Canada’s Work Permit Program Opens for H-1B Visa Holders: Apply Now

The highly anticipated program to attract tech talent in Canada has finally arrived. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced on June 27, 2023, the opening of a new work permit program for H-1B visa holders in the United States.

This program aims to tap into the pool of skilled professionals and provide them with a unique opportunity to work in Canada.

In this article, we will explore the key details of this program, including application requirements and pathways to permanent residency.

New Canada Work Permit Program Details

The newly introduced open work permit program for H-1B visa holders is now accepting applications. It will remain open for one year or until the cap of 10,000 principal applicants is reached.

The duration of the open work permit will be up to three years, and the family members of the primary applicants will be eligible to accompany them.

Benefits for Spouses and Children

The spouses and dependent children of the 10,000 H-1B visa holders will have the opportunity to apply for study permits, employment permits, and temporary resident visas. This opens up avenues for family members to pursue education, work, and explore life in Canada.

Documents Required for H-1B Work Permit Application

To apply for the work permit as the primary applicant, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid passport or travel document with at least one free page for the work permit placement.
2. Proof of your H-1B visa.
3. Proof of your I-797/I-797B form, also known as your H-1B work permit.
4. Form I-94 or Arrival/Departure Record, recent utility bill, income tax return, or any other document confirming your current residency in the United States.

Documents Required for Spouses or Dependents

If the spouse or dependent is accompanying the H-1B visa holder, they will need the following documents:

1. Valid passport or travel document with at least one free page for the work permit placement.
2. Proof of relationship with the primary applicant, such as a marriage certificate, proof of common-law status, or birth certificate for dependent children under 22 years of age.

Information Needed for Application

When applying for the Canada H-1B open work permit, you will be required to provide the following information:

1. Personal details
2. Travel document details
3. Financial information
4. Education History
5. Criminality and security information
6. Medical background
7. Family information

Application Process for Canada H-1B Open Work Permit

To apply for the open work permit, follow these steps:

1. Keep a credit card handy for fee payment.
2. Sign up on GCKey and receive an invite code via email.
3. Register on the IRCC portal and log in to submit the work permit application.
4. Answer the prompted questions and follow the guided CRM for a smooth application process.

Pathways to Canada PR for H-1B Visa Holders

While there is no dedicated path to permanent residency for H-1B visa open work permit holders, gaining one year of Canadian experience can significantly enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry.

This, in turn, increases their chances of qualifying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The following scenarios illustrate how the Canadian experience affects the CRS score:

1. One year of Canadian experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation raises the score from approximately 404 to 470.
2. Two years of Canadian experience further increases the CRS score to 507, improving the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
3. Additionally, provincial nominee programs (PNPs) target occupations aligned with STEM fields, further increasing the chances of obtaining permanent residency.

Conclusion

The new Canada work permit program for H-1B visa holders presents a tremendous opportunity for skilled professionals to explore career prospects and a potential pathway to permanent residency.

By providing a streamlined application process and benefits for accompanying family members, Canada is actively attracting tech talent from the United States. If you are an H-1B visa holder interested in working in Canada, seize this opportunity and apply for the open work permit today.