In a significant move poised to reshape global talent mobility, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his country is preparing to unveil proposals specifically designed to welcome skilled foreign workers who are finding the American dream prohibitively expensive. This comes in direct response to a major policy shift in the United States that has imposed a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visas.
The US H-1B Overhaul and Canada's Counter-Move
The Donald Trump administration's recent overhaul of the employment-based visa system introduced the massive $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. This move is intended to discourage companies from hiring foreign professionals, thereby aiming to save jobs for American citizens. However, the policy is expected to disproportionately impact skilled workers from countries like India and China, making it far more difficult for tech companies to sponsor them.
Seizing this opportunity, Prime Minister Carney stated, "Not as many H1B visa holders will get visas in the US. These people are skilled, and this is an opportunity for Canada... We will soon bring a proposal on this." He emphasized that these individuals are enterprising and willing to relocate for work, making them ideal candidates for Canada's growing economy.
Global Race for Indian Tech Talent Intensifies
Canada is not alone in recognising this chance to attract global skill. Other nations, including Germany and the United Kingdom, are actively rolling out the red carpet for India's tech professionals.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration had reportedly begun exploring proposals to abolish visa fees for top global talent even before the US H-1B announcement. A dedicated global talent task force is considering a zero-fee system for applicants from the world's top universities or winners of prestigious awards.
Meanwhile, Germany's Ambassador to India, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, made an open appeal to highly skilled Indians. He highlighted that the average Indian professional in Germany earns more than the average German, stating, "Because a high salary means Indians are contributing big time to our society and our welfare. We believe in hard work and giving the best jobs to the best people."
Indians: A Cornerstone of Canadian Immigration
This new proposal builds on an already strong foundation of Indian immigration to Canada. Indians are already the top source of new immigrants for the country. Recent figures are telling:
- Out of 32,000 tech workers who migrated to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023, approximately 15,000 were Indian.
- In 2024, about 87,000 Indians obtained Canadian citizenship, forming the largest group among new citizens.
- In 2022 alone, roughly 118,095 Indians became permanent residents in Canada, accounting for 27-30% of all new permanent residents.
The impending Canadian proposal, therefore, is set to further cement this trend, offering a clear alternative pathway for skilled professionals caught in the crossfire of changing US immigration policies. This global competition for talent underscores a significant shift, where skilled workers, particularly from India, now have multiple powerful economies vying for their expertise.
