Toronto, Ont. – A new executive order from the Trump administration adding a $100,000 fee to H-1B visa applications is creating opportunities for Canada’s tech sector.
Immigration lawyers and recruiters say the change will likely push highly skilled foreign workers — particularly in technology — to look north, where Canadian pathways remain more accessible.
“Every time the U.S. closes the door on global talent, Canada gains,” said Becky Fu von Trapp, an immigration lawyer in Vermont. “This is almost a gift.”
The H-1B program, heavily used by companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, has long faced caps and lottery systems. Now, with the steep fee, small and mid-sized firms may struggle to keep international workers in the U.S., possibly opting to relocate jobs to Canada instead.
“Think of it like a massive game of musical chairs. Top talent is looking for a place to sit and America just removed many of their options,” said Martin Basiri, CEO of Toronto-based Passage. He urged Canada to act quickly: “Canada can either watch from the sidelines or add new chairs for the best players.”
In 2023, Canada briefly launched a work permit program targeting H-1B holders, which maxed out within 48 hours at 10,000 applications. Analysts say the demand showed how much international talent is looking for alternatives.
However, experts warn Canada must build long-term strategies rather than relying on U.S. restrictions. “Canada risks being seen as a holding pen for workers waiting to get to Silicon Valley,” said Daniel Wigdor, CEO of AXL, a Canadian AI incubator.
Still, many in the industry see the development as a chance to bring in world-class software engineers and innovators. “We should definitely be leaning in,” said Ilya Brotzky, CEO of VanHack. “These workers create jobs in Canada.”
The challenge remains whether Canada can provide enough opportunities, investment, and growth potential to keep that talent here permanently.
