Canada Targets H-1B Workers in Latest PNP Immigration Push

Canada Moves to Attract Skilled Workers Affected by U.S. H-1B Fee Hike

With major changes happening south of the border, Canada is stepping up to welcome skilled professionals—especially those in tech—who may be reconsidering their options after the U.S. drastically increased its H-1B visa fees. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently shared that Canada is preparing targeted immigration measures to attract this talent, creating a golden opportunity for driven workers looking to build a future in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Canada is developing immigration pathways to attract skilled workers impacted by the U.S. H-1B visa fee hike.
• New and existing work permit options under Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy make it easier for foreign tech professionals to move north.
• The Global Talent Stream offers fast-tracked work permit processing for in-demand tech occupations.
• Canada’s Innovation Stream allows LMIA-exempt work permits for select tech companies under the Global Hypergrowth Project.
• H-1B visa holders in the U.S. had access to a special Canadian work permit stream, which hit its cap within 24 hours of launch.
• Skilled workers can also pursue permanent residence through Express Entry and provincial immigration streams like the Manitoba PNP.

Why Canada Is a Top Destination for Skilled Tech Talent

In September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke candidly about Canada’s goal to attract foreign workers affected by the U.S.’s recent H-1B visa overhaul. The U.S. government implemented a steep $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas—a move expected to disproportionately affect the tech industry, which heavily relies on this visa program.

“Not as many people are going to get visas to the United States,” Carney said. “These are people with lots of skills, enterprising, and willing to move to work. So, it’s an opportunity for Canada.”

Clearly, Canada sees this as a chance to position itself as a welcoming and competitive destination for global talent—particularly in the booming tech and AI sectors.

Canada’s Diverse Work Permit Options for Tech Professionals

If you’re a tech worker considering Canada, there are several work permit options available that cater specifically to skilled professionals—and many of them are part of Canada’s forward-thinking Tech Talent Strategy.

1. Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The Global Talent Stream, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), is designed to help Canadian employers quickly hire highly skilled foreign workers. Once an employer receives a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), work permits are processed in as little as two weeks. It’s an ideal route for tech professionals in roles such as software engineers, data analysts, and IT specialists.

2. Innovation Stream (LMIA-Exempt)

In September 2024, IRCC launched a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows foreign workers with a job offer from one of eight companies in Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project to obtain LMIA-exempt work permits. This streamlined process helps Canada remain competitive in attracting top-tier tech talent.

3. Special H-1B Work Permit Pathway

Recognizing the challenges U.S.-based tech workers face, Canada introduced a special work permit stream in 2023 for H-1B visa holders. This initiative was so popular that it reached its 10,000-application cap in just one day—a clear sign that skilled workers are eager to explore opportunities in Canada.

4. Intra-Company Transfers

Multinational companies with offices in both the U.S. and Canada may take advantage of the Intra-Company Transferee program. This allows key employees—like senior managers or those with specialized knowledge—to transfer to a Canadian office without the need for an LMIA.

5. Pathways to Permanent Residence

Many foreign workers use a Canadian work permit as a stepping stone to permanent residence (PR). Skilled work experience in Canada can boost eligibility under the Express Entry system, which manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

In 2023, Canada introduced category-based draws within Express Entry to better align immigration with labour market demands. Tech professionals in STEM occupations have a distinct advantage here, as these categories often have lower Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) cut-offs.

If you’re considering provincial options, the Manitoba PNP is another great pathway to PR, especially for tech talent with job offers in the province.

What This Means for U.S.-Based Tech Workers

The recent H-1B visa changes in the U.S. may make it harder—and more expensive—for employers to hire foreign workers. But this is where Canada shines. With policies aimed at welcoming innovation, streamlining immigration, and supporting long-term settlement, tech professionals have a real chance to thrive here.

Whether you’re a software developer in Silicon Valley or a data scientist working remotely, Canada offers a more accessible and stable environment to grow your career—and potentially build a life.

Ready to Make the Move? Let’s Get You Started

If you’re a skilled worker impacted by the U.S. H-1B changes, or simply looking for better opportunities, now might be the perfect time to explore your options in Canada. From fast-tracked work permits to permanent residency pathways, there’s no shortage of options to suit your goals.

Need help figuring out the best path forward? Schedule a free consultation with our team of immigration professionals today. We’ll guide you through the process and help you turn your Canadian dream into a reality.

For more on how to qualify for provincial programs like the Manitoba PNP, check out our detailed points calculator tool.

Canada is rolling out the welcome mat. Are you ready to take the next step?