Canada fast-tracks immigration for H-1B holders
In a major step to strengthen its skilled workforce, the Canadian government has announced a fast-track immigration pathway for U.S. H-1B visa holders, offering them an easier route to live and work in Canada. The initiative is part of Ottawa’s new International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan aimed at positioning Canada as a global hub for innovation and expertise.
According to the announcement, the new pathway will allow individuals currently residing in the United States on an H-1B visa to apply directly for Canadian residency through an expedited process. The program targets highly skilled professionals in technology, research, healthcare, and engineering sectors who face long waits or uncertainty under the U.S. visa system.
Canada’s 2025 federal budget allocates CA $1.7 billion to recruit over 1,000 international researchers and experts, alongside CA $97 million over five years to streamline the recognition of foreign credentials through the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund.
Officials stated that the move reflects Canada’s broader strategy to fill labour shortages and attract top global talent amid growing competition from other advanced economies. The new plan follows last year’s success of a pilot program that saw thousands of H-1B visa holders transition to Canadian work permits.
Immigration experts believe this fast-track initiative will be particularly attractive to Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the U.S. It offers a stable pathway to permanent residency, greater mobility, and access to Canada’s family-friendly immigration framework.
The government is expected to release detailed eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and application guidelines in the coming weeks. Analysts say the move could reshape North America’s skilled migration landscape, further enhancing Canada’s reputation as a leading destination for global talent.