The loss for Indian visa holders of the United States may soon become a gain for Canada, as it vies a position to compete with its neighbouring country.
In a strategic move to attract top global talent, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled new initiatives targeting skilled professionals and researchers — particularly those affected by Donald Trump’s newly imposed $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee in the United States. While the US tightens its immigration policies, Canada is stepping up as a preferred destination for global professionals seeking stability and opportunity.
Canada’s $1.2 Billion Talent Push
In his first federal budget, Prime Minister Carney announced a C$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) allocation aimed at recruiting over 1000 international researchers. The initiative is designed to boost Canada’s innovation ecosystem and strengthen its position as a hub for science and technology.
“The expertise of these researchers will help advance our global competitiveness and contribute to the economy of the future,” the budget document stated, as reported by Bloomberg.
This comes at a time when the United States, under Trump’s administration, is tightening immigration and visa policies — moves that have created anxiety among skilled foreign professionals, particularly in the tech sector.
Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders
Recognizing the growing pool of disenchanted H-1B visa holders, Canada plans to launch an ‘accelerated pathway’ program to help skilled workers transition quickly into the Canadian workforce.
“What is clear is that the opportunity to attract people who previously would’ve got so-called H-1B visas,” Carney had noted earlier in September, signaling his intent to capitalize on the shifting immigration landscape.
According to US government data, Indian nationals account for over 70% of all H-1B visa holders, followed by Chinese professionals. Many of these skilled workers, especially in the tech and research sectors, are now reconsidering their future in the United States.
Balancing Immigration: More Permanent Residents, Fewer Students
Alongside its efforts to welcome more skilled workers and researchers, Canada is rebalancing its immigration mix. The government plans to bring in 380,000 permanent residents annually from 2026 to 2028, while cutting temporary resident numbers by more than 40% compared to current levels.
The number of temporary residents will be capped at 385,000 in 2026, dropping further to 370,000 in the following two years. A major factor behind this decline is the sharp reduction in study permits — down to 155,000 in 2026, and 150,000 in both 2027 and 2028. This recalibration aims to ease pressure on housing and public services while maintaining Canada’s focus on attracting long-term contributors to the economy.
Universities Call for Balanced Approach
Universities Canada has welcomed the government’s efforts to create a sustainable immigration system but cautioned that student targets should align with Canada’s talent and economic goals. “The plan must match this government’s talent and economic agenda,” the association stated.
Canada’s Strategic Edge
As the United States enforces stricter immigration rules and costly visa policies, Canada is positioning itself as a global alternative for skilled talent — offering faster immigration pathways, job opportunities, and a stable political environment.
With its new H-1B fast-track program, significant investment in research talent, and a renewed focus on long-term residency, Canada is not just responding to global shifts — it’s turning them into opportunity.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
