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 Jan 21, 2026

Canada Immigration Fee Increase: Inadmissibility and IEC Fees Adjusted (Effective December 1, 2025)

By Vineet Tiwari

Canadian Immigration

The Government of Canada has implemented its annual inflationary fee adjustment, increasing several immigration-related application fees. These changes, which took effect on December 1, 2025, primarily affect applications related to inadmissibility and the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

Applicants who filed online and paid the old fees before midnight on December 1, 2025, are generally not affected. However, applicants who submitted paper applications before this date may be required to pay the difference upon assessment.

📈 Specific Fee Increases (Effective December 1, 2025)

The following tables detail the specific increases for inadmissibility-related processes and the International Experience Canada program.

1. Inadmissibility and Restoration of Status Fees

Fees related to overcoming inadmissibility or restoring temporary resident status have been adjusted:

Application Type	Old Fee (CAD)	New Fee (CAD)	Increase (CAD)
Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)	$479.75	$492.50	$12.75
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)	$239.75	$246.25	$6.50
Criminal Rehabilitation (Criminality)	$239.75	$246.25	$6.50
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality)	$1,199.00	$1,231.00	$32.00
Restoration of Visitor Status	$239.75	$246.25	$6.50
Restoration of Worker Status (without new work permit)	$239.75	$246.25	$6.50
Restoration of Worker Status (with new work permit)	$394.75	$401.25	$6.50
Restoration of Student Status (without new study permit)	$239.75	$246.25	$6.50
Restoration of Student Status (with new study permit)	$389.75	$396.25	$6.50

2. International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit Fee

The work permit processing fee required for all successful IEC participants has also increased:

Application Type	Old Fee (CAD)	New Fee (CAD)	Increase (CAD)
International Experience Canada (IEC) Fee	$179.75	$184.75	$5.00

Note: This IEC fee is separate from the $100 Open Work Permit holder fee, which is applicable to IEC Working Holiday participants and some other open work permit streams.

🔍 Understanding the Affected Applications

Inadmissibility Applications

These applications are for foreign nationals who have been deemed inadmissible to Canada (often due to criminality, health, or security reasons) but still require entry or wish to clear their history.

Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC): Required for individuals who were previously issued a departure order, exclusion order, or deportation order to re-enter Canada legally.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): Allows temporary entry for foreign nationals who are otherwise inadmissible, provided their need to enter outweighs the risk they pose to Canadian society.
Criminal Rehabilitation: A permanent solution to overcoming criminal inadmissibility, available at least five years after the completion of the sentence.

Restoration of Status

If a visitor, worker, or student remains in Canada after their temporary resident status expires, they have 90 days from the date of expiry to apply for restoration of status to regain their legal stay.

The fee structure distinguishes between restoring status alone ($246.25) and restoring status while also obtaining a new permit (which combines the restoration fee with the respective permit processing fee—e.g., $155 for a work permit or $150 for a study permit).

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The IEC program allows youth from select partner countries to obtain an Open Work Permit for up to two years under one of three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op (Internship). This fee is paid after a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the IEC pool.

💳 What to Do If You Paid the Old Fee

If you submitted a complete paper application and paid the old fee before December 1, 2025, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed or received it after the fee change, they will contact you.

IRCC will send you a request to pay the difference between the old fee and the new fee, along with instructions on how to submit the receipt.

Steps to Pay the Difference:

Calculate the Difference: Determine the exact fee difference required (e.g., $492.50 – $479.75 = $12.75 for an ARC).
Use the Online Payment Tool: Access the IRCC online payment tool and select the category “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
Enter the Amount: Under the “Quantity” field, enter the total fee difference you are required to pay. You can pay all fee differences for family members in one transaction or use multiple transactions.
Obtain Receipt: A receipt will be generated upon successful payment.
Submit Receipt: Follow the specific instructions provided in the request letter from IRCC to submit the payment receipt.

❓ Immigration Fee Increase: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did IRCC increase these fees?
- The fee adjustments are typically annual increases mandated by the Service Fees Act to account for inflation and allow the government to recover a larger share of application processing costs.
When did the new fees become effective?
- The new fees became effective at 12:00 a.m. EST on December 1, 2025.
If I submitted an online application on November 30 but the payment cleared on December 1, do I pay the new fee?
- No. For online applications, the system locks in the fee on the date and time of successful submission and payment. If you submitted and paid before midnight, December 1, you are safe.
Are Permanent Residence application fees also increased on December 1, 2025?
- No. Permanent Residence application fees (including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee) are typically only subject to review and increase every two years, with the most recent major change occurring in April 2022.
I am applying for restoration of status. Do I pay one fee or two?
- You pay two fees if you are applying for a new permit (work or study) along with the restoration. The total amount is the Restoration Fee ($246.25) plus the Permit Fee ($155 for work permit; $150 for study permit).
I applied for IEC but haven’t received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Should I pay the new fee now?
- No. You only pay the IEC fee ($184.75) after you receive an ITA and begin the final work permit application process.
What if I don’t pay the difference in fees for my paper application?
- IRCC will generally return your application as incomplete if the required fees are not paid, leading to significant delays and potentially requiring you to resubmit with the new, higher fees.
Is the biometrics fee affected by this increase?
- No. The biometrics fee remains at $85 CAD for an individual and $170 CAD for a family of two or more, as of this update.
I am applying for Criminal Rehabilitation. Which fee applies to me?
- The fee depends on the severity of the offense: $246.25 for general criminality or $1,231.00 for serious criminality. The officer will make the final determination based on the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Is there any fee waiver available for these increased fees?
- Generally, no. These are mandatory processing fees. Waivers are usually only applicable to certain humanitarian, protected person, or refugee applications.
My old Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) application was returned. Do I pay the old fee or the new fee upon resubmission?
- Upon resubmission, you must pay the new fee ($246.25) as the payment date will be after December 1, 2025.
Can the IEC fee change again before the 2026 season opens?
- The fees are typically adjusted annually on December 1st. While not impossible, it is highly unlikely to change again before the 2026 IEC season.
Is there a maximum fee for a family applying for restoration of status?
- No. The restoration fee and any associated permit fees must be paid per person for all family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) who have lost their status and are applying to restore it.
Where can I find the official and full list of all IRCC fees?
- The official and most current fee list is always published on the Government of Canada (IRCC) website under the “Citizenship and immigration application fees” section.
Does the new fee apply if I am requesting a refund for a previously paid fee?
- No. Refunds are based on the original fee paid and the date of the request, not the new fee amount.

💼 Need Guidance on Paying the Right Fees?

The rules for immigration fee payments are strict, and paying the wrong amount (even by a few dollars) can cause your entire application to be returned. This is especially true for complex applications involving inadmissibility or restoration of status.

Book a compliance consultation now to ensure you pay the correct fee amount, include the necessary receipts, and avoid costly delays in your application: https://libertyimmigration.ca/booking/

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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.