H1 B Visa Holder Work Permit in Canada: Requirements and Process Explained

Skilled professionals looking for work opportunities in Canada can apply for the H1 B visa holder work permit. The H1 B visa is a non-immigrant work visa in the USA. If you have this visa, you can gain work experience, and later on move to Canada with the H1 B Visa Holder Work Permit. Want to know about the steps for applying? Check below the article to learn about what is H1 B Visa holder work permit, the eligibility criteria, key pillars, application process, documents required, processing fees, validity period, etc.

Note: Canada is no longer issuing the H1B visa holder work permit. Hence, you cannot apply for this visa in 2025. Nevertheless, if you still want to learn about this visa, you can continue reading…

H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit in Canada: Key Updates (2025)

As of 2025, this visa is no longer available. As per the Government of Canada’s official website, these are the main updates that an interested applicant must be aware of.

1. The country reached a cap of 10,000 applications for this initiative on July 17, 2023. Hence, new applications are unacceptable.
2. Nevertheless, family members of those holding the visa may still be eligible to apply. They have to contact a Canadian embassy or consulate to confirm the same.
3. Those who have already applied for this visa (even if they are not given this visa) can apply for alternative visas, such as a Canadian visitor visa, student, or work permit. However, the deadline for this has already passed on September 26, 2024. No deadline is applicable for visitor or student applications.
4. There is a study permit fee exemption available for certain minor children. If you are a dependent of a person holding this visa, you could have applied for visa fee exemption by September 26, 2024.

What is H1 B Visa Holder Work Permit in Canada?

The H1B visa holder work permit is a work permit that was available to those who were working in the USA and want to move to Canada. This work permit is only available to applicants who are living and working in the USA and hold the popular H1-B visa. This was a temporary open work permit. This means that the person who holds the ork permit can work under any Canadian employer in any occupation. There is no employer restriction tied to the work permit. This permit is given for a period of 3 years with an extension possibility.

H1 B Visa Holders’ Work Permit- Key Pillars in Canada

The government of Canada offers four key pillars to H1 B visa Canada holders and they are as follows. You must know about these pillars before you apply for the visa.

1. Pillar 1: These holders and their family members are offered 3-year open work permits 
2. Pillar 2: They are offered an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program.
3. Pillar 3: Canada is promoted as a destination for Digital Nomads.
4. Pillar 4: Strengthening existing programs for High-Skilled Tech Workers.

Know About What is US Work Visa?

Eligibility Criteria for H1 B Visa Holder’s Work Permit in Canada 

Before applying, ensure you meet the requirements. Only applicants who meet the criteria are granted the visa. The requirements are explained in detail below:

1. Applicants must be a U.S. H-1B visa holder and currently living and working in the United States.
2. Applicants must intend to move to Canada. This permit is only available to those relocating from the U.S.
3. Family members of eligible H-1B holders could also apply alongside the primary applicant
4. Valid proof of H-1B status
5. You do not need an employment in Canada to apply. (since this is an open work permit)

Document Requirements for H1 B Visa Holder’s Work Permit in Canada 

The following are the documents you need to provide to apply for this visa. Missing even one document means visa rejection. Gather all the documents beforehand to avoid any application delays.

1. A valid passport for more than 3 years
2. Valid proof of H1 B status
3. Digital photograph
4. Marriage or birth certificate
5. Degree certificates and transcripts
6. Updated resume
7. Individuals must keep ready with them 10 years of a personal history of address without any proof
8. Other information is also required such as birth date, email IDs, and current address of parents or siblings if required

Check about Work Visa USA Requirements

Application Process for H1 B Visa Holder’s Work Permit in Canada

Those who have met the H1B visa holder work permit Canada requirements can apply for it. The visa application process is made through the IRCC Portal. The application process is explained in more detail below:

1. First, create a  new account in the IRCC portal
2. Log in and apply for work as a temporary resident.
3. Thereafter, start filling out the application form. For example, you have to answer questions like “Do you want to apply for more than 1 person at the same time?”. 
4. When you are asked what type of visa you want to apply for, state “open work permit for an H-1B visa holder”.
5. Continue filling out the application form by answering the remaining questions, and later submit the form.

After completing the application form, you will be required to submit your biometric information and attend the interview, and clear the same. Visa processing will be done after this, and you will be informed of the decision taken.

Difference Between an H1 B Visa Holder’s Work Permit in Canada vs H1B Visa in USA

Check below the points of difference between the two visas in the US and Canada.By understanding these key differences, you can choose the best path for your career.

Factors	H-1B in the U.S.	U.S. H-1B holders in Canada (Open Work Permit)
Status	Temporary work visa	Permanent residency status
Country	United States	Canada
Duration	Initially 3 years but can be extended to 6 years	This needs to be renewed every 5 years.
Future	Uncertain	Promising Future, especially for H-1B’s.
Eligibility	A job offer is NOT required.	Job offer is NOT required.
Job Restrictions	Has to work for a specific employer and job profile	Free to work for any employer in any occupation
Education for Children	Affordable	Free
Path to Citizenship	This can lead to a Green Card and eventual citizenship	May become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Citizenship Timeline	several years	Employer sponsorship and a job offer is required
Healthcare	Access to a universal healthcare system.	Free Healthcare for both self and family
Cost	Filing & associated fees: USD 7,000 – 9,000 (including USCIS fees, legal fees, etc.)	Official government fees: CAD 155 (work permit) + CAD 100 (open work permit holder fee) + CAD 85 biometrics = CAD 255–340 per applicant
Dependence on Job	Loss of employment can lead to visa expiration and potential deportation.	Independent of job, unless PR card renewal requirements are not met.

The video below explains the H1B visa holder work permit in Canada, and the top essentail things you must do to get the visa.

Processing Fees for H1 B Visa Holders’ Work Permit in Canada

Each visa application requires fee payment. Fees have to be paid at the time of filling out the online application, or at the visa application centre (if not already paid). Check below the table to know the processing fees for the visa holders:

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Work permit (per person)	CAD 155
Open work permit holder fee (per person)	CAD 100
Biometrics (per person, if required)	CAD 85
Biometrics (per family, 2+ people applying together)	CAD 170

Validity of H1 B Visa Holders’ Work Permit in Canada

Usually, the H1 B visa for Canada is granted for three years initially but can be extended for another 3 years. However, if the candidate has approved a green card application then he/she can extend their validity beyond 6 years.

Candidates must also check How to Apply for Canada Student Visa?

3 Options for Those Who Missed Canada’s Work Permit for H1B Visa Holders

Those who missed the work permit available to Canada’s work permit for H1B visa holders can seek alternative options. Below are the options available to such people:

Global Talent Stream

Under this stream, Canadian employers can hire foreign workers for specialised job roles.  This is mainly true when a candidate is not available to fill these specialised job roles. There are 2 Categories under the Global Talent Stream.

Category A 

The Category A is a Designated Partner Referral. This means it is important to be referred by any Global Talent Stream designated partner organisations. Moreover, it is important to hire unique and special talents.

Category B

Category B is an In-Demand Occupation: Under this category, a Canadian employer can ire to fill a position on the Global Talent Occupations List.

Intra Company Transfers 

The intra-company transfer permits international workers to shift to Canada. Those who are working for an MNC that has a subsidiary or branch or affiliate in Canada can benefit from this. However, 1 year of full-time experience is the job.

Business Visitors

A business visitor would be a foreign national who is visiting Canada solely to engage in business activities. Such a person will not enter the labour market of Canada. A business visitor stays in the country for a few days to a few weeks. However, in reality, they can stay for 6 months. Those who want to stay for longer than 6 months can consider a temporary work permit pathway.

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is H1 B visa such as application process, eligibility criteria, processing fees, validity period, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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