Canada to offer jobs to H-1B visa holders, announces PM Mark Carney in budget

Toronto (The Uttam Hindu): Following the Donald Trump administration's steep hike in H-1B visa fees in the US, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a major step to attract foreign skilled professionals. In its latest budget, Canada announced a plan aimed at bringing highly trained international researchers and technical experts to the country. This move could prove especially beneficial for Indian professionals who have relied on US H-1B visas – as Indians constitute approximately 70 percent of the beneficiaries of this visa.

The Canadian government will provide jobs to H-1B visa holders, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in the budget: Donald Trump administration has recently increased the fee for H-1B visa to about one lakh dollars annually. This decision has disappointed thousands of skilled professionals who wanted to work in America. In this background, Canada, sensing the opportunity, has started a special program to attract these professionals. Under this, the Canadian government has made a provision of 1.7 billion dollars in its budget, which will provide employment opportunities to more than 1,000 high-skilled researchers. According to Bloomberg report, the Canadian budget document says, “These researchers will play a vital role in strengthening our global competitiveness and building the economy of the future.”

Additionally, the Canadian government has announced an accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders, allowing these professionals to more quickly access work and permanent residency opportunities in Canada. Under its new immigration policy, Canada plans to bring approximately 380,000 permanent residents into the country each year between 2026 and 2028. However, the government will continue to reduce the number of foreign student admissions.

While Canada is opening up new opportunities to attract global talent, it is also significantly reducing the number of temporary residents. The plan was to grant 385,000 temporary resident visas in 2026 and 370,000 over the next two years. But the government has now reduced these numbers—the new targets are to reduce the number of temporary residents to 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027 and 2028.

Thus, while the US is tightening its visa policy, Canada is presenting itself as an attractive alternative by opening its doors to skilled migrants and researchers.