Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Canada is moving to attract highly skilled workers as US H‑1B rules tighten and fees rise. The federal government has announced an accelerated entry route aimed at H‑1B visa holders and prominent international researchers.
The measure forms part of Canada’s most significant immigration reform in decades, designed to manage population growth while prioritizing skilled talent. Ottawa plans to reduce admissions of international students by 25–32% next year and has allocated over $1.2 billion (about Rs 106 crore) to hire more than 1,000 professionals in sectors critical to economic and technological progress.
The new fast-track aims to appeal to H‑1B holders frustrated by recent US policy changes, including a steep fee increase to $100,000 and a less predictable application environment. Officials expect the initiative to attract top-tier professionals from the United States and other countries.
Under the revised framework, Canada will admit 380,000 permanent residents annually from 2026 through 2028. At the same time, the number of temporary residents will fall sharply — to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in each of the following two years. Study permits will be cut from previous targets of over 300,000 a year to 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027–2028.
Universities Canada has praised the plan for aiming to create a sustainable immigration model that supports the country’s labour and economic needs. Analysts say fewer temporary residents could lift wages, relieve rental market pressures and raise GDP per capita over time.
The government’s objective is to lower the share of non‑permanent residents to under 5% of the population by the end of 2027, down from 7.3% in July 2025 — reflecting Ottawa’s intent to balance growth with infrastructure capacity.
Canada’s approach underscores a strategic push to draw high‑skill talent amid tighter US controls. By courting H‑1B holders and elite researchers, Ottawa aims to strengthen competitiveness and fuel sectors that drive innovation and growth.
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