Being prepared with all the needed documents can make a big difference for anyone who wants to apply for Canada’s upcoming pathway for H-1B visa holders.
In 2023, the Canadian government opened a special work permit stream for people holding H-1B visas from the United States. This stream accepted 10,000 applications and reached its limit in only two days.
Those who already had their documents ready were able to apply immediately and secure the chance to live and work in Canada for up to three years. But many others missed the opportunity simply because they were not prepared in time.
This year, in the 2025 Budget, the federal government announced that a new, faster pathway for H-1B holders will be launched. This pathway is part of Canada’s plan to attract highly skilled workers from around the world.
According to the government, the goal is to help reduce labour shortages and bring in top talent in important fields, including healthcare, research, and advanced industries.
The pathway is expected to open in the coming months, although an exact date has not been shared yet.
If you want the best chance of applying before the cap fills up, below is the list of the important documents to prepare for Canada’s new H-1B pathway.
Documents That Prove H-1B Status
When Canada launched the first H-1B open work permit program in 2023, applicants needed to show documents that confirmed their H-1B status.
It is very likely that the new pathway will require similar documents. Having them ready ahead of time can help you submit your application the moment the new stream opens.
You should prepare:
- A copy of your valid H-1B Special Occupations visa
- Form I-797/I-797B (Notice of Action) confirming your approved H-1B petition
- Proof that you live in the United States, such as:
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- A recent utility bill
- An income tax report
Documents That Prove Your Identity
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will also need documents that confirm your identity.
These may include:
- Your passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or divorce documents (if this applies to you)
- Adoption records (if any)
It is a good idea to renew your passport early if it will expire soon. A passport that expires during processing can delay your application.
Documents You May Need For Permanent Residence (PR)
Another one of the key documents to prepare for Canada’s new H-1B pathway are the ones you need for permanent residence.
While the government has not yet shared full details, it is still a good idea to prepare documents normally required for economic PR programs.
Some of these documents can take months to receive, so applying for them early is very helpful.
Proof Of Language Ability
Canada uses language tests to check your English or French skills.
Tests accepted for federal economic programs are:
- CELPIP-General
- IELTS General Training
- PTE Core
- TEF Canada (French)
- TCF Canada (French)
Your test results must be:
- from an approved testing agency
- valid for two years
- valid on the day you submit your PR application
Proof Of Education
Many Canadian programs require proof of higher education.
If you completed your education outside Canada, you may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). An ECA shows whether your foreign degree is equal to a Canadian degree.
If you studied in Canada, you can submit your Canadian credentials directly without an ECA.
Proof Of Work Experience
If the new H-1B pathway or a related PR option requires skilled work experience, you must show documents that prove your past jobs.
The most important documents are employer reference letters, which should include:
- Company letterhead
- Your job title
- Your main duties
- Start and end dates of employment
- Number of hours worked per week
- Name and contact information of your supervisor or HR representative
Criminal Background Check (Police Certificates)
Canada requires police certificates to confirm you do not pose a safety or security risk.
You must provide a police certificate from every country where you lived six months or longer in the past 10 years since turning 18, except time spent in Canada.
Moreover, your police certificate for your current country of residence must be issued within the last 6 months before you apply.
Some countries take a long time to issue police certificates, so it is best to request them early.
Other Important Things To Prepare
Apart from the important documents to prepare for Canada’s new H-1B pathway, here are some other things to keep in mind.
Translations
All documents must be in English or French.
If your documents are in another language, you need:
- a certified copy of the original
- a full English or French translation
- an affidavit from the translator
This step is important and often takes extra time.
Travel History
Many Canadian applications require your complete travel history for the past 10 years (or since age 18, whichever is shorter).
This includes:
- All trips outside your home country
- Dates of travel
- Purpose of each visit
If you travel often, start building a travel log now.
Documents For Family Members
If your spouse, partner, or dependent children will be included in your application, they will also need their own documents, such as:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Police certificate (for anyone aged 18 or older)
Letter Of Explanation (LOE)
A Letter of Explanation helps you clarify anything unusual in your application.
You may need an LOE if:
- You cannot get a certain document
- Some documents have spelling differences
- Anything in your application might be misunderstood
An LOE is short but very helpful for officers reviewing your file.
Organizational Affiliations
On the PR form Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), Canada asks you to list any:
- memberships
- associations
- charitable donations
These must be accurate and complete. Preparing this information in advance will make filling out the form easier.
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].
