A large chunk of technology professionals on H-1B visas in the US are Indians, with the country offering 85,000 H-1B visas each year. Uncertainty over the H-1B visa extension has been the primary reason some companies have set up offices in Canada and moved people with complex skills such as data analytics, and big data. Technology services companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and US arms of Tech Mahindra and HCL accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 13,177 rejection of H-1B extensions for the top 30 companies. The data were analyzed by the Centre for Immigration Studies, a US-based think tank. Canada is also luring highly-skilled professionals with potential citizenship in three years, whereas Indians have to wait as much as a decade for a green card in the US.
As the H1-B visa program in the United States faces an uncertain future, the prospects look grim for tens of thousands of foreign workers who have pinned their hopes on the program to build their careers. For many workers in the USA, particularly H1-B workers, moving from the USA to Canada has become an attractive option. There is an increasing trend of tech talent movement to Canada as the immigration process is much more predictable and the path to citizenship is faster.
Canada operates a progressive immigration system that welcomes newcomers through a range of temporary work permits and permanent residence programs. Because H1-B workers are typically young and educated, with skilled work experience and strong English skills, they are primed for success in Canada’s immigration system.
While Canada has imposed travel restrictions, candidates are still welcome to submit Express Entry profiles as well as their permanent and temporary residence applications. And issue invitations to apply for permanent residence. Canada is also being more flexible in processing applications by providing candidates with more time to obtain and submit their documentation in case candidates are being affected by COVID-19 disruptions.
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