Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
The Express Entry system of Canada operates on a pool-based principle, pushing top-tier candidates to the forefront of the queue for Permanent Residency (PR). Specializing in skilled foreign workers, this system attributes points based on qualifications such as advanced education, professional experience in skilled work, and language fluency. Numerous H-1B workers can be strong contenders in the Express Entry system.
On the other hand, the route to a green card via the US’s H-1B system is considerably more complex. Its dependency on external elements like a lottery system and employer sponsorship, coupled with varying waiting times based on the applicant's birth country, makes the process challenging.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Immigration to Canada?
For those H-1B workers in the US yearning for more predictability, here's a guide on how to relocate to Canada.
| Migration Pathway | Status | Duration of Validity | Summary of Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | Permanent Residency | Indefinite* | Catering to workers engaged in skilled professions who can achieve high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores |
| Provincial Nominee Program | Permanent Residency | Indefinite* | Open to both skilled and unskilled workers. Eligibility varies depending on the stream. |
| Intra-Company Transferees | Work permit | Executives & Managers: Up to 3 years, extendable in 2-year increments, with a maximum stay of 7 years. | The candidate must be employed as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee. They must be working for a multinational corporation with a presence in Canada. |
| Intra-Company Transferees | Work permit | Specialized Knowledge Transferees: Up to 3 years, extendable in 2-year increments, with a maximum stay of 5 years. | - |
| TFWP | Work permit | Up to three years, with the possibility of extension | Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). |
| Free Trade Agreements | Work permit | Depends on the agreement | The candidate must be a citizen of a country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada and meet the requirements of that FTA. |
| International Experience Canada | Work permit | Usually valid up to two years | Designed for young adults (typically 18-35 years of age) from certain countries. |
Relocating to Canada as a Permanent Resident: Under its latest Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is set to welcome over 360,000 immigrants annually in the upcoming years.
Express Entry: One method to acquire PR is via the Express Entry system of Canada. This online application management system grades candidates based on aspects like age, education, work experience, and language skills. The Canadian government periodically invites top-ranking candidates to apply for PR through Express Entry, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are prioritized. The standard processing time for a PR application via this system is a swift six months.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the prerequisites of one of the three federally-managed immigration programs of Canada:
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FWSP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
If your Express Entry score is satisfactory, you might be able to apply for PR even before relocating to Canada. If your score is on the lower side, you could enhance your chances by initially moving to Canada on a work permit, as this can earn you additional points in the Express Entry system for Canadian professional experience. The required score might be lower if you qualify for category-based selection, which prefers candidates with in-demand professions like healthcare, trades, and
