Canada eyes Indian H-1B visa talent after Trump's $100K fee hike

UPDATED: Sep 27, 2025 22:23 IST

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is preparing to roll out a fresh proposal to attract highly skilled foreign workers, seizing on the turmoil unleashed by Washington’s new USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visas.

Carney framed the Trump administration’s overhaul as a chance for Canada to scoop up the talent that U.S. firms may now struggle to retain. “Not as many H-1B holders will get visas in the US. These are skilled people — an opportunity for Canada,” he declared. “We’ll have an offering soon.”

The remarks come amid rising anxiety in Silicon Valley, where companies warn the sky-high fees will gut the pipeline of foreign engineers and developers, many of them from India and China. The US has long relied on H-1B visa holders to fill critical gaps in its tech workforce, but Trump has argued the move will protect American jobs.

Carney, however, was blunt: Ottawa is ready to capitalise. “This is not just about numbers — it’s about talent, innovation, and Canada’s future economy,” he added.

The shockwaves from Washington have already triggered a scramble worldwide, with Germany, the UK, and Canada openly pitching themselves as alternatives for workers displaced by the US clampdown.

For Canada, the moment fits neatly into an existing trend. Government data shows a steady inflow of Indian professionals into the country:

Carney did not disclose details of the forthcoming policy but hinted at streamlined pathways tailored to highly skilled workers. The plan is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, in what officials are calling a “competitive counter” to Washington’s visa squeeze.

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