Canada PM Mark Carney Unveils New Immigration Plan

In a bid to attract skilled migrants, Canada has announced a wide-ranging immigration reform package following the US announcement of a staggering H-1B visa fee increase to $100,000, which is intended to remove the option of employment-based immigration from the hands of lower-cost countries.

Read More: Revised Canadian Policy for Foreign Workers

Canada PM Mark Carney Unveils Immigration Plan to Attract Global Talent amid US H-1B Fee Hike

• New pathways for skilled workers will make it easier for professionals from the technology, science, and engineering sectors to immigrate to Canada.
• A national strategy around talent will include skills training and apprenticeships to drive innovation and prepare Canada’s workforce for future challenges.
• New and more streamlined processing measures should result in faster visa processing and much less documentation for skilled workers and their families.
• Indian professionals are most likely to benefit, as Canada will emerge as a top, welcoming destination for global talent in the face of reducing options vis-a-vis US visas.

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Carney pointed out that the changes being made are intended to “be better – for newcomers and for all the others,” implying Canada’s increasing adherence to the principle of inclusive growth and sustainable immigration. The strategy not only targets the successful integration of immigrants but also their contribution to innovation and the overall support of Canada’s economic dreams for the distant future.

People also ask: The Future Impact of Rising H-1B Visa Fees

Canada Engages Indian Tech Talent amid Rising US H-1B Visa Prices

The recently unveiled plan by the Trump administration, which includes a $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, marked a significant change in the global mobility of talent.

• The new fee is scheduled to take effect on September 21, 2025. 
• The fee applies to fresh applications for the H-1B visa, but renewal applications for the H-1B and conversion applications for student visas are excluded from this visa fee.

According to the White House, this shift is meant to "protect American jobs" and ensure that foreign workers "supplement, and do not displace" American workers. Be that as it may, this new policy already has ripple effects—the H-1B is typically used by reputable global employers such as Walmart, TCS, and Infosys, but the costs associated with the new policies have reportedly caused them (and possibly others) to stop H-1B filings altogether.

• This abrupt change has created an unprecedented opportunity for Canada, which has remained positively engaged in pro-immigration and innovation-driven policies to promote its economy and industries. 
• The Canadian visa process is being expedited, work opportunities are expanding, and Canada's commitment to increasing skilled migration encourages Indian professionals to consider Canada as their primary destination for stable and long-term career prospects.
• This change is particularly favourable for Indian professionals, as India has always been the core supplier of global IT and engineering talent. 
• Canadians' tech-friendly environment, transparent immigration process, and expanding work environment make it an ideal destination for skilled careers that only a few years ago Indian professionals might have considered only in the US.

See Also: EAM Jaishankar, Canadian FM Anita Anand discuss strengthening India-Canada ties

Why is Canada a premier destination for skilled immigrants?

In 2023, Canada remained one of the world’s most welcomed destinations for skilled migrants, opening its doors for more than 471,550 new permanent residents, and has a target of welcoming 1.1 million newcomers by 2027.

Here is a list of reasons why Canada is the first-choice destination for professional workers all over the world:

• Diverse Pathways to Immigration: 100+ programs, such as Express Entry, PNPs, and Global Talent Stream.
• Strong Job Market: More than 1 million job openings in tech, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
• Pro-Immigration Policy:  Fast-tracks for visa processing and family sponsorship made accessible.
• Innovative and Knowledge Economy: Among the top 10 countries as innovators in the world.
• High Quality of Life: Universal Health Care, accessible world-class higher education, and cultural inclusion.

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Canada's Immigration Shift Brings New Opportunities for Indian IT Professionals

Indian IT professionals will be one of the largest beneficiaries of this new immigration shift from Canada. With thousands of Indian professionals in Canada's growing IT and innovation sectors, these changes create even further pathways for immigration and career success. 

• Higher Demand: Canada's growing innovation hubs of Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are continuously seeking skilled engineers and developers.
• Pathway to PR:  Fast-track programs to permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry and the Global Talent Stream (GTS).
• Property Friendly Immigration: Faster PR and ways to citizenship make Canada more family-friendly for Indian families.
• As U.S. visa restrictions begin to tighten, more Indian graduate and professional talent will increasingly shift towards Canada's welcoming immigration plan — one, that values talent, education and experience; all without excessive financial or administrative barriers. 

Interested in applying for Canada PR? Let SIEC help you through the process.

Read this also: Interest to Study Agriculture Abroad rises among Indians

Canada's Promise to be a Hub for Skilled Professionals, Strengthened

Canada's new immigration plan is further confirmation of their commitment to being a global leader in attracting skilled professionals. By lessening barriers, fuelling innovation, and investing in workforce talent development, Canada is taking tangible steps towards their promise of sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion

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