New Opportunity for H-1B Holders: Live and Work in Canada
Published on: July 13, 2023
Canadian Open Work Permit (OWP) for H-1B Holders
Effective July 16, H-1B holders can apply for the Canadian Open Work Permit (OWP).
The OWP allows eligible H-1B holders and their immediate family members to work in Canada for up to three years.
It offers the flexibility to work for almost any employer in Canada.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept applications for the OWP until the cap of 10,000 applications is reached in 2023.
Exploring the Option of Applying for Work Permit and Permanent Residence Together
H-1B holders can apply for a Canadian work permit and permanent residence simultaneously.
Express Entry is the main pathway for skilled worker immigration managed by the Canadian government.
Express Entry candidates are evaluated based on human capital factors and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Those with high CRS scores are more likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Maximizing Opportunities with H-1B Open Work Permit and Express Entry
The OWP allows H-1B holders to enter Canada, work, and pursue permanent residence through Express Entry.
Express Entry has a service standard of processing permanent residence applications within six months.
By gaining at least 12 months of eligible work experience in Canada, applicants can potentially increase their CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
Eligibility for Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program can be obtained with one year of eligible Canadian work experience.
H-1B holders possess valuable human capital, including skilled work experience, post-secondary education, and strong English language abilities.
Success of H-1B Holders in Express Entry and Canadian Permanent Residence
IRCC's year-end report on Express Entry highlights the U.S. as one of the top countries of residence for Express Entry ITA recipients.
The high human capital of H-1B holders positions them well for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.
Express Entry's evaluation system recognizes the value of their work experience, education, and language proficiency.