Canada Seizes Opportunity as U.S. H-1B Visa Fee Hits $100K

URGENT UPDATE: Canada is poised to attract global tech talent as the United States implements a staggering $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which are critical for skilled workers. This announcement, made by U.S. President Donald Trump, has sparked immediate reactions from Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who sees a significant opportunity for Canada in the wake of this policy change.

Just announced, the new fee applies to all H-1B visa applications, which are essential for foreign workers in specialized fields. Traditionally, these visas have been a primary route for tech professionals seeking work in the U.S. However, the drastic increase from the original $215 fee could drive skilled talent north to Canada, as experts warn it may accelerate the migration of high-skill employees.

“Not as many of those people are going to get visas to the United States,” Carney stated during a press conference in London. “This is an opportunity for Canada, and we’re going to take that into account.” He emphasized that Canada must respond effectively to attract these skilled individuals, who often possess valuable expertise.

The implications of this policy shift are far-reaching. According to Pew Research, approximately 60 percent of H-1B visas issued since 2012 have been granted to professionals in computer-related fields. With the new fee, many companies may reconsider hiring foreign workers, particularly those who are not in the upper salary brackets. While top-tier talent will remain in demand, the increased costs could deter employers from seeking candidates in lower-paid positions.

Carney also noted that Canada is currently aiming to reduce the share of non-permanent residents to 5 percent of the population by the end of 2027. As of April 1, 2025, non-permanent residents accounted for 7.1 percent, down from 7.4 percent at the beginning of the year, according to Statistics Canada.

Canadian tech workers eyeing opportunities in the U.S. also have the option of the TN visa, available under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which could position them favorably if the H-1B fee creates a labor shortage in the U.S.

“Does the shift then go, rather than being from India or from China, that you’re now pulling people from Canadian firms or from Canadian universities?” said Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Innovators. “That’s something we’re heavily monitoring.”

Experts assert that for Canada to truly capitalize on this situation, it must create an environment conducive to the growth of tech companies and startups. “We do a really bad job at procuring from our own vendors,” Bergen warned, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to support a thriving tech ecosystem.

As the U.S. implements this new fee, employers are required to ensure the payment is submitted with the visa application. U.S. immigration law firms indicate that this financial burden will primarily rest on employers, which could influence their hiring decisions in the tech sector.

The current landscape presents a unique moment for Canada to enhance its appeal to international talent. With the Canadian tech sector already employing a considerable number of immigrants—35 percent of computer programmers are foreign-born—there is potential for significant growth as the U.S. makes this substantial policy shift.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how Canada responds to this unprecedented opportunity and whether it can effectively attract the best and brightest from around the world.