Maple News reports that Canada is actively exploring new strategies to attract international tech professionals affected by recent changes to the U.S. H-1B visa program.
In comments made on September 27 at the Global Progress Action Summit in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Canada’s intent to present a clear policy offering to skilled workers facing limitations under the revised U.S. immigration landscape. “There’s an opportunity to attract people who previously would have received H-1B visas—especially within the tech sector,” Carney said, expressing optimism about drawing this global talent pool northward.
These sentiments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s September 19 proclamation to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa holders—a drastic escalation that is expected to deter many from applying. The U.S. tech sector, which depends heavily on skilled foreign workers, is expected to feel the brunt of this change.
This isn’t the first time Carney has pointed to Canada’s potential to benefit from stricter American immigration policies. During a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 22, he highlighted that much of Canada’s artificial intelligence and research talent currently migrates to the U.S. “Maybe we can hang on to one or two of them,” he remarked, signaling a renewed push to retain and attract top-tier professionals.
Canada has already made moves in this direction. In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a dedicated stream for H-1B visa holders looking to relocate. The program—which delivered thousands of open work permits to tech professionals—sold out within days, reflecting strong international interest in Canadian alternatives.
For many foreign workers, a Canadian work permit can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Experience gained in Canada often strengthens eligibility under programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program, making the country an appealing long-term option.
The Canadian government’s acknowledgement of the global talent shift suggests more targeted immigration policies are forthcoming—ones that may position Canada as an even stronger competitor in the international race for innovation and technology leadership.
With the U.S. tightening access to high-skilled worker visas, Canada is poised to benefit—provided it effectively capitalizes on this moment.