Trump extends freeze on some work visas

Shelby Thevenot
Published: January 7, 2021

U.S. President Donald Trump is extending a moratorium on temporary work visas for tech and other occupations.

With just weeks left in his presidency, Trump extended the previous immigration freeze until March 31, 2021. This means hundreds of thousands of foreigners workers will not be able to get visas to enter the U.S.

The proclamation affects workers in several sectors, such as tech workers, seasonal workers in tourism, and certain au pairs. Trump signed the proclamation, on the grounds that the admission of new workers posed "a risk of displacing and disadvantaging United States workers during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak."

Before the moratorium was extended, it was opposed by business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Associations of Manufacturers, which filed lawsuits, NPR reports. They argued that the immigration freeze hurt the U.S. economic interests.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration

President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office on January 20. At the time of writing, it appears the Democrats are poised to control the senate as well. A Senate majority will make it easier for the Biden administration to pass immigration reform since they will have control of three branches of government. However, it remains to be seen if immigration reforms will be a priority given the COVID-19 crisis.

H-1B holders have immigration pathways to Canada

The H-1B is one of the visas affected by Trump's proclamation. These visas are typically for foreign nationals working in tech-sector occupations in the U.S.

Since before the Trump administration, H-1B holders have pivoted north to immigrate to Canada.

Canada has a number of pathways to permanent residence for tech workers.

The Global Talent Stream is one example of an expedited work permit that allows Canadian companies to bring in foreign tech talent to work in a matter of weeks. These workers are either hired by one of the designated high-growth companies, or have a job offer in an in-demand occupation.

Also, Canada's most popular immigration pathway, the Express Entry system, is well-designed for tech workers.

Express Entry is an application management system for federal high skilled immigration programs, and for some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates submit their profiles into the Express Entry pool to be ranked on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest scoring candidates get invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.

Tech workers are well-positioned to get Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system. Typically, tech workers from the U.S. are well-educated, have skilled work experience, and a high level of English language proficiency. All of these factors are highly valued on the CRS.

Furthermore, there are a number of PNPs that specifically target candidates with tech experience, such as B.C.'s weekly Tech Pilot draws, and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Tech Draws.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
IRCC issues more Express Entry invitations to PNP candidates
A mighty mountain stares back at the camera as snow decorates the foreground of the image.
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Banff lake morraine frozen over by cold summer winds
How Canada uses the CRS to select permanent residents
A beautiful winter landscape featuring mountains in the far distance, snowy trees on the left and right, and a frozen river in the centre. The sun is washing over the mountain tops.
IRCC issues more CEC invitations in second Express Entry draw of the week
A view of Lake Minnekawa somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.
Top Stories
IRCC issues more Express Entry invitations to PNP candidates
Can you enter Canada with a criminal record?
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Banff lake morraine frozen over by cold summer winds
Report ranks Canada’s most affordable provinces with the best quality of life in 2025
Purple benches overlooking the sea in the town of Keels, Newfoundland
British Columbia and Manitoba issue provincial nominations, Alberta provides candidate pool updates
A cloud hangs low over the inside passage of the cruise mist in BC.
New Brunswick begins reopening immigration programs
The world's longest wood covered bridge, located in New Brunswick and a common touchstone for New Brunswick culture.
Link copied to clipboard