Guide to Canada's New Open Work Permit for H-1B Workers

From July 16th, 2023, H-1B visa holders and their families can apply for entry into Canada, with successful applicants receiving a three-year open work permit.

Apply for the new H-1B holder open work permit here!

Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, unveiled a set of supplementary initiatives with the objective of enticing a larger pool of international tech professionals to the country. These initiatives encompass the introduction of what Fraser and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are calling Canada's first Tech Talent Strategy.

IRCC plans to enhance labor mobility within North America by introducing a streamlined work permit system for H-1B visa holders, who are employed in high-tech fields in the United States. In this blog, we will go through the details of the program and how you can apply/renew/obtain Canadian permanent residence with it very easily!

Three-year open work permit for H-1B visa holders

Starting from July 16th, 2023, these H-1B visa holders and their immediate family members will have the opportunity to apply for entry into Canada. Successful applicants will be granted an open work permit for up to three years, enabling them to work for various employers in Canada.

Moreover, their spouses and dependents may also be eligible for a temporary resident visa. This initiative aims to expand employment prospects for skilled workers in the tech industry and contribute to the economic growth. The measure will be in effect for one year or until IRCC receives 10,000 applications.

What’s an open work permit?

A Canadian open work permit is a valuable immigration document that provides significant advantages to the permit holder and their family. Unlike a restricted work permit tied to a specific employer or job, an open work permit allows individuals to work for any employer in Canada without the need for a job offer. This flexibility offers tremendous freedom and opportunities for career growth and exploration.

One of the main benefits of a Canadian open work permit is the ability to support the entire family. The permit holder's spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be eligible for an open work permit and study permits, respectively. This means that the entire family can accompany the permit holder to Canada and access public healthcare, free K-12 education and local university tuition, and social services.

Moreover, an open work permit provides a pathway to gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valuable for future employment and permanent residency opportunities. It allows individuals to explore different industries, network with professionals, and enhance skills, ultimately boosting career prospects.

Open work permit to Canadian permanent residence

Transitioning from an open work permit to Canadian permanent residence offers exciting opportunities for individuals looking to establish long-term residency in the country. There are several pathways available to achieve this goal.

One popular option is the Express Entry system, which includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Express Entry candidates are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) provides a direct route to permanent residence for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. By demonstrating language proficiency and meeting other requirements, CEC candidates can submit an application for permanent residence. H-1B visa holders can qualify for Canadian permanent residence easily by accumulating 1-3 years’ Canadian work experience.

Another pathway is through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), where provinces and territories select candidates who meet their specific labor market needs. Each PNP has its own set of eligibility criteria and selection process, targeting candidates with skills and experience in demand within that particular region. PNP nominees can apply for permanent residence through the appropriate immigration stream. For H-1B visa holders, PNPs will be easy too with a couple years of local work experience.

The three-year open work permit for H-1B visa holders, along with the numerous pathways to Canadian permanent residence, opens doors of opportunity for skilled individuals and their families. The flexibility, career growth, and support provided by the open work permit create a solid foundation for building a successful life in Canada.

Apply for the new H-1B holder open work permit here!

TeamSuperVisas Scribe