Mermaid3011 said:
Hi all,
this might be a stupid question but please enlighten me:
what is this all about H1B? It seems to me that many people have to leave the US and move to Canada.
What is it? And what happened in the US (besides the big economical crisis) that now so many people are moving to Canada?
I understand that Alberta has a special PNP for H1B visa holder. But is that the only reason why there are so many threads on H1B holder?
Thanks!!!
Brigit
Let me give you a brief background about H1B visa and "flight" of H1B holders from USA to Canada
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa in the United States under the Immigration & Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H). It allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Generally, people employed with H1B visa are highly skilled workers from different fields such as Computer, Healthcare, etc.
US of A have traditionally opened doors to such visa holders to ensure that these brightest and hardworking professionals work towards retaining USA's #1 position on this planet. Times changed, as we all witnessed global recession, stemming from what looked like a housing bubble, but resulted in far reaching effects.
US of A faced stiff resistance and protest from anti-immigrants lobby resulting in stricter rules (sometimes absurd) "Buy American" and "Employ American first" sentiments supported by Democratic party. This added fuel to the years of frustration for H1B visa holders from certain countries e.g. China, India, etc., who were waiting for years for their "coveted" Green Card (Permanent Residency status in USA).
Most the H1B holders have treated USA as their home country, by studying and working here for over several years. They have been truly law-abiding and tax paying folks; ofcourse there are few exceptions.
While there was no light at the end of tunnel, Alberta adminstration was wise enough to tap this "
tried, tested, security cleared and resourceful" pool of folks. Alberta, identified shortage of specific skills that were required for its growth and prosperity, opened its arms to welcome such professionals who are currently having a valid H1B visa and are working in USA for atleast 1 year.
Typically, H1B holders in US have little freedom to change employers (can do while jeopardizing their GC application unless they are over 6 months in third stage), scared to buy big ticket items for lack of security (really don't know when they can be fired/transferred), spouse being unable to work on H4 visa, etc. There are recent events where H1B holder's visa revalidation has been delayed, in some cases denied. Uncertainty of getting visa revalidated has prevented several people, including me, from visiting their home country.
All stress and uncertainty will presumably go away as soon as they get Canadian PR. Neither I am saying that the Canada offers equal opportunity as US nor I would like to debate about it, but what Canada offers to H1B folks is
invaluable freedom to live and work in Canada, without having to worry about changing employment, visiting their home countries, investing piles of cash (earned while they worked in US), etc.
One of the prime reasons why there are so many threads on H1B holders is -H1B folks are excited about this H1B SRS provision for attaining CND PR and have been more vocal in expressing/sharing their experiences, asking queries and providing support to other fellows on H1B, aspiring to get Canadian PR.
I can go on and on, but don't want this post to turn into article "
Exodus of H1B's to North" or "
H1B's Flight due to Plight"
LoL
Taps
