The Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit application opened on Sunday, July 16, and by midnight on Monday, July 17, the application closed as the IRCC had received 10,000 primary applications.
Background
This initiative is meant to keep highly skilled workers in North America. Anyone with a valid H-1B Specialty Occupations visa living in the US was eligible to apply.
Under this policy, H-1B holders could get an open work permit for up to 3 years. The application is $155.
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Applicants needed a copy of their current H-1B visa, their Form I-797/I-797B, Notice of Action, as well as proof that they live in the USA.
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Applicants filed online through the IRCC Portal.
If the applicant’s passport expires in less than 3 years, their work permit will expire at the same time as their passport. Individuals can’t get an extension under this initiative, but they may be able to get one under another program.
This temporary policy was planned to last for 1 year or until the IRCC receives 10,000 applications (whichever comes first). The IRCC received 10,000 applications within 48 hours.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.