Exploring Alternatives After the H1-B Fee Hike: Work Authorization in Canada

H1-B Fee Hike Pushes Interest Toward the TN Visa in Vancouver

The recent announcement of a $100,000 fee for H1-B visa petitions has led many skilled professionals to reconsider their career strategies in North America. While the United States has long been the primary destination for international talent, the fee hike may make it less accessible for many. In this context, Canada emerges as an appealing alternative, offering structured pathways for foreign nationals seeking temporary or permanent work authorization.

One noteworthy option for U.S.-bound professionals reconsidering their choices is the TN Visa in Vancouver, which offers opportunities under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Alongside this, Canada’s broader work permit and permanent residency programs continue to be attractive avenues for skilled workers.

What Is Canada’s Work Permit Fee?

Foreign nationals applying for work permits in Canada should be aware of government-imposed fees. The general application fee for a work permit is $ 155 CAD. Employer compliance fees and biometrics may incur additional costs, depending on the pathway. These fees are modest compared to the significant hike in U.S. visa costs, which is why the TN Visa in Vancouver and other Canadian permits are gaining more attention among professionals.

Pathways to Work in Canada

There are two principal categories through which foreign nationals can establish a career in Canada:

Work permits – temporary in nature, usually valid for one to three years, with potential renewals.
Permanent residency (PR) – allowing holders to live and work indefinitely.

For many professionals, the journey to PR often begins with temporary authorization, such as a TN Visa in Vancouver, or another type of work permit. Gaining Canadian work experience enhances eligibility for PR programs, such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP requires a job offer from a Canadian employer, accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign national will not negatively affect Canadian workers.

LMIA fee: 1,000 CAD paid by the employer.
Processing time: approximately three to four months for LMIA approval.
Work permit processing: timelines vary by country, ranging from 3 to 22 weeks.

Although the TFWP can be complex, it remains a common entry point for workers who do not qualify for the TN Visa in Vancouver.

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)

For employees of multinational corporations, the ICT stream provides an additional pathway. Candidates must have at least one year of employment with the company abroad and receive an offer for a role in the Canadian branch. Eligible positions include:

Executive roles
Managerial positions
Specialized knowledge workers

While many skilled professionals use ICT permits, some may choose to explore the TN Visa in Vancouver, especially if USMCA provisions qualify them.

Express Entry System

Permanent residency through Express Entry remains one of Canada’s most sought-after immigration programs. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and enter a pool, where the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks them. Immigration authorities extend Invitations to Apply (ITA) to top-scoring candidates.

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

Language test results
Educational credential assessments
Skilled work experience

Starting on a temporary pathway, such as a TN Visa in Vancouver, often enhances CRS scores by adding Canadian work experience, which increases competitiveness in the pool.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada’s PNP streams allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residency. With over 80 pathways, the criteria vary by region. Applicants must demonstrate intent to reside in the nominating province and meet its specific eligibility rules.

While PR through the PNP can take time, foreign nationals often rely on temporary options such as the TN Visa or other work permits to secure Canadian experience before applying.

General Admissibility Rules

Regardless of the chosen program, all applicants must meet Canada’s admissibility standards:

Financial – demonstrate sufficient resources to support themselves and dependents.
Medical – pass examinations showing no risk to public health or social services.
Public safety – have no serious criminal record or ties to organized crime.
Genuine intent – provide truthful information and respect immigration rules.

These conditions apply whether one applies for permanent residency, a TFWP permit, or a TN Visa in Vancouver.

TN Visa in Vancouver: A Strategic Alternative

Among Canada’s work authorization options, the TN Visa in Vancouver is particularly relevant for citizens of the United States and Mexico. The USMCA (formerly NAFTA) issues this visa for professionals in various designated occupations, including engineers, scientists, accountants, and teachers.

Key features of the TN Visa include:

Faster processing compared to some LMIA-based permits.
No numerical cap on the number of visas issued annually.
Renewability in three-year increments.

The TN Visa in Vancouver is attractive because it minimizes employer burdens such as LMIA applications, making it less time-consuming. Many applicants choose this pathway to establish themselves quickly in Canada while evaluating longer-term options like PR.

Spousal and Family Benefits

In many cases, foreign nationals who receive a Canadian work permit—such as the TN Visa in Vancouver—can also extend opportunities to their families. Spouses or common-law partners may apply for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP). At the same time, dependent children can receive study permits or visitor records.

If the principal applicant transitions to PR, immigration authorities typically grant PR to the included family members simultaneously, making the TN Visa in Vancouver a strong stepping stone for family settlement.

Application Considerations

Immigration applications to Canada are usually submitted online. Many individuals find the process complex due to evolving rules and technical requirements, even though they can handle it independently. Errors in documentation or eligibility assessments can lead to delays or denials. For this reason, many applicants rely on our firm to guide them through their process, especially when pursuing pathways like the TN Visa.

Moving Forward

The dramatic increase in H1-B visa petition costs is reshaping career planning for many skilled workers. Canada’s structured immigration system offers several viable alternatives, ranging from temporary permits to permanent residency.

For professionals eligible under the USMCA, the TN Visa in Vancouver is a convenient choice, offering streamlined entry and work authorization. Whether pursued as a temporary measure or as part of a broader PR strategy, this pathway positions individuals well for long-term success in Canada.

If you are considering this option, our firm can help you navigate the requirements and documentation effectively. For dedicated guidance, consider consulting American Visa.

Exploring Alternatives After the H1-B Fee Hike: Work Authorization in Canada