America's Loss = Canada's Gain
July 30, 2008The United States is fortunate. It attracts a seemingly endless supply of the best and brightest people from all parts of the globe as foreign guest workers. Most of these individuals enter on H-1B visas and all of them have a high-skilled job set aside for their arrival. These temporary workers include IT professionals, physical and social scientists, and engineers, to name but a few. They are the kind of human capital that most societies wish for.
You would think there is surely a way for H-1B visa holders to move from impermanent to permanent status and eventually to U.S. citizenship. You would be wrong. At the end of a maximum of six years, these valuable economic contributors are shown the door and told to leave. This of course, makes no sense, but whoever said that government policy is based on sound reasoning?
Canada is also fortunate. It lies next to the United States and is happy to provide a home for these unappreciated workers, who now have North American work experience. Until recently, H-1B visa holders were treated as any other applicant for Canadian Permanent Residency. That meant having to qualify under a sometimes lengthy process in the absence of a pre-arranged job.
But not anymore.
The province of Alberta, desperate for skilled labour, is rolling out the welcome mat for these H-1B holders. If you have a valid H-1B and have been working in the United States for at least a year in an occupation considered in demand in Alberta (of which there are over 100, by the way), Alberta will nominate you for Canadian Permanent Residency. No job offer required - just come on in. The job will follow.
"You can move here right away," reads the Government of Alberta website. "Alberta has the strongest and fastest growing economy in Canada, giving you the security and stability you've been searching for. The air is clean, the sky is blue and the people are as friendly as you've heard."
Fast-track Permanent Residency - minimal requirements - skilled foreign workers who have already proven that they are highly employable in North America. Now that makes sense.
So much sense, that we will likely see the other Canadian provinces follow suit and offer similar options through their own Provincial Nomination Programs. And until the United States smartens up and realizes what they're missing out on, Canada is poised to welcome thousands of their skilled and experienced foreign workers.
Once in Canada, these workers will be encouraged to set up a home. Permanently.
More information about Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program H-1B category.
20 Comments:
Isn't it going to reduce chances for other skilled works, as qualified as those who have been living in the United States under this VISA, to get a permanent resident VISA in Canada?
Even Japan is smartening up and is loosening its immigration restrictions. The United States, however, is going the other way and is placing more impediments to would-be newcomers.
My partner and I already reside in the US and frankly we don't see what all the fuss is about. We are considering moving to Canada.
Its good information. But I didn't see any kind of link or article at Alberta official immigration site ?
I am working in USA for the past 8 years for a very reputed company and applied for GC. Department Of Labor has messed up my application and I have to leave USA soon. My company has provided me the Work Permit to work from our Canadian office! I never expected this treatment after 8 years from US Gov. Agencies. I would request people not to come to USA with H1B visa. It's such a pain and stressful life until you get GC.
This is really a great news, I'm just wondering if Registered Nurse is one of the job and if so my family would love to move there.
I came to USA for my education with my family and no money. My wife had a F2 spouse student visa, unlike Canada she was not allowed to work and we needed to survive and go to school. She worked without permission and so did I.Using American resources both of us have graudated and she is a Registered Nurse. But because we worked without permission they have denied us Green Card; And Canada has just said thankyou very much. In the meantime Guatmarans citizens can pay $1000.00 fee even after crossing the boarder illigaly and be grated residency.
This is really good news. I worked in United States for seven years and when I applied for a permanent stay I was refused and deportated. They said I can apply to it in my country. If I find a job offer in Canada I will prefer to go there instead of the smart States.
I knew a lot of people in the same situatuin.
This is a great news for H-1B holders. What about other candidates who graduated from the US, have worked here for almost a year, but did not get H-1B. Canada should give us the same opportunity because we are skillful and qualified candidates as well
Without a doubt; Canada is admitting just about anybody who is qualified as long as you do not have criminal record. Regadless of your immigration status in the USA.
I lived in the U.S. for 13 years, most recently working for a major U.S. Internet company (which rhymes with Google). After 4.5 years at that company, I became frustrated with the ordeal of obtaining a Green Card, so I happily moved to our Canadian office here in Toronto. I've been living in Toronto for 5 months now, working for the same U.S. company. The only difference is that now I'm paying taxes to Canada, consuming in Canada, close to buying a home in Canada, and raising a family in Canada. And I'm lovin' it.
heard from someone that that canada immigration rules have changed now and it takes maximum of 12 months to get a visa for a skilled worker? which used to otherwise take 3-5 yrs.Can anyone confirm me on this?
I just received a work permit for skilled worker after applying in May 2008. If all your documentation is in order, it can be pretty fast
I am on H1B VISA for 5yrs as a therapist, had 2 extensions and 3rd which is last one is in limbo with a reason that I am not qualified for the skilled worker catagory any more. Previous approvals could be mistake as per USCIS! It sucks especially when you are with a family. I am still waiting for my H1B approval!!
I've been in the US for 8 years, first as a graduate student (on scholarship)in a STEM field, worked with a university for a few years on H-1B and returned for my Phd (also on scholarship) because I didn't want to go out of status. I applied for the Skilled worker visa late last year and am now waiting for my passport request.
Sorry, USA, you educated me but if you don't want me and Canada is willing, I will do my best for Canada:(( Bye bye
I am working in USA for the past 7 years for a very reputed NGO and applied for Labor Certification. Department Of Labor has asked for Audit; but now my case is in backlog and what I understand is that it will take may be 3-4 years to get any answer, which is not make any sense, now I even unable to travel, but can stay legally. My company has provided me the Work Permit to work from our Canadian office! Working on H1B is just a headache. I believe its better to apply for PNP and moved to Canada. Start life
I'm now presently working here in USA(7 yrs) as H1-B visas,and based on my observation their will be no future for us, I applied for another 3 years extension, and until now I dont hear anything about it, and I know that my stay right now here is no longer in a good status,I feel so bad for myself because I tried to give all the best that I can in terms of work, and now it seems that I'm waiting for nothing, I'm really worried for our future especially for my wife and for my daugthers and now I feel like I'm leaving on the dark side H1-B visas,("LAND OF OPPURTUNITY" AND "AMERICAN DREAM")IS THAT TRUE?!!!.. I applied for skilled-worker here in Canada, and now I'm praying and hoping that they will approved my application for permanent residence of Canada,to make my dream come true and to have a best life in the future for my family ;)
I was student in US and my H1-B just started in October 2008. I have been working legally in US for over two years now because as a student you can work in the field of your study. Will I be eligible for this immigration?
I immigrated to United States with a tourist visa and I have worked as an AutoCad architectural drafter for 7 years (I have a degree in Architecture). I pay taxes and have no criminal record.
I am considering moving to the Province of Alberta since I found a few jobs there but I don't know
if I am able to move there since I don't have a legal status here.
Has somebody been able to emigrate to Canada under the same circustances as I am ? Is it possible ?
Heard it's possible, and people have gone there and have resided there n obtained their PR, and following which become citizens.
i am in USA from past 5 years..and 6th running..i realy like USA..its people..and the work culture..but for immigration...its pain in the b***..when i worked here for this much time..i felt like its my home..but not anymore...i have fulltime job..but becuase my labore..140 blah blah blah..will take soo much time...i probably will not even get extention after 6 years..
i see it as america's loss...and canada's gain..realy..i will go to canada..will buy my own house..and will work there with peace of mind..and probably will be earning almost same..and one more thing..my wife will also start working there immidiatly..which she is just sitting here whole day..and watching tv and spoling her mind..which she worked for last 6 years...i am just thinking why did not i moved earlier...
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