Canada had recently annouced unrestricted work permit for 10,000 people in the U.S. on H-1B visa status. This could have provided a second option for H-1B holders in the U.S. to work or stay in Canada in case their H-1B runs out or they lose their job in U.S. Unfortunately that 10,000 quota run out on last Monday, July 17th within less than 48 hours of their annoucement last Sunday, July 16, 2023.
This new scheme allows thousands of H-1B visa holders in U.S. to live and work in Canada. This move can benefit professionals fron India and other countries who would need work permit beyond their H-1B validity period or if they lose job in the U.S.
This initiative is meant to keep highly skilled workers in North America. Anyone with a valid H-1B Specialty Occupations visa living in the U.S. can apply.
Under this policy, you can get an open work permit for up to 3 years.
If your passport expires in less than 3 years, your work permit will expire at the same time as your passport. You can’t get an extension under this initiative, but you may be able to get one under another program.
This temporary policy will last for 1 year or until we get 10,000 applications (whichever comes first).
To qualify for this temporary policy, you need to
- have a valid H-1B specialty occupation visa and
- currently live in the US
These family members living in the US can apply to come with you to Canada:
- your spouse
- your common-law partner
- your dependent children
They can come as either:
- a visitor
- a student
- a worker
- If your family members aren’t eligible to come under this policy, they may qualify as family members of highly skilled workers.
Note: This is a blog post by Adhikari Law PLLC and should NOT be construed as a legal advice. Changes in immigration policies and procedures are complex and may require a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.
You can contact us at (+1) 202 600 7742, or email us at info@adhikarilaw.com if you will have any question on this topic. You can also reach us to learn about our legal services or complete the Form to request an Attorney Consultation.