing time for Canada Open Work permits for H-1Bs typically ranges from 0 to 2 months.

 

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