After experiencing disappointment in the H-1B visa lottery, numerous Indian students in the United States currently in their optional practical training (OPT) phase are contemplating their next steps. As their visa status nears expiration, some students are considering the prospect of leaving the US.
In this context, Canada has emerged as an appealing alternative, providing employment opportunities and the potential to attain permanent residency status. This situation presents a significant opportunity to address the prevailing uncertainty in the US.
Kohinoor Dev Roy, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) at Destination North Immigration Consulting located in Edmonton, highlights that Indian students who have completed their studies in the US but have been unsuccessful in obtaining an H-1B visa may find moving to Canada and securing permanent residency to be a viable solution.
Indian students currently residing in the US have several avenues to consider for potential immigration to Canada. One possibility is to fulfil a minimum of one year of higher education in Canada, which qualifies them for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Alternatively, they might meet the necessary educational and professional criteria for permanent residency through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These pathways offer opportunities for Indian students to transition to Canada and establish a permanent residency status.