Canada's Pathway for US H-1B Visa Holders: What Is Promised and What Works Now
In Budget 2025, the Canadian government promised an accelerated pathway to attract highly skilled workers holding US H-1B visas, especially in technology, healthcare, and research. As of September 2026, the full rules had not been confirmed in a way we could verify. H-1B holders can already move to Canada through Express Entry, provincial programs, and several work permits, where US work experience often counts.
On this page
- Status
- Promised; details not confirmed
- Announced in
- Budget 2025
- Target sectors
- Technology, healthcare, research
- Earlier program
- 2023 H-1B open work permit, capped at 10,000 applications and filled within days
- Routes open now
- Express Entry, PNP, work permits such as intra-company transfer and Global Talent Stream
- Latest updates
- See our H-1B holder pathway status page
What did Canada promise?
The 2025 federal budget said Canada would create an accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders in the United States, aimed at highly skilled professionals in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and research. The idea is to attract workers affected by changes to the US H-1B program, including the wage-weighted lottery and the disputed $100,000 fee. See H-1B visa and the H-1B $100k fee status for the US side.
As of September 2026, we could not confirm from IRCC the pathway's eligibility rules, whether it leads to a work permit or directly to permanent residence, or how to apply. Reports have varied. Track verified changes on our H-1B holder pathway status page.
What happened with the 2023 H-1B work permit?
In July 2023, Canada opened a one-time open work permit for H-1B holders living in the US, with a cap of 10,000 applications. It filled within days. Approved applicants got an open work permit of up to 3 years, and their families could apply for study or work permits.
That program is closed. It shows two things: demand from H-1B workers is high, and any new pathway may also have a cap. If a new pathway opens, be ready to apply quickly.
Routes H-1B holders can use today
You do not have to wait for the new pathway. Your US experience is foreign skilled work experience for Canadian purposes.
| Route | Fits you if | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker | You have 1 year of skilled work, CLB 7 language scores, and assessed education | US experience counts. Many H-1B holders score well on education and language. |
| Express Entry categories | You have 12 months of recent experience in a listed occupation, such as STEM or healthcare, or strong French | Can lower the CRS score you need. |
| Provincial Nominee Programs | A province targets your occupation or you have a job offer there | A nomination adds 600 CRS points. |
| Intra-company transfer | Your US employer has a Canadian office | Work permit; Canadian experience then helps with PR. |
| Global Talent Stream | A Canadian employer hires you in an eligible tech role | Fast work permit processing. |
| CUSMA professionals | You are a US or Mexican citizen in a listed profession | Not available based on H-1B status alone; citizenship matters. |
Estimate your score with our CRS calculator.
How H-1B holders can raise their CRS score
- Education: a master's or PhD earns high points. Get an Educational Credential Assessment early; see ECA credential assessment.
- Language: CLB 9 or higher in English earns the largest skill transferability points. See language tests.
- Foreign work experience: 3 or more years of skilled experience adds transferability points when combined with strong language scores.
- French: even moderate French can add points, and NCLC 7 opens the French category.
- Spouse: your spouse's language scores and education can add points.
Job offers no longer add CRS points (since March 25, 2025), so do not wait for an employer before entering the pool.
Practical questions for H-1B holders
- Keep your US status while you apply. Entering the Express Entry pool does not affect your H-1B. Talk to a US immigration lawyer about how a move affects any pending green card case.
- Police certificates: you will need FBI checks and certificates from other countries where you lived 6 months or more. See police certificates.
- Proof of funds: FSW applicants need settlement funds unless exempt; see proof of funds.
- Moving from the US: see moving to Canada from the USA and USA vs Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canada's H-1B pathway open?
Canada promised an accelerated pathway for H-1B holders in Budget 2025, but as of September 2026 we could not confirm its final rules or application process. Check our H-1B holder pathway status page for updates.
Can H-1B holders apply for Canadian PR now?
Yes, through regular programs such as Express Entry and provincial nominee programs. US work experience counts as foreign skilled experience.
Will the 2023 H-1B open work permit reopen?
The 2023 program was a one-time measure capped at 10,000 applications and is closed. Any new program may have different rules.
Do I need a job offer in Canada as an H-1B holder?
No. Most Express Entry candidates are invited without a job offer, and job offers no longer add CRS points.
Can I use the CUSMA professional work permit with an H-1B?
Only if you are a US or Mexican citizen in a listed profession. H-1B status alone does not qualify you.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.