Canada's Open Work Permit For US H-1B Holders

About

For individuals with H-1B visas, Canada's Open Work Permit presents an extraordinary opportunity. From July 16, 2023, U.S.-based H-1B visa holders will be allowed to apply for a three-year open work permit in Canada, giving them unmatched freedom and the opportunity to look into a variety of job opportunities.

This programme extends an invitation to the primary visa holders as well as to their close family members. This project is a strong option for those wishing to advance their professions and give their families a distinctive Canadian experience since it offers a more secure future, access to free education, and a path to permanent residency.

Eligibility

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for an H-1B work permit:

Holding a current H-1B visa.
Staying within the United States.
Meet the deadlines for receiving applications.

Documents

Documents Needed for H-1B Holders to Apply for a Canada Open Work Permit:

Copy of your H-1B visa, if applicable.
Notice of Action, Form I-797/I797B (confirmation of H-1B approval).
Evidence of residence in the United States, such as a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure
A passport that is still valid after three years.
Birth and marriage certificates, if relevant.
Degree certificates and transcripts.
If you've spent more than six months in the country in the previous ten years, you need a US Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
Complete 10-year address and personal history.
Information on the family, including the parents' and siblings' birthdates, email addresses, and current addresses.

Process

When to Apply
When the program's intake period begins, H-1B holders may apply for the Canada Open Work Permit. Candidates should verify with the relevant authorities for precise deadlines since the dates may vary.

Visa Processing Time
Depending on a number of variables, such as the completeness of the application and the number of applications submitted, the processing period for Canada's Open Work Permits for H-1B visa holders normally ranges from 0 to 2 months.

How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit an application for an H-1B visa-holder Canada Open Work Permit:

Collect any necessary paperwork, such as a copy of your current H-1B visa, Form I-797/I797B (certification of H-1B approval), identification proving your residency in the United States, etc.
Visit the IRCC Portal, register if you don't already have one, and submit an online visa application.
Indicate during the application procedure that you want to apply for eligible family members (spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children), and submit separate applications for each member of the family.
Check your application thoroughly for accuracy and make sure you've included all the required paperwork and information. Upon completion, send in your application.

Duration & Fees

Duration
The generous 3-year validity duration of the Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B visa holders enables professionals to investigate a variety of career options across Canada. This period coincides with the applicant's passport validity, guaranteeing a smooth experience throughout the permit's term.

Fees
There are numerous fees associated with this permit application. The work permit for the main applicant is 155 CAD plus 85 CAD for biometrics. The spouse's open work visa costs $100 when incorporating family members, plus an additional $85 for their biometrics. Applications for dependent children cost $150. These payments pay for the application's processing expenses.

FAQS

Can I use this programme to apply for permanent residency?
Although this programme does not immediately lead to permanent residency, it does provide possibilities to investigate other Canadian immigration routes.

Is there a cap on the number of applications accepted each year?
Yes, the programme has a cap of 10,000 applications each year, or until it reaches its one-year maximum, whichever comes first.

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