Program inviting US tech workers to Canada reaches application limit in 48 hours
The federal government’s new program aiming to bring highly skilled US tech workers to Canada reached the maximum number of applications just one day after launching.
In June, the federal government introduced the program, which would allow H-1B visa holders in the US to work in Canada. It was part of its broader initiatives to attract global tech talent to the country.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows foreign workers to work in the US temporarily.
The federal government said the new stream would allow 10,000 H-1B visa holders in the US to work in Canada.
It would also allow the applicants’ spouse, common-law partner, or children to join them in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.
At the time of the announcement, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said that the strategy would target “newcomers that can enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies.”
The application process opened on Sunday and by the next day, it had reached the cap of 10,000 applicants.
Government of Canada / Screenshot
Many on social media commented on just how quickly the application process filled up.
“Within just 48 hours, 10,000 H-1B workers in the United States applied to move to Canada,” stated Jeremy Neufeld on Twitter.
Within just 48 hours, 10,000 H-1B workers in the United States applied to move to Canada https://t.co/26eXf3fGHE pic.twitter.com/6jpfcIFxCO
— Jeremy Neufeld (@JeremyLNeufeld) July 18, 2023
Le Canada has already hit its 10K limit on applications from US H-1B visa holders. Wow! https://t.co/nYoWmtw7UA
— Monsieur LRNZHđź” (@LRNZH) July 18, 2023
Elon Musk even chimed in, replying to a tweet about how the program application quickly reached its maximum amount of applicants.
Wow
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 18, 2023
So far, the federal government has not announced when it could open up the application process again.
In a statement to Daily Hive, the Office of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada said that “the immense interest in Canada’s new H1-B application stream is a strong indication of just how competitive Canada is on the global stage. When it comes to attracting international talent, we remain a top destination.”
“This alongside our total tech talent strategy will ensure Canada’s high-growth industries can provide the jobs of the future, and companies have access to skilled talent that will fuel innovation, and drive emerging technologies forward.”