Canada’s New Initiatives to Attract Global Talents
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Canada is all set to introduce new initiatives to attract global talent, especially those who are affected by the recent hike in the H-1 B visa fee. The announcement was made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a press interaction in London, aiming to position Canada as a favourable alternative for skilled workers from countries like India.
Financial Benefits for Indian Workers
Canada offers comparatively more affordable work permit fees compared to the newly introduced, higher costs in the US. Furthermore, Canadian cities often have lower living costs relative to major US metros like New York and San Francisco.
Here is a quick comparison of key financial aspects relevant to Indian workers weighing work opportunities in Canada versus the United States.
|
Aspect |
Canada |
United States |
|
Work Permit Visa Fee |
CAD 155 (approx. Rs 9,000) for employer-specific work permit |
New fee of USD 100,000 announced for H-1B visa applicants (effective 2025) |
|
Additional Visa Costs |
Open work permit CAD 100; various visa categories available |
H-1B filing fee is around USD 460 - 555; other fees apply for processing and status changes |
|
Living Expenses (Example Cities) |
Lower living costs in Canadian cities compared to US metros like New York or San Francisco |
Higher cost of living in major cities like New York and San Francisco |
|
Tax System |
Progressive federal tax up to 33%; provincial taxes apply additionally |
Federal income tax up to 37%; state taxes vary widely by location |
|
Family Benefits |
Child allowances and various social benefits help offset taxes |
Fewer universal benefits; tax credits vary by state and federal laws |
|
Tax Complexity |
Relatively straightforward, with federal and provincial levels |
Complex due to federal, state, and sometimes local taxes |
Read Next: Is H-1B Uncertainty Pushing Indians Towards Australia, Germany & Canada?
Sudden Increase in US H-1 B Visa Fees Resulting in Uncertainty Among Professionals?
The United States has imposed a huge hike in the H-1B visa fees, raising them to $100,000 per application, starting from September 21, 2025.
This change has affected Indian professionals, and H-1B recipients have dropped by 70%, making the visa route less accessible due to the high costs compared to the earlier base filing fee of around $460 plus additional charges. The move is designed to prioritize domestic employment, limiting opportunities for foreign workers in the US tech sectors.
Read Next: Surge in Last Minute India-US Flight Bookings
Canada Emerges as Global Tech Hub
Grabbing the right moment, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, known for his economic expertise as a former central banker, recently announced that Canada will soon announce new measures to attract skilled workers displaced by the changes in the U.S. H-1B visa system. This follows Canada’s earlier efforts, such as the 2023 program, which offered three-year work permits to individuals holding H-1B visas.
While specific details of the upcoming initiatives are yet to be released, experts predict that Canada will have a streamlined visa process that could include fast-tracked permanent residency pathways through Canada’s Express Entry system. These changes aim to position Canada as an appealing, efficient alternative for global individuals looking for a stable immigration option.
Furthermore, Canada offers tech sectors in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, making it a preferred destination for skilled professionals. Unlike the U.S. H-1B visa, which operates on a lottery system and now comes with a hefty $100,000 fee for new applicants, Canada’s points-based immigration system favors candidates with English proficiency, higher education credentials, and relevant work experience; traits commonly found among Indian skilled workers.
As the U.S. tightens its immigration policies, Canada is strategically poised to welcome those seeking promising career opportunities with a more predictable and welcoming immigration framework.
Ready for Canada’s New Tech Talent Opportunities?
With Canada rolling out updated pathways for international professionals displaced by new US H-1B visa fees, this is the moment to rethink your career journey. Get expert guidance, personalized eligibility checks, and seamless application support for Canadian work permits or permanent residency.
Connect with GetGIS today and unlock your future in Canada’s thriving tech and innovation landscape.
