Canada to Issue Work Permits to H-1B Visa Holders

June 28, 2023

The Canadian government has announced that beginning July 16, 2023 it will issue open work permits for U.S. H-1B visa holders to allow them to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada for up to 3 years. Accompanying immediate family members will also be eligible to work or study. 

In its announcement, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ministry states the program will remain in effect for one year “or until the IRCC receives 10,000 applications.”  This option to work in Canada may be attractive for H-1B visa holders who are reaching their maximum time limit in the U.S. and are ineligible for extension. 

The announcement highlights Canada’s goal to be a leader in global tech talent recruitment, including the desire to promote Canada as a destination for digital nomads and to attract the skills and business talent to fill current openings and create new jobs going forward.