U.S. H-1B Visa Shake-Up: Canada’s Moment to Build
On September 19, 2025 the US government just slapped a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. Renewals are safe for now, but for fresh applicants, the price of entry into America’s tech scene just skyrocketed. That creates uncertainty for tech talent and employers in the US and a big opportunity for Canada.
Why This is Great for Canada
Canada already has tools in place. The Tech Talent Strategy, launched in 2023, gave H-1B holders in the U.S. a pathway to move here with open work permits valid for three years (Government of Canada). It was so popular that 10,000 applications filled up in under 48 hours (Global News). Add in more accessible permanent residency and thriving hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, and Waterloo, and Canada becomes a natural landing spot for talent suddenly questioning their U.S. prospects.
Venture Capital Is Betting on Canada
The timing couldn’t be better. Canadian venture firms are growing their investments in Canada.
White Star Capital has launched a new seed fund targeting up to US$50 million to back early-stage founders in Canada and the U.S.
Yaletown Partners closed US$100 million in its latest Innovation Growth Fund, focused on AI and digital infrastructure.
Simple Ventures raised CAD 15 million from Canadian tech leaders to launch 25 new companies by 2030.
For highly skilled tech workers, Canada is even more attractive. For startups, this is a chance to bring in global talent and accelerate growth. We continue to see skilled tech talent coming to Canada from around the world, and with increased political uncertainty in the U.S. along with the latest H-1B visa fee, Canada is positioned as an even stronger option.
Obviously, I’m biased. I love Canada and have always supported startups and global brands here with an extra sense of pride. This latest move by the U.S. is a great opportunity for Canada to attract top emerging tech talent and retain our best and brightest to remain here, to build the next cohort of successful Canadian startups, and to fuel our economy and future.
Now is the time to build!
