As Canada launches a new scheme to attract more tech aficionados to the country, Indians, who account for nearly 75% of H1-B visa holders in the United States, are all set to be the major beneficiaries.
In a bid to attract more skilled tech employees, Canada has started giving open work permits for H1-B visa holders from the US.
H-1B visas grant the foreign nationals permission to temporarily work in the US in certain specialised occupations, including the technology sector.
The tech companies widely depend on this visa to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
All about the new open work permit
As per media reports, the permit will now allow H1-B visa holders from the US to come and work in Canada for three years.
Besides, it will also allow family members of approved applicants to study or explore work options in the country.
The new programme will be in place for a year or until the Canadian government receives 10,000 applications.
Earlier this month, the Canadian government said in a release, "Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada."
"They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed,", the release said.
Canada is hoping to become a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies and it hopes to attract professionals affected by massive layoffs by US tech giants.
