NEW YORK: In a recent development, Canada has introduced a new work permit program for H-1B visa holders in the United States, enabling them to work in the country. The move aims to attract professionals affected by extensive layoffs in the US tech giants, particularly benefiting the significant number of Indian workers in the technology industry. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
To achieve its goal of becoming a global leader in various technologies, Canada is actively seeking to draw skilled individuals affected by the massive job cuts in the US. The Canadian government plans to establish an open work-permit stream by July 16, allowing up to 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to work in Canada, as announced by Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Furthermore, the program will also extend study or work permits to the family members of the approved applicants.
Under this new initiative, approved candidates will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years, granting them the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada. Additionally, their spouses and dependents will be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, along with a work or study permit as required. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ministry emphasized that the aim of their immigration Tech Talent Strategy is not solely focused on numbers but rather on strategically attracting newcomers who can help establish Canada as a global leader in emerging technologies.
The US tech industry experienced a surge in hiring during the pandemic, followed by a wave of layoffs affecting numerous H-1B visa holders. Consequently, many of these individuals have been scrambling to secure new employment opportunities before being compelled to leave the US. Several layoffs have occurred in prominent tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, resulting in thousands of highly skilled foreign-born workers, including a significant portion of Indian IT professionals on H-1B and L1 visas, losing their jobs. Reports suggest that nearly 200,000 IT workers have been laid off since November of the previous year, with estimates indicating that 30 to 40 percent of those affected are Indian IT professionals.
Annually, the US government issues 65,000 H-1B visas, each valid for three years and renewable for an additional three years. Statistics from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services reveal that in FY 2022, 72.6 percent of approved H-1B petitions were for individuals born in India. Similarly, in the previous fiscal year (FY 2021), approximately 74.1 percent of Indians received H-1B visas out of the total approved.
Canada's introduction of a work permit for H-1B visa holders presents a significant opportunity for skilled professionals affected by layoffs in the US tech industry, particularly benefiting Indian workers. The program's open work permit and the inclusion of family members provide flexibility and support for those seeking employment and stability in Canada's emerging tech sector.
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