A Canadian governmental initiative designed to draw in highly skilled technical experts from the United States has encountered an unexpected hurdle. The application process for the program had to be prematurely closed on its second day of launch due to the swift attainment of its maximum applicant count.
In recent weeks, former Immigration Secretary Sean Fraser unveiled a novel employment authorization tailored for individuals holding H-1B visas in the United States. This initiative forms an integral part of the federal administration’s comprehensive strategy to allure foreign talent.
The H-1B visa provides a temporary work authorization to foreign nationals, predominantly in professional roles, with many of these positions situated within technical sectors.
Despite a surge in hiring within technology firms during the pandemic, a subsequent wave of workforce reductions has hit the industry. Consequently, numerous H-1B visa holders are now in a race to secure fresh employment opportunities, thereby circumventing the necessity of leaving the U.S.
The application window for these work permits opened on a Sunday, only to halt acceptance by Monday due to the program’s immediate popularity. A substantial pool of 10,000 applicants had swiftly sought the available permits.
Duration of the Tech-Driven Initiative:
According to information provided on the program’s official website, the temporary policy will remain effective for a year or until 10,000 applications have been submitted, whichever eventuality comes first.
The program’s inception directly reacts to the extensive job cuts witnessed across the U.S. technology sector. In recent months, major industry players including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have collectively released hundreds of thousands of employees.
Upon the initial announcement of the plan, Fraser emphasized his vigilant observation of developments in the United States, considering this a beneficial “opportunity” for Canada.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada acknowledged the heightened interest in the program as a testament to Canada’s allure for highly adept professionals. In an email statement, a representative underlined, “We continue to be the preferred destination for attracting global talent.”
