Indians weigh life in Canada with H-1B Open Work Permit

About four weeks ago Sham Shah (name changed on request) received a biometric request letter in response to his application for the Canadian H-1B Open Work Permit.

Since then, he has done his biometrics at the USCIS ASC center. Talking about the process Shah says, “I appeared for the biometric at the designated time, they took pictures and fingerprints. Everything was a smooth process and didn’t take long at all. I am currently waiting for my background verification to be completed and then I will be asked for passport submission.”

RELATED: Canada’s open work permit offer sparks buzz among Indian H-1B community in US (July 28, 2023)

“Meanwhile, my family definitely is busy reading up more on Canada and finding out the opportunities and advantages of moving there,” he adds.

“We have been in the US for over a decade with little hope of getting
a green card. So it made sense to go for the Canadian work permit”

The Shahs are among thousands of families who opted for the Canadian H-1B Open Work Permit. Most of the applicants have by now received their approval or are awaiting a biometric appointment.

While many applicants are waiting for further details to be published to know what more is needed, many others are using up this time to learn more about life in Canada and also weigh the advantages of living in the country as compared to the US.

Nitin Kumar who is on an H-1B visa currently says, “We have been in the US for over a decade. Since our priority date is 2019, there is hardly any hope for getting a green card.”

“So, it made sense for us to go for the Canada Open Work Permit. My application is picked up,” he says. “We are definitely sizing up all our options including moving to Canada with the same employer as well as the tech job scene in Canada.”

RELATED: Canada work permit — opportunity or option for Indians? (July 19, 2023)

The recent few weeks have also seen queries about social life in Canada as compared to life in the US. While many Indians working in the US are looking at Vancouver for its moderate weather conditions, some warn that it may not be a tech hub as compared to Toronto or Calgary.

Indians are also looking at housing in Canada. News of Canada undergoing a housing crisis is concerning many looking at the possibility of shifting to the country.

Higher mortgage rates and dipping affordability has made the current housing scene in Canada a bit challenging.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corps’ outlook released just months ago warns that the rental market conditions in Canada are expected to further tighten as a result of raising rents in major markets such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The average rent in Canada has gone up with rents in Toronto rising up to 22.2 percent annually.

READ: Canada plans to lure 10,000 H-1B techies from Silicon Valley(June 29, 2023)

Another aspect that Indians are looking at is – social life in Canada. Most of those who have crossed over the border for a trip or vacation have come back impressed with the social and food scene in the country. With a sizable desi population, there is ample availability of desi food as well as cultural vibes.

Factors such as free healthcare are also a major draw for many who have experienced America’s private healthcare system. However, things such as longer wait times for treatments is something that people should be aware of, according to those who have migrated there.