Can an US H-1B Visa holder work in Canada?
An US H-1B visa holder can work in Canada with an Open Work Permit. The visa holders can work for up to three years in Canada under this permit. Canada welcomes 10,000 applicants every year through the Open Work Permit pathway. The applicants can move to Canada along with their family as their dependents. However, the dependents can enter Canada through a work permit, visitor, or student visa.
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Who can apply for Canada Open Work Permit?
People who are applying for Canada Open Work Permit as a US H-1B visa holder must meet the following criteria:
- A valid US H-1B visa
- A passport that is valid for a minimum of 3 years
- Authorization documents of the US H-1B Visa/proof of H-1B Status
- Form No. I-797/I797B (Notice of Action)
- The candidate should be living in the US while applying for the permit.
- Proof of US residency, such as electricity bills, tax receipts, etc.
- Digital Photographs
- Updated CV/Resume
- Educational certificates
- Work Experience Certificate
- US Police Clearance Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with spouse as dependent)
- Birth Certificate of children (if applying with children as dependents)
- Medical Certificate
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Advantages of Canada Open Work Permit compared to H-1B Visa
The advantages of the Canada Open Work Permit over the US H-1B Visa are as follows:
|
Factors |
H-1B’s in the U.S. |
U.S. H-1B’s in Canada |
|
Status |
Temporary Work Visa |
Leads to Permanent Residency |
|
Country |
United States |
Canada |
|
Validity |
For 3 years with an extension for another 3 years |
Valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years as long as it is required |
|
Future |
Uncertain |
Promising Future, especially for H-1B’s. |
|
Eligibility |
Employer sponsorship and job offer required |
Must get 67 point on Canada Immigration Points Calculator. Job offer is not required |
|
Job Restrictions |
Must work with a specific employer |
Can work with employer of their choice and in the desired job role. |
|
Dependents |
Spouses and unmarried children can get H-4 visas |
Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children can also get PR. |
|
Education for Children |
Affordable Education |
Free Education |
|
Path to Citizenship |
Can lead to a Green Card and eventual citizenship |
Eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years |
|
Citizenship Timeline |
Long processing time |
Takes about 3-5 years |
|
Healthcare |
Access to a universal healthcare system. |
Free Healthcare for the applicant and their family members. |
|
Geographic Flexibility |
Limited to working for the sponsoring employer and location |
Live and work anywhere in Canada under any employer. |
|
Cost |
7000$ – 9000$ |
2000$ – 2,300$ |
|
Dependence on Job |
Loss of employment can lead to visa expiration and potential deportation. |
Independent of job, unless PR card renewal requirements are not met. No deportation. |
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Processing Time and FEE for Canada Open Work Permit
Processing Time:
The processing time for a Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B visa holders is 0 - 2 months.
Processing Fee:
The processing cost for Canada Open Work Permit is:
|
Factor |
Cost (in Canadian Dollars) |
|
Applicant work permit |
155 |
|
Biometrics |
85 |
|
Spouse open work permit |
100 |
|
Spouse Biometrics |
85 |
|
Children |
150 |
Want to apply for Canada Open Work Permit as an US H-1B visa holder? Talk to Y-Axis, world’s no. 1 overseas immigration consultancy for end-to-end support.