Canada's Promised Pathway for US H-1B Holders: 2026 Status

Confirmed:

• The federal government has committed to an accelerated permanent residence pathway for H-1B holders.
• The stated goal is to attract highly skilled workers, especially in technology, health care, and research.

Not confirmed:

• Whether you must currently hold H-1B status, or whether past H-1B holders qualify.
• Whether it will be a new program, an Express Entry category, or a special measure within an existing program.
• Language, education, or work experience requirements.
• How many people it will accept.
• When it opens.

If a website lists detailed requirements, check whether it links to an IRCC page. If it does not, treat it as a guess.

US policy on H-1B workers has shifted in 2025 and 2026, including a $100,000 fee on some new H-1B petitions that was imposed by proclamation and is now tied up in court (see the H-1B fee status) and a new wage-weighted lottery. Many H-1B workers are looking at Canada as a backup. Canada's 2023 H-1B work permit showed strong demand: all 10,000 spots went within days. A new pathway could fill quickly too, so it helps to be ready before it opens.

• Express Entry. Many H-1B holders have a degree, strong English, and skilled work experience, which score well in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). US work experience counts as foreign experience. See Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker program, and the CRS explained.
• Category-based draws. If you work in health care, or have Canadian experience in certain fields, a category-based draw may have a lower cutoff.
• Employer routes. A Canadian job offer can lead to an LMIA-based work permit or, for some tech roles, the Global Talent Stream. US and Mexican citizens may also qualify as CUSMA professionals.
• Intra-company transfer. If your US employer has a Canadian office, see intra-company transfers.

1. Take an approved English or French test and get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Both are needed for Express Entry and likely for any new pathway. See language tests and ECA.
2. Collect reference letters for your US work experience.
3. Create an Express Entry profile if you are eligible now.
4. Watch IRCC news releases for the pathway launch.