H-1B Workers Can Say Goodbye to the US! Move to Canada for Jobs and PR with These 4 Options

Jobs in Canada for H-1B Visa Holders – With the US government hiking H-1B visa application fees to $100,000 (about ₹88 lakh), many Indian professionals are now reconsidering their American dream. For employers in the US, hiring foreign workers has suddenly become far more expensive, and this is likely to push companies toward prioritizing local talent.

But there’s good news for skilled workers: Canada is emerging as the better alternative. The country not only offers high-paying jobs but also provides foreign professionals with a smoother path to Permanent Residency (PR). If you’re worried about your future in the US, it might be time to turn north and consider Canada’s work and immigration programs.

Here are four major routes through which H-1B visa holders—or those aspiring for overseas jobs—can secure employment and long-term residency in Canada.

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada if they first secure a job offer from a Canadian employer.

• The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

• This certificate ensures that hiring you will not take away a job from a Canadian citizen.

• Once the LMIA is approved, applicants can receive their work permit within eight weeks.

While the work permit is temporary (generally valid for 1–3 years), it can be renewed in certain cases. Many workers later transition from temporary permits to permanent residency.

2. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

For professionals already working with multinational firms, Intra-Company Transfers are another pathway.

• If your employer has offices in both your home country and Canada, you may qualify for a transfer.

• To be eligible, you must have worked with the company for at least one year before applying.

• The work permit is typically granted for executives, senior managers, or employees with specialized knowledge.

This route allows skilled workers to continue their careers in Canada without needing to apply as new hires.

3. Express Entry System

Canada’s Express Entry program is one of the most popular ways for foreign workers to secure Permanent Residency. Unlike temporary permits, PR status allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.

The process has two main steps:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and enter the Express Entry pool. You’ll need:

   • Proof of English (IELTS) or French language proficiency.

   • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) of your degrees.

2. Qualify through one of three streams:

   • Federal Skilled Worker Program

   • Federal Skilled Trades Program

   • Canadian Experience Class

Applicants are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Higher scores improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Prior Canadian work experience can significantly boost your CRS points.

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada also runs more than 80 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), each tailored to the labor needs of specific provinces and territories.

• To qualify, you must express your intent to live and work in the province that nominates you.

• Many provinces target industries facing skilled labor shortages, such as healthcare, IT, and engineering.

• If selected, you can apply directly for PR with additional CRS points, making your chances of success much higher.

This pathway is especially useful for applicants who may not score high enough in Express Entry but have skills that a particular province needs.

Why Canada is the Smarter Choice Now

With the US tightening its H-1B policies and making it costlier for companies to hire foreign workers, Canada is fast becoming the preferred destination for Indian professionals.

• Higher acceptance rates compared to US visas.

• Clearer path to PR, ensuring long-term settlement.

• Growing job opportunities across tech, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades.

For H-1B hopefuls and current holders, Canada doesn’t just offer jobs—it offers stability, growth, and a future.