H-1B Fee Shock: Canada Is the Smarter Tech Career Move
The new U.S. H-1B fee makes hiring costly. Explore Canada’s faster tech routes: GTS, CUSMA, and PR pathways as a strong H-1B fee Canada alternative.
What changed in the U.S. and Why it matters
As of September 21, 2025, the U.S. now requires a $100,000 payment with any new H-1B petition. H-1B visas have long been a key component of talent acquisition strategy for companies requiring specialized knowledge workers, especially in tech. The White House and USCIS clarified it applies only to new petitions and not to existing holders or renewals.
Employers are scrambling as new H-1B filings just became dramatically more expensive and unpredictable. Some US employers are being advised to consider opening up shop in Canada, and tech talent is now considering Canada as a primary destination rather than a backup.
Why Canada now: speed, certainty, and real PR pathways
Canada’s tech immigration toolbox offers predictable processing, LMIA-exempt options under trade agreements, and clear PR on-ramps. The highlights below focus on routes that mirror common H-1B use cases and reduce employer friction.
Option 1: Global Talent Stream (GTS): priority 10-day LMIA plus 2-week work permit processing
For high-skilled tech roles, GTS delivers 10-business-day LMIA processing and 2-week work permit processing under the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) once the LMIA is approved. The category is designed specifically to help Canadian firms land scarce talent quickly. Employers pay a $1,000 processing fee and commit to a simple, measurable Labour Market Benefits Plan. Two categories:
- Category A: referral-only (unique/specialized talent).
- Category B: roles on the official Global Talent Occupations List (many core tech NOCs).
Where it shines: so many tech occupations to choose from! Think scaling teams with software engineers, data scientists, cloud/DevOps, cybersecurity, and other hard-to-fill roles. This category is clear, fast and repeatable.
Option 2: CUSMA Professionals: LMIA-exempt work permits for citizens of U.S. & Mexico
If you hold U.S. or Mexican citizenship, CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) provides LMIA-exempt work permits for a defined list of professions (including Computer Systems Analyst, Scientist and Engineering categories). When in a rush, work permits can be issued at the border for visa-exempt nationals with the right paperwork.
Where it shines: cross-border hires, transfers, and a variety of professionals stepping into roles without the LMIA hurdle.
Option 3: Other free-trade agreements: LMIA-exempt routes for many passports
If you’re a citizen of a country covered by Canada’s FTAs—CETA (EU), CUKTCA (U.K.), CPTPP (several Asia-Pacific partners), as well as Chile, Peru, Colombia, Korea, and others, you may qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits as a professional, trader/investor, or intra-company transferee, depending on the agreement.
Where it shines: quick entry for consultants, engineers, analysts, and other professionals from treaty countries whose roles map to listed categories.
Option 4: Intra-Company Transferees (ICT): LMIA-exempt for multinationals
Employees of multinational firms can shift to Canada as Executives/Managers or Specialized Knowledge workers without an LMIA (IMP C12). If a Canadian branch/affiliate exists (or is being set up), ICT is often the cleanest path, especially for nationals without a trade agreement option.
Where it shines: relocating key staff from global offices, maintaining continuity across North American teams, and moving senior individual contributors.
Permanent residence (PR) pathways for tech
Canada couples temporary work routes with clear PR ladders:
- Express Entry (FSW/CEC): Competitive CRS scores for tech pros, boosted by Canadian work experience, arranged employment, and language scores.
- Ontario (OINP) Human Capital Priorities – Tech draws: Ontario periodically invites tech profiles directly from the EE pool.
- B.C. PNP Tech: Ongoing targeted invitations for eligible tech occupations; program institutionalized beyond the original “pilot.”
- Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Express Entry–linked, job-offer driven, with an eligible tech occupation list.
Which route fits your passport?
- Citizens of U.S. & Mexico: CUSMA Professional or ICT (LMIA-exempt); quick border issuance possible for many.
- Citizens of countries with FTAs with Canada (e.g., EU, U.K., CPTPP members, Chile/Peru/Colombia/Korea/many more): FTA-based LMIA-exempt categories for professionals, investors, and service suppliers; ICT always an option.
- Citizens of countries without a Canada FTA: Prioritize GTS (LMIA + 2-week work permit via GSS), ICT if employed by a multinational, and Express Entry/PNP tech for a PR track.
We Can Help
With a $100,000 H-1B petition fee now on the table, Canada’s faster entry, LMIA-exempt pathways, and direct PR options for tech make it a compelling first choice—not just a fallback. Contact Elliott Immigration Corporation to discuss your options.
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