IRCC introduced a new open work permit for US H-1B visa holders on July 16, 2023, and the 10,000 applicant quota was reached the following day.
Applicants had to provide copies of the current H-1B visa, the application approval (Form I-797/I797B, Notice of Action) and proof of current residence in the United States, such as a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, or a recent utility bill.
Employers may be wondering how easy it is to hire a successful H-1B visa holder. There are two facets that are helpful to understand: the work permit requirements and the work permit process.
Regarding work permit requirements, the work permit will be “open” in the sense that the employer, occupation, and employment location fields on the document will be blank. This allows the individual to work for any employer, subject to normal immigration limitations — for instance, the employer is not an ineligible employer.
Regarding the work permit process, employers should be aware that an applicant is not authorized to work in Canada until they hold a work permit, which is not issued until they enter the country. Applicants will receive the actual work permit from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Canadian port of entry on entering the country.
The open work permits will be issued to H-1B visa holders for up to three years in duration. Three years is generous, longer than for some other open work permit categories like working holiday work permits and bridging open work permits, and similar in duration to other open work permit categories like post-graduation work permits.
Employers are wondering whether this open work permit for US H-1B visa holders option will be offered again in the future. For instance, if they have a candidate who happens to hold an H-1B visa, will this simplified work permit be an option they can consider. If the pathway is again offered and reaches a quota as quickly as it did on July 17, 2023, the window of opportunity will be short. If the documentary requirements are again published only when the online pathway is released, interested applicants should organize their documents and create an online account in advance of the release date.