Canada Launches H-1B Visa Pathway to Attract Skilled Workers Fast

Canada is taking bold steps to attract global talent as the United States tightens its H-1B visa policies and raises fees, making high-skilled immigration more challenging. The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced plans to create an “accelerated pathway” for H-1B visa holders and top-tier international researchers.

The initiative is part of Canada’s largest immigration overhaul in decades, aimed at balancing controlled population growth with a strong inflow of highly skilled workers. Ottawa is reducing admissions for foreign students by 25–32% starting next year, while earmarking over $1.2 billion (approximately Rs 106 crore) to recruit more than 1,000 professionals in sectors critical to the country’s economic and technological development.

The accelerated pathway is designed to attract H-1B visa holders frustrated by US policy changes, including a significant increase in visa fees to $100,000 and an unpredictable application process. Canada’s move is expected to draw top talent from the United States and around the world, positioning the country as a global hub for skilled professionals.

Under the new immigration framework, Canada will admit 380,000 permanent residents annually between 2026 and 2028. In contrast, the number of temporary residents will decline sharply, with only 385,000 allowed in 2026 and 370,000 in the following two years. Study permits for international students will also drop, from previous targets of over 300,000 per year under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration to 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027-2028.

Universities Canada welcomed the government’s plan to build a sustainable immigration system while emphasizing that it should align with the country’s talent and economic objectives. Analysts also noted that reducing temporary residents could boost wages, ease rental market pressures, and improve GDP per capita over time.

The government aims to reduce non-permanent residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027, down from 7.3% in July 2025. This reflects Ottawa’s focus on maintaining a carefully balanced immigration policy that ensures economic growth without overburdening infrastructure.

Canada’s proactive approach signals a strategic effort to poach high-skilled talent at a time when the US is tightening its immigration controls. By attracting skilled workers and H-1B visa holders, Canada hopes to strengthen its global competitiveness while supporting sectors that drive innovation and economic growth.