<p>Canada intends to create an open work-permit stream that will allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country, as per an announcement made by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on Tuesday. </p>.<p>The official release further states that the program will also allow for study and work permits of the families of H-1B visa holders. </p>.<p>"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 said. </p>.<p>Under the new decision, the approved applicants will get an open work permit with a duration of up to three years. </p>.<p>"They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed," the release noted. </p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/us-to-ease-h-1b-visas-for-skilled-indian-workers-as-modi-visits-1230088.html" target="_blank">US to ease H-1B visas for skilled Indian workers as Modi visits</a></strong></p>.<p>Fraser also reportedly said that Canada is working on an immigration stream, which will become active by year-end, allowing some of the world's most talented people to come and work for tech companies in the country, irrespective of whether they have a job or not. However, there was no word from the Immigration Minister on who would exactly qualify and how many people would be allowed into this stream. </p>.<p>H-1B visas allow foreign nationals in the US to work temporarily in specialised jobs, including the tech sector. While tech companies went on a hiring binge during the pandemic, there have been many layoffs since, putting several H-1B visa holders in the tough spot of finding alternative employment. </p>
<p>Canada intends to create an open work-permit stream that will allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country, as per an announcement made by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on Tuesday. </p>.<p>The official release further states that the program will also allow for study and work permits of the families of H-1B visa holders. </p>.<p>"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 said. </p>.<p>Under the new decision, the approved applicants will get an open work permit with a duration of up to three years. </p>.<p>"They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed," the release noted. </p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/us-to-ease-h-1b-visas-for-skilled-indian-workers-as-modi-visits-1230088.html" target="_blank">US to ease H-1B visas for skilled Indian workers as Modi visits</a></strong></p>.<p>Fraser also reportedly said that Canada is working on an immigration stream, which will become active by year-end, allowing some of the world's most talented people to come and work for tech companies in the country, irrespective of whether they have a job or not. However, there was no word from the Immigration Minister on who would exactly qualify and how many people would be allowed into this stream. </p>.<p>H-1B visas allow foreign nationals in the US to work temporarily in specialised jobs, including the tech sector. While tech companies went on a hiring binge during the pandemic, there have been many layoffs since, putting several H-1B visa holders in the tough spot of finding alternative employment. </p>
