Canada targets skilled tech workers facing H-1B fee hike, i.e., Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that Canada is preparing new measures to attract tech professionals affected by the recent fee hike for H-1B visas in the United States.
Carney shared these remarks while speaking to reporters in the United Kingdom on September 27, following his participation at the 2025 Global Progress Action Summit.
Carney explained that Canada now has a significant opportunity to attract individuals who would previously have secured H-1B visas, particularly those in the tech sector. He noted that fewer professionals will be able to obtain visas to the United States, despite being highly skilled, enterprising, and eager to relocate for work. Recognizing this, Carney emphasized that Canada intends to seize the opportunity and will be presenting a clear plan to make it happen.
On September 19, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas. This move is expected to particularly affect the US technology sector, which relies heavily on international professionals holding these visas.
This is not the first time Carney has highlighted Canada’s interest in welcoming talent that might otherwise move south of the border.
On September 22, during a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, Carney underscored that most of Canada’s AI and research talent eventually migrates to the US.
Carney noted that with the changes to the US visa policy, Canada might be able to retain some of the talent, saying it could “hang on to one or two of them.”
Canada’s Efforts To Attract Skilled Tech Professionals
For many skilled foreign nationals, obtaining a Canadian work permit is often a stepping stone toward permanent residence (PR). Canadian work experience adds significant value when applying through economic immigration programs.
Work permits in Canada are issued through two main pathways: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The TFWP requires employers to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA confirms that bringing in international talent will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
One of the standout features of the TFWP is the Global Talent Stream, specifically designed to help Canadian employers quickly bring in foreign tech professionals. This stream typically processes work permit applications within just two weeks, which makes employers and workers alike choose it.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
Unlike the TFWP, the IMP does not require an LMIA. In September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a new work permit under the Innovation Stream, which falls under the IMP.
This program gives skilled workers with job offers from eight companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project access to LMIA-exempt work permits.
The Innovation Stream is a core part of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, which aims to strengthen the country’s position as a hub for high-skilled professionals.
Work Permit Option For H-1B Visa Holders
Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy also introduced a dedicated work permit option for individuals holding H-1B specialty occupation visas in the US.
When it launched on July 16, 2023, the program allowed up to 10,000 applicants to apply. Interest was so strong that the cap was reached within just one day.
Intra-Company Transfers For tech talent
Another avenue for skilled professionals is the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) work permit, which simplifies the transfer of key employees such as executives, senior managers, and specialists within multinational companies from overseas branches to Canadian offices.
Large global tech firms with operations in both the US and Canada often use this pathway to smooth employee relocations.
Direct Immigration Through Express Entry
As Canada targets skilled tech workers facing H-1B fee hike, let us discuss about direct immigration through Express Entry.
Beyond work permits, foreign nationals may also apply directly for permanent residence through Express Entry, Canada’s primary system for managing economic immigration.
To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must qualify under one of three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Since 2023, Canada has also held category-based selection draws within the Express Entry system. These target workers in in-demand industries, including STEM occupations. Candidates in these categories often benefit from lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-offs compared to general draws.
However, the frequency of category-based draws can vary. The most recent STEM-specific draw took place on April 11, 2024.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
