The H-1B visa is very popular among Indians who want to work in the United States. It is given to professionals in specialized fields like IT and healthcare.
Many Indians with an H-1B visa hope to get a U.S. Green Card, which allows them to live and work in America permanently.
However, the wait time for a Green Card is very long for Indians—sometimes even up to a decade.
Canada: A Faster Path to Permanent Residency
What if a neighboring country of the U.S. offers you permanent residency more easily? That country is Canada! H-1B visa holders can quickly get permanent residency in Canada through a system called Express Entry.
This is a points-based system where the highest-ranking candidates move to the front of the line for permanent residency (PR).
How Can H-1B Visa Holders Get PR in Canada?
Under the Express Entry system, candidates earn points based on factors like age, skills, work experience, and language ability. H-1B visa holders are strong candidates because they:
1) Have a degree
2) Possess skilled work experience
3) Have good English language skills
These factors help them score higher, increasing their chances of getting PR in Canada.
Different Ways to Get PR in Canada
According to a report by CIC, H-1B visa holders in the U.S. have multiple pathways to Canadian permanent residency. Here are some of the main options:
Express Entry
This is the most popular way for skilled workers to get PR in Canada. Since most H-1B holders already have the qualifications needed, they usually get a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making the process smoother.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Apart from Express Entry, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program also offers PR opportunities.
This program allows both skilled and non-skilled workers to apply, but applicants must meet specific requirements set by different provinces.
Intra-Company Transfer
This program allows employees to transfer within their company to a branch in Canada. It provides a work permit for three years, extendable up to seven years. After working in Canada for a certain period, individuals can apply for PR.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
H-1B holders looking for jobs in Canada can get a work permit under this program. The permit is issued for three years, and after that, they can apply for permanent residency.
In summary, while the U.S. Green Card process is long and uncertain, Canada provides multiple faster routes to PR.
H-1B visa holders looking for stability and a quicker path to permanent residency may find Canada a great option.
