Immigration options For US H1B/L1/F1 Holders
Express Entry
Immigration Options for US H1B/L1/F1 Holders
The H-1B programme offers a promising route for skilled foreign nationals to work in the US, but it is rife with problems, making the US a less appealing alternative for international workers. A common issue is the H-1B visa’s duration restriction, which allows for a three-year initial grant and a three-year extension before requiring the foreign national to spend at least one full year outside of the United States.
Given these and other issues with H-1B visas that are regularly experienced, many foreigners look to Canada for their next career opportunity.
Difference Between H1-B Visa for US and Permanent Residency Visa for Canada
| H1-B VISA | PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA |
|---|---|
| Visa holder has to leave US if he/she has been laid-off or if the company shuts down. | Residents are free to take their own time to find another job. |
| Visa holders have to go back to their country if their Green Cards are not applied for before the 6-year limit on their H1-B expires. | Residents receive a Permanent Residency Visa, which is similar to US Green Card when they land in Canada. |
| Visa holders face visa renewal risk when returning from traveling to another country. | Residents are allowed to travel abroad as frequently as they wish. |
| Visa holder cannot change his/her sponsoring employer. | Residents can change employers and locations at any time. |
| Visa holders are not permitted to start their own businesses. | Residents can own businesses of their choice. |
| Visa holders cannot sponsor dependents other than spouse or children. | Residents can sponsor other family members who are dependent on them (parents, brothers, sisters). |
| Spouse of visa holder has to arrange for sponsorship from potential employers to work in US. | Spouse of resident also receives a Permanent Residency Visa. Therefore he/she is also free to work anywhere in Canada. |
| Visa holders have to wait a long time to get citizenship. | Residents only need 3 years of residence in Canada, which entitles them to apply for citizenship. |
Opportunities in Canada
Canada provides a number of options for work permission that either meet the same eligibility requirements as H1-B visas or give the foreign applicant the chance to continue their career in North America.