Highly skilled H-1B workers pivot from U.S to Canada amid visa program changes

Thousands of highly skilled international workers holding H-1B visas in the United States are opting for job opportunities in Canada. The shift comes in the wake of changes made to the H-1B program under former President Donald Trump, which created hurdles for bringing in highly skilled immigrant talent.

“The highly educated foreign national is really at the mercy of the United States employers,” emphasizes Annie Beaudoin, a former Canadian immigration officer, shedding light on the challenges faced by skilled workers in the U.S.

According to a report by CNBC, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services dealt with a staggering 758,994 eligible requests for the H-1B program. However, only 188,400 applicants were selected in the final draw for permits due to the stringent changes implemented.