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.[4, 5] 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.[6, 3]

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.[7, 8]

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.[2, 3]

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.[9, 10] 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.[10]

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..[11, 12]

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.[13, 9]

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.[13, 14]

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.[15, 16]

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.[17, 18]

Is it better to live in the US or Canada?

The decision is subjective. The U.S. typically offers higher nominal salaries (median U.S. tech wage is higher than Canada's [19]), 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.[8, 20]

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.[21, 22] This high scrutiny is tied to fraud concerns and an international student cap.[23, 24] 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.[25, 26]

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.[1]

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).[7, 8]

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.[7]

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.[14]

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).[13, 9, 27]

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.[15]

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.[13, 9]

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.[9, 15]

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.[9, 15]

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.[28] This public disclosure data is available for researchers and the public.[29, 28]

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.[28]

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.[30]

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.[7, 8]

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.[2, 31]

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 Jul 21, 2025

High-Demand Careers Qualifying for Category-Based Draws and Spousal Open Work Permits

By Vineet Tiwari

Canadian Immigration

There are numerous in-demand occupations in Canada that can qualify you for a category-based draw under Express Entry, while also making your spouse eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). Qualifying for a category-based draw significantly boosts your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry.

See how competitive your Express Entry profile is with Liberty Immigration

Additionally, specific TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations allow your spouse to qualify for an SOWP, provided you are working in Canada on an eligible work permit.

In this article, Liberty Immigration reviews the latest official government data on job vacancies, sourced from a Statistics Canada report published on June 26, 2025. This data highlights which in-demand jobs enhance your Express Entry success and, for TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles, which qualify your spouse for an SOWP.

Canada’s Top Three In-Demand Sectors

Based on job vacancy rates as of April 2025, published by Statistics Canada, the top three in-demand sectors in Canada are:

Health care and social assistance (4.1%)
Accommodation and food services (4%)
Construction/trades (3.2%)

Vacancy rates in low-demand sectors fall below 2%.

Category-Based Draws

Qualifying for a category-based draw increases your likelihood of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR. To be eligible, you need at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in an eligible occupation.

Below are the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes eligible for category-based selection, organized by the sectors with the highest job vacancy rates.

Job Vacancy Sector 1: Health Care and Social Assistance

The following occupations fall under the health care and social services Express Entry category.

Occupation	NOC Code
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104
Audiologists and speech language pathologists	31112
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists	32123
Chiropractors	31201
Dental hygienists and dental therapists	32111
Dentists	31110
Dieticians and nutritionists	31121
General practitioners and family physicians	31102
Licensed practical nurses	32101
Massage therapists	32201
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations	33101
Medical laboratory technologists	32120
Medical radiation technologists	32121
Medical sonographers	32122
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	33102
Nurse practitioners	31302
Nursing coordinators and supervisors	31300
Occupational therapists	31203
Optometrists	31111
Other medical technologists and technicians	32129
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating	31209
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment	32109
Paramedical occupations	32102
Pharmacists	31120
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	33103
Pharmacy technicians	32124
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals	31303
Physiotherapists	31202
Psychologists	31200
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses	31301
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	32103
Social and community service workers	42201
Social workers	41300
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine	31100
Specialists in surgery	31101
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies	41301
Veterinarians	31103

Job Vacancy Sector 2: Accommodation and Food Services

Occupation	NOC Code	Express Entry Category
Butchers – retail and wholesale	63201	Agriculture and agri-food
Cooks	63200	Trades

Job Vacancy Sector 3: Construction/Trades

The following occupations fall under the trades Express Entry category.

Occupation	NOC Code
Bricklayers	72320
Cabinetmakers	72311
Carpenters	72310
Concrete finishers	73100
Construction estimators	22303
Construction managers	70010
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services	82021
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200
Electrical mechanics	72422
Floor covering installers	73113
Gas fitters	72302
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	72402
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics	72401
Home building and renovation managers	70011
Industrial electricians	72201
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	72100
Other technical trades and related occupations	72999
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)	73112
Plumbers	72300
Roofers and shinglers	73110
Sheet metal workers	72102
Water well drillers	72501
Welders and related machine operators	72106

Spousal Open Work Permits

Spouses and common-law partners of individuals working in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in in-demand sectors, may apply for an SOWP. Two high-vacancy sectors—health care and construction/trades—are eligible.

Schedule a Free Spousal Open Work Permit Consultation with Liberty Immigration

Health Care and Social Assistance

TEER 2 Occupations

Occupation	NOC Code
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists	32123
Dental hygienists and dental therapists	32111
Dental technologists and technicians	32112
Denturists	32110
Licensed practical nurses	32101
Medical laboratory technologists	32120
Medical radiation technologists	32121
Medical sonographers	32122
Other medical technologists and technicians	32129
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment	32109
Paramedical occupations	32102
Pharmacy technicians	32124
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	32103
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists	32200
Massage therapists	32201
Other practitioners of natural healing	32209

TEER 3 Occupations

Occupation	NOC Code
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants	33100
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations	33101
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	33102
Other assisting occupations in support of health services	33109
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	33103

Construction/Trades

TEER 2 Occupations

Occupation	NOC Code
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors	72600
Air traffic controllers and related occupations	72601
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors	72404
Appliance servicers and repairers	72421
Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators	72411
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers	72410
Boilermakers	72103
Bricklayers	72320
Cabinetmakers	72311
Carpenters	72310
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400
Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades	72013
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations	72011
Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews	72021
Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations	72010
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades	72020
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers	72014
Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades	72012
Crane operators	72500
Deck officers, water transport	72602
Electrical mechanics	72422
Electrical power line and cable workers	72203
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200
Elevator constructors and mechanics	72406
Engineer officers, water transport	72603
Gas fitters	72302
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	72402
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics	72401
Industrial electricians	72201
Insulators	72321
Ironworkers	72105
Machine fitters	72405
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	72100
Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics	72423
Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics	72420
Other small engine and small equipment repairers	72429
Other technical trades and related occupations	72999
Plumbers	72300
Power system electricians	72202
Railway carmen/women	72403
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators	72604
Sheet metal workers	72102
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers	72301
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters	72104
Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations	72025
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators	72024
Supervisors, printing and related occupations	72022
Supervisors, railway transport operations	72023
Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians	72205
Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers	72204
Tool and die makers	72101
Water well drillers	72501
Welders and related machine operators	72106

TEER 3 Occupations

Occupation	NOC Code
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators	73301
Concrete finishers	73100
Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction	73402
Floor covering installers	73113
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents	73201
Glaziers	73111
Heavy equipment operators	73400
Other repairers and servicers	73209
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)	73112
Pest controllers and fumigators	73202
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers	73102
Printing press operators	73401
Railway and yard locomotive engineers	73310
Railway conductors and brakemen/women	73311
Residential and commercial installers and servicers	73200
Roofers and shinglers	73110
Tilesetters	73101
Transport truck drivers	73300

Spouses and common-law partners of those working in TEER 2 or 3 occupations in the accommodation and food services sector are not eligible for an SOWP.

Federal Focus on Healthcare and Trades Workers

The urgent need for healthcare and construction workers in Canada is evident through federal and provincial immigration policies, draws, and announcements. In February 2025, the federal government identified health care and construction/trades as priority sectors for Express Entry, aligning with the highest job vacancy rates.

Health Care Draws: Two draws in 2025 issued a total of 1,000 ITAs for health care and social services.
Trades Expansion: The trades category expanded in February 2025, adding 19 new eligible occupations.
Construction Boost: In March 2025, former Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to admit up to 14,000 foreign construction workers.

Provinces are also prioritizing these sectors in their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) draws.

Job Vacancy Rates by Province

A province’s job vacancy rate (JVR) indicates the percentage of unfilled positions relative to labor demand. As of April 2025, the highest JVRs are:

Province	Job Vacancy Rate
Manitoba	3.3%
Saskatchewan	3.3%
British Columbia	3.1%
Quebec	3.1%

These provinces offer better job prospects, especially in in-demand sectors. The lowest JVRs are:

Province	Job Vacancy Rate
Newfoundland and Labrador	2.1%
New Brunswick	2.3%
Prince Edward Island	2.5%
Ontario	2.5%

Canada’s national JVR in April 2025 was 2.8%, the lowest since October 2017, with 3.1 unemployed persons per job vacancy.

Schedule a Free Spousal Open Work Permit Consultation with Liberty Immigration

For personalized guidance on leveraging in-demand jobs for Express Entry or SOWP eligibility, contact our expert Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Mr. Vineet, at Liberty Immigration. Book your consultation today to secure your immigration path!

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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.