Can I apply for an open work permit after my PGWP expires?

Yes, in certain cases you can apply for an open work permit after your PGWP expires, such as through a Spousal Open Work Permit or if you qualify under a temporary IRCC public policy. You must restore your status within 90 days of PGWP expiry to remain in Canada legally.

How to get Canada visa refusal notes?

For temporary resident applications (Visitor, Study, Work Permits), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now often includes the 'Officer Decision Notes' automatically with the refusal letter. For the complete internal file, you must submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request for your GCMS notes, which can be done by a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or a representative on your behalf.

What is the processing time for temporary resident visa in Canada?

Processing time varies depending on where you apply. For a Visitor Visa (TRV) applied from inside Canada, a recent benchmark is around 16 days (as of October 20, 2025). This is an estimate and actual times may be longer if your case is complex.

How long can you stay in Canada on a temporary resident visa?

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry unless an immigration officer indicates a different length of stay on the entry stamp or visitor record. Multiple-entry TRVs may be valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.

Can parents apply for H&C in Canada?

Yes. Parents in Canada without valid status or ineligible for sponsorship can apply for permanent residence through an H&C application if removal would cause undue hardship.

How long does it take for an H&C parent application?

Parental H&C applications typically take 30–42 months from submission to final decision, depending on case complexity.

What factors matter in a parent's H&C case?

Officers consider medical needs, emotional dependency on Canadian family, length of stay in Canada, and hardship if returned home.

What is the success rate for H&C parent applications?

As of 2025, parental H&C applications have an average success rate of around 42–45%, slightly higher than general H&C cases.

What documents strengthen a parent's H&C application?

Medical records, proof of family dependency, community letters, country condition reports, and establishment evidence in Canada help strengthen the application.

How to apply for Canada visa for H-1B holders?

The temporary Open Work Permit stream for H-1B principal applicants is closed. However, eligible family members (spouses and dependents) of H-1B holders who successfully applied in 2023 can still apply for their own OWP until September 26, 2024. For a long-term route, H-1B holders should prepare their profiles for the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and the upcoming Accelerated PR Pathway in 2025.

How long does it take to get H-1B work permit in Canada?

The Open Work Permit (OWP) under the H-1B policy provided temporary status quickly, but that program is closed for new principal applicants. For the ultimate goal, Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) via the Express Entry system generally takes between 5 to 8 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), making it one of the fastest permanent residency pathways globally.

Can H-1B holders go to Canada?

Yes. H-1B holders and their families can move to Canada. If they missed the 2023 Open Work Permit deadline, they should pursue permanent immigration pathways like Express Entry or wait for the 2025 Accelerated PR Pathway. The OWP allowed immediate labor market access for both the H-1B holder and their spouse.

What is the 100k fee for H-1B? Who pays 100k for an H-1B visa?

The $100,000 fee was proposed by the U.S. government for certain new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, as a condition of eligibility. This fee would be paid by the U.S. employer (petitioner). This measure, which signals high regulatory uncertainty, is a major factor driving skilled workers to Canada.

Can I stamp my H-1B visa in Canada?

Yes, Third-Country Nationals (TCNs)—individuals who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens—can apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate in Canada. However, TCN processing is discretionary and carries the risk of administrative delays, which could temporarily prevent return to the U.S.

How long is an H-1B visa valid?

The H-1B status is typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years, for a total standard duration of six years.

What happens after 6 years of H-1B?

Generally, the holder must leave the U.S. or change status. However, exceptions allow extensions beyond six years in 1-year or 3-year increments if the U.S. employer has initiated the Green Card process (Form I-140 or labor certification) at least 365 days prior to the requested extension start date.

What is the minimum salary for H-1B?

The U.S. employer must pay the H-1B worker a wage that is no less than the 'actual wage' paid to similarly qualified workers, or the 'prevailing wage' for that occupation in the geographic area, whichever amount is higher.

What is the 3 to 1 rule for H-1B visa? / What is the 3 for 1 rule for H-1B?

The '3 to 1' or '3 for 1' reference is related to the H-1B Dependent Employer rule. An employer with 51 or more full-time equivalent employees is considered H-1B dependent if 15% or more of its workforce are H-1B workers. This classification triggers additional regulatory requirements and non-displacement attestations.

Is it better to live in the US or Canada?

The decision is subjective. The U.S. typically offers higher nominal salaries, but Canada offers greater immigration certainty (PR in 5-8 months), universal public healthcare, and better work rights for dependent spouses (immediate Open Work Permit), leading many skilled workers to prioritize Canadian stability over the U.S. salary advantage.

Is Canada rejecting 80% Indian visas? / Is Canada suspending Indian visas?

Canada is not suspending visas, but student visa applications from Indian nationals faced a significant tightening, resulting in a rejection rate of approximately 74% in August 2025. This high scrutiny is tied to fraud concerns and an international student cap. The H-1B Accelerated Pathway, however, is a targeted stream for high-credibility, skilled workers and is not subject to the same generalized scrutiny.

Can Canadians get H-1B visas?

Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for an H-1B visa like any other nationality. Crucially, Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa stamp requirement entirely; they only need to present their approved I-797 Notice of Action and passport when entering the U.S. in H-1B status.

What is the fastest work permit in Canada?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is often considered the fastest route, offering 2-week processing for the associated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The H-1B Open Work Permit (OWP) was also a very fast temporary option for principal applicants, but is currently closed.

Which province gives the fastest PR in Canada?

The fastest route to PR is through any province offering an Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, which is aligned with Express Entry. A nomination through an Enhanced PNP grants an applicant 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR, which is then processed quickly (6-8 months).

Can I get Canada PR in 3 months?

No. While Canada’s Express Entry system is extremely fast, the average processing time for a Permanent Residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is 5 to 8 months. Starting the process to enter the pool and receive an ITA takes additional time.

How many years of H-1B until green card?

There is no fixed time. The wait for a U.S. Green Card depends on the applicant’s country of chargeability and visa availability, which can result in backlogs that last for years or even decades, despite having H-1B status.

What are the disadvantages of an H-1B visa?

Key disadvantages include the six-year status limit, the required dependence on a single sponsoring employer, the lack of automatic work authorization for spouses (H-4 EAD is separate), the high regulatory costs for the employer, and general policy uncertainty (like the $100k fee proposal).

Who pays for an H-1B visa?

The U.S. employer is responsible for paying most of the required H-1B fees, particularly the mandatory Labor Condition Application (LCA) compliance costs. Employers are prohibited from requiring the employee to pay the fraud prevention and detection fee or the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee.

Is a H-1B visa risky?

Yes, in comparison to Canadian Permanent Residence, the H-1B is considered risky. The risk stems from the temporary nature (6-year limit), the cap-restricted annual lottery, dependency on employer sponsorship, and the continuous threat of status expiration if the Green Card process stalls.

Is hiring H-1B cheaper?

No. U.S. law requires the employer to pay the prevailing wage or actual wage (whichever is higher), ensuring H-1B workers are not hired at below-market rates. Furthermore, high compliance costs and the proposed $100k fee for certain petitions make H-1B hiring expensive for U.S. companies.

Is H-1B high skilled?

Yes. The H-1B visa is designated for 'Specialty Occupations,' which are defined as requiring a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the specific specialized field. These roles generally cover high-skilled occupations in fields like technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Which USA visa is hardest to get?

While many U.S. visas are challenging, the H-1B is notoriously difficult due to the annual cap lottery, which often results in hundreds of thousands of applicants vying for just 85,000 slots, making selection highly competitive and unpredictable.

Who hires the most H-1B visas?

Based on Department of Labor disclosure data, the highest volume of H-1B applications historically comes from large technology and consulting firms. This public disclosure data is available for researchers and the public.

Did Elon Musk have an H-1B?

There is no public record indicating Elon Musk held an H-1B visa. As a South African-born Canadian citizen, he would have been eligible to enter the U.S. using other visa categories, such as the TN professional visa (as a Canadian) or an investment-based visa, before becoming a U.S. citizen.

Which Big 4 sponsor H-1B?

All major 'Big 4' accounting and consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) sponsor H-1B visas. Due to their global nature and need for specialized talent, these firms are consistently among the top H-1B petitioners documented in U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data.

How to get 100% Canada visa?

There is no method to guarantee 100% approval for any Canadian visa or permanent residence application. The best way to maximize success is by meeting all eligibility requirements, submitting a fully complete application, and clearly demonstrating strong ties to the country if applying for a temporary visa, or high credentials if applying for PR via Express Entry.

Can I get PR after 1 year study in Canada?

Completing a one-year study program in Canada can lead to eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada on the PGWP, the individual becomes eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a top PR pathway within Express Entry.

Is it hard to get PR in Canada?

For highly skilled professionals, particularly those moving from H-1B status, securing Canadian PR is considered manageable and predictable. The Express Entry system offers clear, points-based criteria and fast processing times (5-8 months), making it a reliable path compared to the long, uncertain process of obtaining a U.S. Green Card.

What jobs are in demand in Canada?

Canada's immigration strategy, including the upcoming H-1B Accelerated Pathway, explicitly targets labor shortages in several high-demand areas. These include: Technology (AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity), Healthcare (Registered Nurses, Physicians), Research, and Advanced Industries.

Can I work in Canada with a temporary resident visa?

No. A temporary resident visa (TRV) alone does not permit work. To work legally you must obtain the appropriate work permit or be otherwise exempt.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry immigration stream for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. It allows temporary workers and graduates to apply for permanent residency faster.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration pathway under Express Entry for skilled professionals abroad who have at least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation and meet the eligibility points requirement.

Which program is faster: CEC or FSWP?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is typically faster, averaging 4–6 months compared to 6–8 months for FSWP, due to simplified documentation and domestic processing.

Do I need proof of funds for CEC?

No, proof of funds is not required for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is required only under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, unless you have a valid job offer.

Can I apply for both CEC and FSWP?

Yes. You can qualify for more than one program under Express Entry. IRCC will automatically consider you under the stream where you have the best chance of success.

Can I get PR with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, PGWP holders can gain Canadian work experience and apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). One year of skilled full-time work experience is required.

What are the benefits of CEC compared to FSWP?

CEC applicants enjoy faster processing, no proof of funds, and generally higher acceptance rates because they already have Canadian work experience and integration.

Can I apply for PR while on a work permit?

Yes, many applicants apply for PR through CEC while working in Canada on an open or employer-specific work permit. This is a common and encouraged pathway.

What documents are required for FSWP proof of funds?

You must provide official bank letters showing account numbers, current and average balances, account opening dates, and 6 months of statements. Only liquid, accessible funds are accepted.

What is the approval rate for CEC in 2025?

As of 2025, the CEC approval rate exceeds 90%, making it one of the most successful immigration streams in Canada.

What's the difference between TR and PR?

A Temporary Resident (TR) is in Canada for a limited time (visitor, worker, student) while a Permanent Resident (PR) has the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely and access benefits such as healthcare and a path to citizenship.

How long does a temporary resident permit take in Canada?

Processing times for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) vary by case complexity and visa office. Check IRCC's processing times tool for live estimates. TRPs are discretionary and may take longer than standard TRV decisions.

Last Updated Jan 21, 2026

Ontario Suspends Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Due to Systemic Misrepresentation

By Vineet Tiwari

Express Entry

A Critical Announcement Reshaping Provincial Nomination

The landscape of economic immigration in Ontario has been abruptly and significantly altered. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the immediate suspension of its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, effective immediately. This dramatic action, cited by the OINP as a necessary measure due to systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud relating to eligibility criteria, underscores a province-wide push for program integrity.

This suspension is not a temporary pause; the province has ceased accepting new applications, and all pending applications currently in the system will be returned, with associated application fees refunded.

For thousands of skilled tradespeople who relied on this pathway which offered a guaranteed 600-point boost toward a federal Invitation to Apply (ITA) this news demands an urgent shift in strategy. It also highlights the critical link between government-imposed nomination allocations and the integrity of immigration streams.

The Integrity Imperative: Why the Stream Was Suspended

The decision to completely suspend a major Express Entry stream is rare and reflects serious program integrity concerns.

The OINP’s internal review found that the current design of the Skilled Trades Stream was vulnerable to systemic misuse. This vulnerability undermined the OINP’s ability to reliably assess whether applicants genuinely met the eligibility criteria.

Impact of Fraud and Allocation Constraints

The suspension is driven by two key factors:

Systemic Misrepresentation: Authorities concluded they could not effectively determine if applicants were meeting the stream’s requirements due to widespread fraud. Maintaining program integrity is paramount for IRCC and provincial authorities.
Limited Nomination Allocation: The province’s ability to nominate immigrants is governed by a limited nomination allocation set by the federal government. With a reduced number of spots, provincial authorities must be more selective, choosing only those newcomers who can credibly fill critical labor market gaps. A stream plagued by fraud compromises the OINP’s ability to allocate these limited nominations effectively.

The message from Ontario is clear: program integrity is non-negotiable, and applicants and representatives who provide inaccurate, incorrect, or misleading information face severe penalties, including denial, fines, bans, or criminal charges.

Immediate Pathways: The Federal Express Entry Trades Category

For former OINP Skilled Trades candidates, the most straightforward alternative is to pivot immediately to the Federal Express Entry Trades Category selection. Candidates for the OINP stream already had an active Express Entry profile, meaning they are already positioned to be considered for federal category-based draws.

The Advantage of Category-Based Selection

Category-based selection rounds under Express Entry offer a lifeline, typically featuring significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores than general, all-program, or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.²

Recent Score Example: The most recent Trades Category draw saw a CRS score cut-off of 505.
Contrast: This is considerably lower than the most recent CEC draw, which had a cut-off score of 533, and general draws, which have been as high as 547 in 2025.

Eligibility for the Federal Trades Category

To receive an ITA through the federal Express Entry Trades category, you must meet two main sets of criteria:

Core Program Eligibility: You must be eligible for one of the three core federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Trade Work Experience: You must have gained at least six months of work experience in an eligible trade occupation (classified under the relevant TEER category) within the last three years.

The eligible occupations for the Federal Trades Category include high-demand roles like Carpenters, Bricklayers, Electricians, and Plumbers. Candidates whose profiles are strong but whose CRS scores are below the mid-500s are encouraged to focus on this fast-track route to capitalize on the lower CRS cutoffs.

Alternative OINP and Provincial Pathways

For those who still prioritize immigration through Ontario or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the OINP has confirmed that former Skilled Trades stream applicants may submit a new profile to other OINP streams, provided they meet the specific eligibility requirements.

Express Entry-Aligned (Enhanced) OINP Streams

These programs leverage your existing Express Entry profile and, upon nomination, award 600 CRS points, guaranteeing an ITA.

Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream: This is the OINP’s flagship stream, regularly targeting specific occupations (e.g., healthcare, tech) within specific CRS score ranges. Recent draws in the Human Capital Priorities stream have targeted scores between 458 and 495.
Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: A highly advantageous pathway that often features significantly lower CRS cutoffs (as low as 379 in 2025) for candidates with strong French language proficiency.

Base (Non-Express Entry) OINP Streams

These streams require a separate Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted directly to the OINP, and they are generally characterized by longer federal processing times (19–22 months after nomination).

Employer Job Offer Streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams. These require an eligible, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
Graduate Streams: The Master’s Graduate stream and the PhD Graduate stream, which often do not require a job offer for eligibility.

Using Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The closure of the Ontario trade pathway increases the competitive focus on other provinces. Candidates should explore provinces recognized for flexible and frequent draws, such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Choosing an Express Entry-linked PNP is crucial, as this will maintain a fast PR processing time of approximately 6–8 months, compared to the 19–22 months for non-Express Entry (Base) streams.

What Applicants Need to Do Now

The OINP’s action serves as a severe warning: integrity is critical, and reliance on a single immigration stream is risky.

Calculate Your CRS Score Accurately: Use your valid language tests and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to determine your true CRS score. Do not estimate.
Apply to the Federal Trades Category: If your score is above 505 (the most recent cut-off), you are immediately competitive. If it is lower, focus on the fastest ways to improve it (e.g., maximizing language scores).
Explore Alternative OINP Streams: If you possess a Master’s degree or French language skills, pivot immediately to those enhanced OINP streams.
Prioritize Integrity: Ensure that all information provided in your Express Entry profile and subsequent applications is 100% accurate. Misrepresentation risks a ban from all Canadian immigration programs.

Important IRCC Links

Federal Express Entry System: Check your eligibility for the three core programs (FSWP, CEC, FSTP): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
National Occupational Classification (NOC) System: Verify your trade occupation code for the Federal Trades category: https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/
OINP Official Update Page: Monitor official OINP announcements for potential stream re-openings or new targeted draws: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2025-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates

Book Your Consultation

The closure of the OINP Skilled Trades Stream requires a rapid, compliant pivot to a new PR strategy. Our licensed immigration experts specialize in optimizing profiles for Category-Based Selection and securing Provincial Nominations in alternative provinces.

Book a consultation with our licensed experts today to solidify your path to permanent residence: https://libertyimmigration.ca/booking/

Read Other Articles

Article Title	Link
Latest IRCC Draw: Invited Healthcare Workers at CRS 462 (November 14, 2025)	https://libertyimmigration.ca/blog/latest-ircc-draw-november-14-2025-healthcare-round/
Improving Your CRS Score With Liberty Immigration	https://libertyimmigration.ca/express-entry-canada-immigration/
NLPNP: Understanding Provincial Nomination and the 600 CRS Point Boost	https://libertyimmigration.ca/blog/nl-immigration-draw-summary-november-2025/
Express Entry CRS Score Distribution: Pool Competitiveness (2025 Update)	https://libertyimmigration.ca/blog/express-entry-crs-score-distribution-pool-competitiveness-2025-update/
Federal Skilled Worker vs. Canadian Experience Class: Which is right for you?	https://libertyimmigration.ca/blog/fswp-cec-comparison/

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Written By

Vineet Tiwari

Vineet is a caring and creative leader who has lived in India, Oman, UAE, and Canada, giving him a rich multicultural perspective. His commitment to physical fitness keeps him energetic and focused. Vineet's dedication to his clients is evident as he often takes calls on weekends, ensuring they always feel supported and valued. His diverse background and unwavering availability help build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.