Canada unveils fast-track route for H‑1B holders amid US visa tightening

Post by : Raina Nasser

Canada is stepping up efforts to attract highly skilled professionals as the United States tightens H‑1B rules and raises associated costs. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has announced a new accelerated entry route aimed at current H‑1B holders and elite international researchers.

The measure forms part of what Ottawa calls the largest immigration reform in decades, seeking a careful balance between population control and a steady inflow of high-skilled workers to support long-term growth.

As part of the overhaul, Canada will reduce foreign student admissions by 25–32% starting next year. At the same time, authorities have allocated more than $1.2 billion (around Rs 106 crore) to bring in over 1,000 professionals to sectors deemed vital for economic and technological advancement.

The fast-track option is aimed at those frustrated by recent US policy shifts, including a dramatic fee increase to $100,000 and more unpredictable processing. Officials expect the initiative to pull talent from the United States and other countries.

Analysts say the move could reposition Canada as an attractive hub for top technical and research talent, offering clearer and quicker routes to long-term residency than alternatives elsewhere.

Under the new framework, Ottawa plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents annually between 2026 and 2028, signalling a stronger focus on permanent immigration.

Temporary resident caps will fall sharply: 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in each of the two subsequent years. Study permits will be reduced from previous levels above 300,000 to 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027–2028.

Universities Canada described the proposal as a move toward a more sustainable immigration model tied to economic needs. Experts add that fewer temporary entrants could ease rental markets, support wage growth and lift GDP per capita over time.

Ottawa has also set a target to reduce the share of non-permanent residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027, down from 7.3% in July 2025 — a reflection of its strategy to safeguard infrastructure while securing skilled labour that fuels innovation.