Toronto/London (Rajeev Sharma): With the United States imposing hefty new fees on the H-1B visa program, Canada sees a fresh opportunity to attract global tech workers, particularly those who now face higher financial and bureaucratic hurdles in America.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at an event in London on Saturday, hinted that Ottawa may soon roll out a more targeted immigration strategy aimed at welcoming professionals affected by the U.S. visa policy shift.
“There’s now a real chance to bring in talent that might have previously gone to the U.S. under the H-1B program,” Carney told Bloomberg. “Many of these individuals are highly skilled and ready to move.”
U.S. Imposes $100K Fee on H-1B Applicants
Carney’s remarks come just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating a $100,000 fee on every new H-1B visa application. The rule, which came into force on September 21, has drawn sharp criticism from American tech firms and global industry leaders.
The fee applies to each H-1B worker a company wishes to employ, potentially adding millions in annual labor costs for companies heavily reliant on foreign talent in IT, engineering, and other specialized roles.
Impact on Indian, Chinese Professionals
The new U.S. policy is expected to disproportionately affect Indian and Chinese nationals, who together represent the lion’s share of H-1B recipients. Government figures show that more than 70% of H-1B visas currently go to Indian professionals, many of whom work in Silicon Valley and other major tech hubs.
Social media and online forums have been flooded with posts from young Indian tech workers expressing anxiety over their future in the U.S., with some exploring alternatives like Canada, Germany, and the UK.
Washington’s Rationale: Protecting American Jobs
In defending the new policy, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued that the change was necessary to prevent companies from exploiting the visa system.
“We can’t allow firms to train foreign workers and then bring them in to replace Americans. That’s not how our labor market should work,” Lutnick said in a press briefing.
The statement has drawn sharp pushback from U.S. tech giants, who argue that foreign talent fills critical gaps in a workforce where domestic supply of STEM professionals remains limited.
Canada, Germany, UK Poised to Benefit
While the U.S. tightens its visa rules, other nations are moving in the opposite direction. Canada has already positioned itself as a welcoming destination for tech professionals through its Global Talent Stream and startup visa programs.
Prime Minister Carney indicated that Canada would soon offer a more streamlined pathway for skilled immigrants, particularly those who have been impacted by recent changes in U.S. immigration policy.
Meanwhile, Germany and the United Kingdom are also stepping up efforts to attract high-skilled workers. A recent Bloomberg report noted that both countries are exploring immigration reforms aimed at capturing global tech talent amid shifting U.S. policies.
A Shift in the Global Tech Migration Map?
Experts say the latest U.S. move could mark a turning point in the international flow of technology workers, with America potentially losing its long-held edge in attracting top global talent.
“The U.S. risks ceding ground in the innovation race,” said immigration analyst Ritu Malhotra. “If other countries offer a more affordable and reliable path for tech workers, we may see long-term shifts in where talent decides to go.”
For now, Canada appears poised to seize the moment—and tech professionals around the world are watching closely.
