To allow 10,000 American citizens with H-1B visas to enter and work in Canada, the government will establish an open work-permit system, according to immigration minister Sean Frasers announcement on Tuesday.According to a formal statement from Canadas Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, the programme would also offer study or employment visas to H-1B visa holders relatives.“Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada,” the release read.The new decision grants approved candidates an open work permit good for up to three years.“They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependents will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed,” said the release.To help temporary foreign workers reach their full potential and career aspirations, we are removing the limit on the length of the study programs they can enrol in without a study permit. This will also help fill labour gaps in high-demand professions. https://t.co/DPSVzIlYwz— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 27, 2023 Fraser reportedly stated that the federal government will create an immigration stream by the end of this year for some of the most talented individuals in the world who will be able to move to Canada to work for digital businesses, regardless of having a job or not.The minister of immigration did not specify exactly who would be eligible or how many people would be accepted to the stream, though.Foreign nationals with H-1B visas can temporarily work in the US in a variety of specialised fields, including the technology industry. During the pandemic, tech companies went on a recruiting spree, but they have recently initiated mass layoffs. Many H-1B visa holders are now scrambling to find new jobs as a result of this.
