Canada Alternative to H-1B: Carney Signals Immigration Shift

In the wake of sweeping changes to the H-1B visa policy introduced by the Donald Trump-led US administration, Canada is quickly positioning itself as the leading alternative to H-1B visa seekers. This shift could transform immigration patterns, particularly for Indian professionals, who make up more than 72% of all H-1B visa holders.

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a hefty $100,000 fee on all fresh H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025. The White House defended the move by citing “abuse” of the H-1B system and “threats to national security.” While existing visa holders remain unaffected, the announcement sparked panic across the global tech workforce, especially within the Indian community in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Canada: Strategic Opening

Sensing an opportunity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada is actively reviewing its immigration policies to attract the very talent now dissuaded from entering the United States. Speaking in London, Carney said, “What is clear is that the opportunity to attract people who previously would’ve got so-called H-1B visas is now within reach. Many of these workers are highly skilled in the tech sector and willing to move for work.”

This is not just rhetoric. Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are already home to thriving tech ecosystems. With global giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet having large-scale operations in Canada, the country is well-placed to absorb a surge of skilled foreign professionals. According to Bloomberg, Amazon alone had more than 8,500 corporate and technology employees across Toronto and Vancouver last year, while Microsoft’s Vancouver hub employed around 2,700 staff.

Industry Voices: A “Gift” to Global Tech Hubs

Global industry leaders are taking note. Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the new US visa fee is a “massive gift to every overseas tech hub.” He warned that American startups will face an uphill battle in hiring international talent, effectively creating a toll booth that stifles innovation in Silicon Valley. Though Tan later deleted the post, his sentiment resonates across the startup ecosystem.

Canadian business leaders share a similar outlook. Vivek Savkur, founder of the B.C.-India Business Network, told the Vancouver Sun, “Cities like Vancouver or Toronto will thrive instead of American cities. Canada could integrate policies on this lucrative opportunity.”

Immigration lawyer Evan Green added that this is “a wonderful opportunity for the Canadian government to take advantage of.” The non-profit group Build Canada echoed his words in a memo urging policymakers to move swiftly, stating: “Hundreds of thousands of highly skilled and highly paid H-1B professionals are now seeking a new home. Canada, with its world-class research institutions, similar time zones, proximity to the US, and high quality of life, is the natural destination.”

Canada: Challenges in the Immigration System

While the momentum is in Canada’s favor, experts caution that the country must address its own immigration bottlenecks. Canada’s current skilled worker immigration system, though streamlined compared to many nations, can still present challenges such as lengthy processing times, complex requirements, and limited visa quotas.

As the US tightens its stance, countries like the UK and Germany are also stepping in to attract displaced talent. Yet Canada’s proximity to the US, cultural diversity, and established tech hubs give it a distinct competitive edge.

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