Indians Likely To Benefit As Canada Launches Fast-Track Immigration Route For H-1B Holders Amid US Policy Shift

Canada has announced a new fast-track immigration route for US H-1B visa holders under its 2025 federal budget, aiming to attract skilled professionals affected by Washington’s policy shifts, CIC News reported.

The move could offer a lifeline for thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders struggling amid US firms’ preference for local hiring following Trump administration’s directive, India Today reported.

Ottawa’s plan focuses on easing labour shortages in key industries and boosting innovation across the nation.

As US employers increasingly favour domestic hires, Canada is seizing the moment to lure global professionals — especially those from the tech sector who rely on the H-1B visa.

In September, Canadian PM Mark Carney said Ottawa "sees Trump's $100K (approximately) H-1B fee as an opportunity to attract skilled workers".

"Not as many H-1B holders will get visas in the US. These are skilled people — an opportunity for Canada," Carney said.

"We'll have an offering soon," he declared then.

The initiative, part of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, specifically targets professionals hit by the US policy imposing a one-time $100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) H-1B visa application fee.

This offers major relief to Indian professionals, for whom the H-1B visa remains the most coveted gateway to global tech careers.

As per Canadian government's budget documents, Ottawa aims to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, bridge workforce gaps in healthcare and research, and speed up foreign credential recognition, CIC News noted.

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