Canada opens work-permit stream for 10,000 H-1B Visa holders in the US, offering opportunity to Indian tech professionals
New Delhi : In a major move to support highly skilled foreign workers affected by recent layoffs in the US, Canada has announced the creation of an open work-permit stream that will allow 10,000 H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country. This initiative holds the potential to benefit thousands of Indian tech professionals seeking new job opportunities.
The Canadian Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, highlighted that one of the programs has been specifically designed for individuals in the United States. According to the Canadian government's release, the H-1B open work permit, valid for up to three years, will be available as of July 16. Moreover, spouses and dependents of the H-1B visa holders will also be eligible for a temporary resident visa, enabling them to work or study in Canada.
The job market in the United States has witnessed a wave of layoffs, affecting numerous highly skilled foreign workers, including a substantial number of Indians. Renowned companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have recently implemented workforce reductions, leading to significant job losses. Media reports from the United States suggest that nearly 200,000 IT workers have been laid off since November of the previous year.
Experts estimate that between 30 and 40 percent of these skilled workers are Indians, many of whom hold H-1B and L1 visas. With Canada's new open work-permit stream, these individuals will have an opportunity to explore employment prospects in a welcoming environment, potentially revitalizing their careers and contributing to Canada's thriving tech sector.
The Canadian government's decision to create this work-permit stream underscores its commitment to attracting and retaining global talent, positioning the country as a favorable destination for skilled professionals seeking new opportunities amidst challenging circumstances.
