Canada Signals Move to Attract Skilled Workers Amid US Visa Shake-Up
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his government is preparing a proposal to attract skilled professionals, a move widely seen as a direct response to the United States' recent and dramatic fee hike for its H-1B visa program. The announcement positions Canada as a more welcoming destination for global talent, particularly for the thousands of Indian tech professionals now facing uncertainty.
Capitalizing on a US Policy Shift
The Canadian initiative comes just days after the Trump administration imposed a staggering $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas. This policy has created significant disruption, especially for Indian nationals, who comprise approximately 72 percent of all H-1B visa recipients.
Speaking in London, Prime Minister Carney explicitly identified this as a strategic opportunity for Canada. "Not as many of those people will get visas to the United States," he said. "These people are skilled, and this is an opportunity for Canada." He confirmed that a formal proposal to attract this talent pool, with a focus on the tech sector, would be brought forward soon. While India is engaging with the US over the fee hike, it remains open to new partnerships that offer opportunities for its skilled workforce.
A Thaw in Diplomatic Relations
This proactive immigration stance is unfolding against the backdrop of a significant warming of diplomatic ties between Canada and India. Relations had been strained for two years under the previous Canadian government but are now actively being repaired.
The improving relationship is underscored by the planned visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to India in mid-October. This high-level engagement follows recent bilateral talks between senior officials from both countries, all aimed at ending the diplomatic rift. Prime Minister Carney's overture to Indian professionals is seen as another positive step, aligning Canada's economic interests with its renewed diplomatic outreach to New Delhi.
Highlights of a Strategic Overture
Canada's Strategic Move: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his government will soon propose a plan to attract skilled workers impacted by changes to the US H-1B visa.
Response to US Fee Hike: The move is a direct response to the Trump administration's new $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, which disproportionately affects Indian tech professionals.
Improving India-Canada Ties: This initiative coincides with a significant improvement in diplomatic relations between Ottawa and New Delhi after a two-year period of strain.
High-Level Visit Planned: The warming relationship will be further strengthened by the upcoming visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to India.
Tags: VISA
