Canada Targets H-1B Visa Holders as U.S. Tightens Immigration Rules — New Fast-Track Pathway for Skilled Workers
Ottawa: Canada is making a bold move to attract top global talent — especially H-1B visa holders and skilled professionals currently based in the United States.
As the U.S. tightens its visa policies and increases fees, Canada is stepping in with a new accelerated immigration pathway to bring experienced researchers, tech workers, and innovators north of the border.
This initiative comes as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget, which earmarks $1.2 billion (₹106 crore) to recruit more than 1,000 international researchers and professionals to boost innovation and competitiveness.
“The expertise of these researchers will help advance our global competitiveness and contribute to the economy of the future,” stated the Canadian government’s 2025 budget document.
A Strategic Shift Toward High-Skilled Immigration
The new program is expected to offer a fast-track route for H-1B visa holders in the U.S., who are facing longer processing times, rising fees, and uncertainty around green card policies under the Trump administration.
Following the U.S. decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, many skilled immigrants — particularly from India — have been exploring relocation options. Canada’s new pathway provides a stable alternative with smoother access to work permits and permanent residency.
Immigration Plan Balances Growth and Sustainability
While Canada is actively inviting high-skilled professionals, it’s also tightening temporary and student visa numbers to manage population pressures and housing shortages.
Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Plan, Ottawa is expected to maintain about 380,000 permanent residents per year, but reduce temporary residents to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 by 2028 — a drop of over 40% compared to this year.
Study permits are also set to decline sharply — from 305,900 to 150,000 by 2027 — as the government focuses on sustainable growth in education and housing.
Why Canada Is Reducing Temporary Visas
According to Desjardins Financial Group, the reduction in temporary residents is designed to stabilize wages and curb rental inflation.
The report notes that slower population growth could help balance Canada’s GDP per capita and ease housing demand, especially in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.
Meanwhile, the government aims to bring the share of non-permanent residents down to below 5% of the total population by 2027, compared to 7.3% in mid-2025.
Expert Insight
According to Varun Singh, Managing Director at XIPHIAS Immigration, this policy signals Canada’s transition toward a “quality-driven immigration model.”
“Canada still welcomes newcomers, but its focus is shifting toward professionals who bring innovation, research, and economic value,” Singh said.
“This is the right time for skilled workers and H-1B holders to explore their Canadian options with proper guidance.”
What It Means for H-1B Holders and Skilled Professionals
For thousands of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., Canada’s initiative offers a chance to move to a country that values skilled expertise and provides a clearer, faster route to permanent residency.
If you’re a professional in tech, research, or STEM fields, this could be your best opportunity to transition from temporary status in the U.S. to permanent settlement in Canada.
Plan Your Move to Canada with XIPHIAS Immigration
Ready to explore your Canadian immigration options under the new H-1B fast-track pathway?
Connect with our certified experts at XIPHIAS Immigration for step-by-step guidance on eligibility, documentation, and visa strategy.
Book your free consultation today and secure your place in Canada’s evolving skilled migration landscape.
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By XIPHIAS Immigration
Last Updated: November 7, 2025, 10:25 AM IST
