Maple News reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated the Canadian government is actively exploring new immigration measures to welcome skilled workers impacted by the U.S.’s recent H-1B visa policy changes. Carney specifically highlighted opportunities for technology professionals, remarking that U.S. visa fees could redirect talent northward.
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Carney referenced the United States’ sudden introduction of a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it a potential “opening” for Canada to attract global talent. He noted that too often, Canada educates top-tier talent only to see it migrate southward due to more favorable visa access. “Maybe we can hang on to one or two of them,” he quipped.
The U.S. policy shift, issued under a surprise executive order from President Donald Trump, applies to new H-1B applications and has sent shockwaves through America’s tech sector. While current H-1B holders are exempt, legal experts anticipate the move could face court challenges. In the meantime, many skilled foreign workers – particularly recent STEM graduates – are urgently reconsidering their immigration options.
This isn’t the first time Canada has seized such an opportunity. In July 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a special work permit stream that welcomed 10,000 H-1B visa holders already in the U.S. The stream filled in less than 48 hours, highlighting the pent-up demand for alternative skilled immigration pathways.
According to Maple News, business leaders and economists view this moment as a pivotal chance for Canada to position itself as a destination of choice. Build Canada, a non-profit focused on innovation and economic growth, noted that with so many highly educated and experienced H-1B professionals weighing relocation, Canada’s stability, quality of life, and time zone relevance make it an ideal candidate.
However, experts caution that work permit streams alone won’t be sufficient. For Canada to fully compete with the U.S., it must address longstanding challenges in its permanent residence process and reduce immigration backlogs. “The potential is real,” said economist Mikal Skuterud of the University of Waterloo. “But we shouldn’t overstate it unless our system can support these workers in the longer term.”
IRCC has yet to unveil a new H-1B-specific pathway, but pointed to existing programs such as Express Entry, the Global Skills Strategy, and Provincial Nominee Programs that already support tech sector immigration. In a statement, the department reaffirmed its commitment to “identifying new solutions to attract the world’s brightest and best.”
Given past surges in interest, any new program is likely to face similar high demand. Immigration consultants advise potential applicants to begin gathering documentation now and to stay alert for upcoming government announcements related to tech-specific immigration initiatives.
This highly competitive landscape further underscores Canada’s need for swift and systemic policy reforms that not only welcome top talent but also integrate them for long-term success.