{"id":3556,"date":"2025-09-29T14:26:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T18:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=3556"},"modified":"2025-09-29T14:26:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T18:26:05","slug":"canada-eyes-new-policies-to-attract-tech-talent-affected-by-u-s-h-1b-visa-fee-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=3556","title":{"rendered":"Canada Eyes New Policies to Attract Tech Talent Affected by U.S. H-1B Visa Fee Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Prime Minister Mark Carney<\/strong> has announced that Canada will explore new immigration measures aimed at attracting highly skilled tech workers impacted by the United States\u2019 recent <strong>H-1B visa fee increase<\/strong>.<br>Carney revealed these plans during a press briefing in the United Kingdom on <strong>September 27, 2025<\/strong>, following the <strong>Global Progress Action Summit<\/strong>, signalling Canada\u2019s readiness to capitalize on shifting U.S. immigration policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Key Highlights of Canada\u2019s Plan<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>H-1B Visa Fee Shock:<\/strong> On <strong>September 19, 2025<\/strong>, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a <strong>$100,000 fee<\/strong> on new H-1B visa applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact on U.S. Tech Industry:<\/strong> The sharp fee increase is expected to deter U.S. companies from hiring skilled foreign workers, particularly in the technology sector, which relies heavily on H-1B visa holders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Canada\u2019s Opportunity:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carney emphasized that the U.S. decision presents a unique chance for Canada to attract highly skilled professionals who may now look elsewhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThese are people with lots of skills, enterprising, and willing to move to work,\u201d Carney stated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He confirmed that <strong>Canada will present a \u201cclear offering\u201d<\/strong> to make immigration easier for affected workers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Earlier Remarks:<\/strong> Carney made similar comments on <strong>September 22, 2025<\/strong>, in a speech at the <strong>Council on Foreign Relations<\/strong> in New York, where he highlighted the need to retain top AI and research talent who often choose the U.S. over Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Canada\u2019s Existing Pathways for Tech Talent<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada already has a strong framework to welcome foreign tech professionals, including several fast-track programs for work permits and permanent residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Pathway\/Program<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Benefit for Tech Workers<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)<\/strong><\/td><td>Requires a <strong>Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)<\/strong> to ensure hiring doesn\u2019t negatively affect Canadian workers.<\/td><td>Includes the <strong>Global Talent Stream<\/strong>, which offers <strong>two-week processing<\/strong> for tech-related occupations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>International Mobility Program (IMP)<\/strong><\/td><td>LMIA-exempt work permits for certain categories.<\/td><td>Includes the <strong>Innovation Stream<\/strong> (launched Sept 2024), giving workers with offers from Global Hypergrowth employers a fast LMIA-free permit.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>H-1B Open Work Permit (Tech Talent Strategy)<\/strong><\/td><td>Launched July 2023, allowing U.S.-based H-1B holders to apply for a Canadian work permit.<\/td><td>Hit its <strong>10,000 application cap in one day<\/strong>, showing strong demand.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)<\/strong><\/td><td>Enables multinational firms to move executives or specialized staff to Canadian offices.<\/td><td>Allows rapid relocation of key employees with minimal paperwork.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Express Entry \u2013 STEM Category-Based Draws<\/strong><\/td><td>Points-based PR system with special draws for STEM professionals.<\/td><td>Lower CRS cut-offs for eligible STEM occupations, improving PR chances.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Potential New Measures to Be Announced<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While details of the new plan have not yet been released, Carney indicated that <strong>Canada will create additional incentives<\/strong> to attract workers who might otherwise have chosen the U.S.<br>Possible measures could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanded <strong>Innovation Stream<\/strong> permits with more eligible employers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher annual caps for <strong>H-1B holders<\/strong> applying for Canadian work permits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster <strong>Express Entry draws<\/strong> specifically for tech professionals impacted by U.S. policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional <strong>permanent residency pathways<\/strong> for STEM graduates and professionals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Why Canada is Poised to Benefit<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Global Tech Demand:<\/strong> Canada\u2019s growing tech hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Waterloo are seeking thousands of skilled workers in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Favorable Immigration Climate:<\/strong> Canada\u2019s work permit programs and permanent residency options are <strong>faster and more flexible<\/strong> compared to the U.S., even after recent processing delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Direct PR Pathways:<\/strong> Skilled workers can move from a temporary work permit to permanent residency through <strong>Express Entry<\/strong>, <strong>Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)<\/strong>, or employer-sponsored streams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Canada\u2019s Tech Talent Strategy at a Glance<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada\u2019s <strong>Tech Talent Strategy<\/strong>, launched in 2023, laid the groundwork for attracting global innovators.<br>Key initiatives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway:<\/strong> Special one-time program that quickly reached capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Innovation Stream (IMP):<\/strong> LMIA-free permits for employees of eight designated hypergrowth companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>STEM Category Express Entry Draws:<\/strong> Prioritizing occupations like software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Key Takeaways<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Canada is preparing new immigration incentives to capture tech talent deterred by the <strong>U.S. H-1B fee hike<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Existing programs such as the <strong>Global Talent Stream<\/strong> and <strong>Innovation Stream<\/strong> already provide fast, flexible pathways for foreign professionals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skilled workers can leverage Canada\u2019s <strong>work-to-PR route<\/strong>, making it an attractive alternative for those facing barriers in the United States.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size\">For a <strong> consultation<\/strong> about Immigration options, reach out to the <strong>CAD IMMIGRATION <\/strong>today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cadimmigration\/profilecard\/?igsh=aWYzamtvMzlvZHUy\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">INSTAGRAM<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@cad_immigration?_t=8rYlOtSiktj&amp;_r=1\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(317deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TIKTOK<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/cad-immigration\/\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(42deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\">LINKEDIN<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will explore new immigration measures aimed at attracting highly skilled tech workers impacted by the United States\u2019 recent H-1B visa fee increase.Carney revealed these plans during a press briefing in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2025, following the Global Progress Action Summit, signalling Canada\u2019s readiness to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3557,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[79,83,49,3,78,76,77,57,70,36],"class_list":["post-3556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cicnews","tag-cad-immigration","tag-cad-immigration-news","tag-cadimmigration","tag-canadaimmigration","tag-immigration-canada","tag-immigration-new-rules","tag-immigration-new-updates","tag-immigration-trend","tag-immigration-updates-canada","tag-immigrationupdates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3556"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3558,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3556\/revisions\/3558"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}