It comes as a good news for Indians, as Canada introduces a new scheme that enables H1B Visa holders from the United States to avail job opportunities by providing them with open work permits. This policy by the Canadian government is an intentional effort to draw highly skilled tech enthusiasts to the nation as it seeks to establish itself as a global leader in emerging technologies.
Indians, who make up about 75% of H1-B visa holders in the US, stand to gain the most from the new open work permit because it offers opportunities for those who are concerned about their future in the US due to visa and green card issues. Three years of work or study are permitted in Canada for H-1B visa holders and their families under the program.
Here, we have tried to gather all the information that you might need about this scheme.
What is the H1 B Visa Category?
The H-1B visa category is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa instituted by the American government under the Immigration Act of 1990. This allows U.S. employers to hire foreign employees for specialized positions. A specialty occupation calls for the application of people with specialized knowledge with a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in work experience. The visa holder can resubmit after a maximum stay of three years, which can be extended to six years. The jobs are mainly available in the fields of sciences, technology, engineering, and medicine.
According to information provided by the American Immigration Council, the current annual statutory limit is 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas for foreign professionals with a master's or doctorate from a U.S. institution of higher education.
What is Canada’s Big Offer for H1 B Visa Holders?
There are tens of thousands of high-tech professionals employed by multinational corporations with significant operations in both the U.S. and Canada. Canada has launched an open work permit stream that will enable over 10,000 H1-B visa holders from the United States to work in Canada for a period of three years in order to support the country's growth through the development of these corporations. It also permits family members of approved applicants to study or pursue employment in the United States.
Under this initiative, H1-B visa holders will be permitted to work for any Canadian employer. In addition, their spouses and dependents will be eligible to apply for temporary resident visas, enabling them to obtain work or study permits as necessary.
How will Indians Benefit from this offer?
Thousands of Indians are concerned about their future in the United States due to the lengthy Green Card line and legal complications associated with the H1B visa. According to immigration experts, the Canada Open Work Permit offers them numerous opportunities.
Taking into account the expert opinion presented in the Economic Times, U.S. companies that are attempting to establish a presence in Canada are finding it difficult to identify the right talent, so they are recruiting H-1B visa holders to fill the vacancies through the open work permit stream; a significant number of these professionals are Indians. Numerous Indians are contemplating the long-term opportunity offered by Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via the Express Entry system. This pathway enables them to petition for permanent residence in Canada, with the added benefit of becoming eligible for Canadian citizenship after three out of five years of residence, according to the expert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada's new open work permit scheme for H1B visa holders offers Indians and other skilled professionals confronting uncertainty in the United States a promising opportunity. This initiative not only welcomes individuals desiring job security and career advancement, but it also aligns with Canada's desire to become a global leader in technology. It addresses the concerns of H1B visa holders by providing a three-year work or study option and by expanding the opportunities available to their families. In addition, it helps multinational corporations in Canada meet their talent requirements. This program exemplifies Canada's proactive approach to immigration and talent procurement, making it an attractive destination for those seeking career stability and personal growth.
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