The US administration halted the fast-track processing of H1-B visas, a well-known work visa allowing US companies to hire skilled foreign workers. On the other hand, Canadian companies, especially those in the technology sector, used the opportunity to invite Global talent/foreign workers to their country and offer PR as well.
To back the offer provided by Canadian companies, the Canadian government also introduced numerous, flexible pathways to welcome these workers and their family members to Canada.
Changes in H-1B visas
As per the United States system during the first quarter of 2017, the companies who wanted to apply for expedited “premium” visa applications for their potential employee’s H-1B visa must pay USD 1,225; this ensured a guaranteed response from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services within 15 days or the fee amount was refunded. On the other hand, the processing time for non-premium applications ranged from three to six months.
However, from April 3, 2017, this option was suspended for the subsequent six months. The primary reason was former US President Donald Trump’s criticism of the H-1B system as bad for [American] workers.
The number of H-1B visas had increased over recent years, and these are allocated through a lottery after the submission period. In 2016, the number of applicants (demand) for H-1B visas increased thrice the yearly quota.
Canada’s response to changes in H-1B visa processing
On March 9, 2017, the government of Canada announced its plan to facilitate a two-week processing time for specific foreign skilled workers who are willing to work in Canada. Moreover, with effect from June 12, 2017, the government scheduled the launch of the Global Talent Stream (of Temporary Foreign Worker Program).
With the launch of this stream, Canadian companies were able to bring highly-skilled foreign workers faster into the country. Also, the tech sector was estimated to be the most benefitted from this Global Skills Strategy.
The Information and Communications Technology Council suggested Canada might require to bring around 200,000 new workers into the information, technology, and communications sector by 2020. The major purpose of the Global Skills Strategy was to minimize the workforce shortage in the Canadian labor market over the following years.
“Canada continues to compete in a global innovation race. As technologies become more widely available to everyone, the only competitive edge for countries and businesses is the distinctive talent and creativity of their people. While skilled immigrants are now identifying Canada as a country of choice in which to apply their knowledge and ideas, we also need to prepare our homegrown talent for a rapidly changing job market.”
said Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains.
Moreover, another plus point was unlike the H1-B system; in Canada, the employer-specific permits were not allocated through a lottery. As per Canada’s system, the employers and workers were required to complete the required documentation, and the application was assessed on the same.
Permanent Residency in Canada
Canada had always seen a steady number of newcomers every year from the US; however, due to the temporary suspension and other challenges in visa processing, the number of immigrants from the US increased over the following months. There were several other factors, including social, political, and economic changes contributing to the increased immigration from the US.
Furthermore, the foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas, as well as those who wanted to gain such visas, started to consider Canada as a substitute.
Usually, H1-B workers are well-educated, and while working in the US, they master English language skills and gain enhanced work experience. Moreover, many H1-B visa holders work with multinationals giving exposure to Canadian brands, which acts as a leading factor in Canada’s employment gain. Also, most of these workers are in their twenties to mid-thirties; all these factors are majorly considered to be eligible under Canada’s immigration programs.
In addition, a job offer is not required to apply for Canadian immigration through the Express Entry system; however, extra points are offered to candidates with an employment offer.
With all these changes in effect and expedition processing times of applications, H1-B workers were easily able to live and work in Canada by the end of 2017. The Canadian immigration system offered many other options to gain permanent residency, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Different provinces and territories in Canada can nominate potential candidates for permanent resident status depending upon the labor market needs. Also, many provinces prioritize applicants with a job offer in a specific province or territory. Moreover, H1-B holders are extremely valued by employers across Canada due to their study or work experience obtained in the US. This proves the candidates’ ability to integrate into the job market of North America.
Why did Canada become the choice?
Canadian residents had lesser personal debts, safer political and social circumstances, and greater freedom and respect for rights than the US. Moreover, the foreign nationals, including H-1B workers, who had a dream of settling in the US with their families found themselves in trouble due to the challenging situations caused due to suspension of fast-track visa processing. And for such candidates, Canada became the option to live their North American dream, as mentioned in the essay ‘The American Dream has moved to Canada’ written by Scott Gilmore for Maclean’s magazine.
