H-1B Holders: Your Best Options to Move to Canada in 2025
If you’re on an H-1B visa in the U.S., you’ve likely faced uncertainty—long green card backlogs, visa renewal stress, and job security concerns. With layoffs in the tech sector and strict immigration policies, many skilled professionals are wondering if staying in the U.S. is still the best option.
Canada offers a more predictable and welcoming immigration system. Thousands of H-1B holders have already made the move, and you could be next. This guide breaks down the best pathways to Canadian permanent residency (PR) and work permits, along with real-life success stories.
Why Are H-1B Holders Choosing Canada?
A 2023 study by the National Foundation for American Policy found that nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders are stuck in green card backlogs, with Indian applicants facing wait times of up to 150 years due to per-country limits. On top of that, more than 260,000 tech jobs were lost in 2023 alone, leaving many H-1B workers scrambling for options.
Canada, on the other hand, actively welcomes skilled professionals. With clear PR pathways, a strong job market, and no visa lottery system, it’s an attractive alternative for those tired of uncertainty in the U.S.
Additionally, Canada’s social benefits, such as free healthcare and high-quality education, make it an excellent destination for families. The multicultural environment ensures that newcomers feel welcomed and integrated into society much faster than in other countries.
Top Pathways for H-1B Holders to Move to Canada
1. Express Entry: The Fastest PR Route
Canada’s Express Entry system ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Many H-1B holders score high due to their STEM backgrounds and professional experience, making this a top choice.
Check eligibility for Express Entry
✅ Success Story: Rajiv, a software engineer in California, was stuck in the U.S. green card backlog for 8 years. Frustrated, he applied for Express Entry in March 2023. With a CRS score of 478, he received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in June and landed in Toronto as a permanent resident within 10 months!
If you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Canada, our team at Sayal Immigration can guide you through the Express Entry process.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): More Options for PR
If you don’t meet the Express Entry cut-off, you can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have dedicated streams for tech workers, often lowering CRS score requirements for applicants in high-demand fields.
✅ Example: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued over 10,000 invitations in 2024 to professionals with CRS scores as low as 460!
If you’re searching for an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, Sayal Immigration specializes in PNP applications and PR pathways.
3. Intra-Company Transfer: Stay with Your Current Employer
If your employer has a branch in Canada, you might qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit. This allows you to move to Canada while staying with your current company.
Learn more about ICT work permits
✅ Case Study: Lisa, a data scientist in New York, transferred to her company’s Vancouver office under the ICT program. Two years later, she got PR through Express Entry!
For those needing an Immigration Consultant in Toronto, we provide assistance with ICT applications to simplify the transition.
4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Move with a Job Offer
If a Canadian employer is willing to sponsor you, you can get a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that no Canadian workers are available for the role.
Government guidelines on the TFWP
✅ Many Canadian tech companies are hiring skilled foreign workers due to a shortage of local talent!
5. Study in Canada: A Family-Friendly Pathway to PR
If you want to explore education as a PR pathway, Canada offers study permits that allow one spouse to study while the other works on an open work permit. This can lead to PR through Canadian work experience or Express Entry.
✅ Fact: In 2024, over 70% of international students in Canada planned to apply for PR after graduation.
If you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Brampton, we assist with study permits, work permits, and PR pathways.
Additional Benefits of Moving to Canada
Beyond immigration pathways, H-1B holders benefit from Canada’s strong labor protections, better work-life balance, and the opportunity to become a citizen within just three years of PR status. Unlike the U.S., Canada does not have restrictive H-1B-style employer sponsorships, giving workers more freedom to change jobs and explore better opportunities.
With a thriving economy, growing tech hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and government incentives for innovation, Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in attracting talent.
Why You Should Act Now
Canada plans to welcome over 500,000 new immigrants annually by 2025, and skilled workers are in high demand. However, Express Entry cut-off scores have been rising, and policies could change at any time. Waiting too long might mean tougher competition or fewer opportunities.
Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries
If you’re thinking about making the move, the time to start is now.
How Sayal Immigration Can Help
At Sayal Immigration, we specialize in helping H-1B visa holders move to Canada seamlessly. Whether it’s Express Entry, PNPs, or work permits, we create personalized strategies to maximize your success.
👉 Book a Free Consultation today and take the first step toward your future in Canada!