The United States’ recent decision to impose a steep $100,000 fee on H-1B visas is changing the global job landscape.
The move, intended to protect American jobs, will likely reduce the number of foreign workers hired by U.S. companies.
However, it also opens new doors for other countries to attract highly skilled professionals — especially from India and China.
Canada Steps In with a New Proposal
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to introduce new policies that will welcome skilled foreign workers who may now find working in the U.S. too costly.
“These people are skilled and enterprising. This is an opportunity for Canada,” Carney said, emphasizing that the upcoming initiatives aim to make Canada the top destination for global talent.
UK and Germany Join the Competition
Canada is not the only country taking this step. The United Kingdom is reportedly planning a zero-fee visa system for top global talent, including graduates from leading universities and prestigious award recipients.
Meanwhile, Germany has extended an open invitation to skilled Indian professionals.
German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann noted that Indians in Germany often earn above-average salaries and play an important role in boosting the country’s economy.
Indians Already Leading Immigration to Canada
Indians are already the largest group of immigrants in Canada, and the new policies are expected to strengthen this trend.
Between April 2022 and March 2023, nearly 15,000 of the 32,000 tech workers who moved to Canada were Indian.
In 2024, about 87,000 Indians became Canadian citizens, while over 118,000 obtained permanent residency in 2022, accounting for nearly 30% of all new permanent residents.
A New Phase for Global Talent Movement
As the U.S. becomes less attractive due to high visa costs, countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany are positioning themselves as new hubs for global talent.
This change could mark the start of a new era where skilled professionals choose opportunity over geography, and nations compete to provide the most open and rewarding environments for global talent.
