Canada is preparing a new accelerated immigration pathway for H1-B visa holders in the United States, aiming to offer a more stable and predictable alternative for highly skilled workers facing long backlogs and rising costs in the U.S.
The program, expected in the coming months, will build on Canada’s 2023 H1-B pilot that filled 10,000 spots in under 48 hours. Early signals show a focus on tech professionals, engineers, researchers, and workers at multinational companies with Canadian offices.
While details are not yet released, the pathway will likely offer a fast open work permit with a clear route toward permanent residence. However, concerns remain as Canada has not held a STEM-specific Express Entry draw since April 2024, leaving many tech workers already in Canada without a PR pathway.
Canada’s goal is to compete directly with the U.S. for top global talent while balancing the needs of newcomers and workers already in the country.
