Many professionals holding H-1B visas in the United States face long wait times and uncertainties when applying for U.S. permanent residency (green cards). As an alternative, Canada offers faster and more stable immigration options, allowing skilled workers to transition to permanent residence (PR) through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Canada’s points-based immigration system prioritizes skilled workers based on education, work experience, and language proficiency. This approach allows qualified H-1B visa holders to secure PR in a fraction of the time compared to the U.S. green card process.
If you are an H-1B visa holder considering a move to Canada, here are some of the top immigration pathways available.
Canadian Immigration Options for H-1B Visa Holders
| Pathway | Status | Length of Validity | Summary of Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | Permanent Residency | Permanent (PR card renewal every 5 years) | Skilled workers with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Permanent Residency | Permanent (PR card renewal every 5 years) | Open to both skilled and semi-skilled workers, based on specific provincial criteria |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Work Permit | Executives & Managers: Up to 3 years, renewable (max 7 years). Specialized Knowledge Workers: Up to 3 years, renewable (max 5 years). | Employees of multinational corporations transferring to a Canadian branch |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Work Permit | Up to 3 years (with possibility of extension) | Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) |
| Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits | Work Permit | Varies by agreement | Available to citizens of countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | Work Permit | Up to 2 years | Available for young professionals (18-35) from eligible countries |
Note: Permanent residents in Canada must renew their PR cards every five years but can retain PR status indefinitely as long as they meet residency requirements (living in Canada for three out of five years).
Moving to Canada as a Permanent Resident
1. Express Entry – The Fastest Route to PR
Express Entry is an online immigration system that manages applications for three main federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet education and language requirements.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For those with experience in a skilled trade.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked based on their CRS score, which considers age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Advantages of Express Entry:
- Fast processing – Applications are typically processed within six months.
- No job offer required – Many applicants qualify without an employer’s sponsorship.
- Spouse and dependents included – Your spouse and children can also obtain PR.
If your CRS score is low, you can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by:
- Gaining Canadian work experience on a temporary work permit.
- Applying under category-based selection if you work in a priority sector such as healthcare, STEM, or skilled trades.
- Securing a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS score.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Alternative PR Pathway
If you do not qualify for Express Entry or have a low CRS score, PNPs offer an alternative pathway to PR. Canadian provinces have more than 80 different immigration streams, targeting:
- Skilled workers
- Semi-skilled workers
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals with job offers from local employers
To apply, you must demonstrate an intention to live in the province that nominates you. Some PNPs require a job offer, while others select candidates directly from the Express Entry pool.
Key benefit: A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
Moving to Canada as a Temporary Worker
If you do not qualify for PR immediately, working in Canada on a temporary work permit can increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident later.
1. Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) – Work Permit for Multinational Employees
Multinational companies with offices in both the U.S. and Canada can transfer employees through the ICT program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have worked at least one year with the company in the past three years.
- Must transfer to a similar role in Canada.
- Must hold a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position.
This work permit is exempt from the LMIA requirement and can be renewed. It also serves as a pathway to PR under Express Entry or PNPs.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Job Offer Required
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when no Canadians are available.
Requirements:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
While obtaining an LMIA can be time-consuming, TFWP work experience can later be used to apply for PR through Express Entry or PNPs.
3. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits
If you are a U.S. or Mexican citizen, you may qualify for a work permit under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
CUSMA work permits are exempt from the LMIA requirement and are available for professionals in 63 listed occupations, including engineers, medical professionals, and scientists.
Other Free Trade Agreements with Work Permit Provisions:
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
4. International Experience Canada (IEC) – Open Work Permits for Young Professionals
IEC provides young professionals (18-35 years old) from select countries the opportunity to work in Canada for up to two years.
Three streams are available:
- Working Holiday – Open work permit (no job offer needed).
- Young Professionals – Employer-specific work permit.
- International Co-op – Internship-based work permit.
These work permits offer a great opportunity to gain Canadian experience, which can later be used to apply for PR.
Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
If you move to Canada on a work permit, your spouse may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), allowing them to work for any employer. If you obtain PR, your spouse can also be included in your application.
Get a Free Assessment to Move to Canada
If you are an H-1B visa holder considering Canada, Skynet Immigration can help you explore your best options.
- Expert guidance on Express Entry, PNPs, and work permits
- Assistance with CRS score improvement strategies
- Personalized immigration solutions
