U.S. H-1B Visa Shake-Up: Canada’s Moment to Build
On September 19, 2025, the U.S. government dropped a surprise with a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. Renewals are not affected for now, but for anyone hoping to break into the American tech scene, the cost of entry just shot way up.
That shift leaves U.S. employers and global talent in limbo and creates a huge opening for Canada.
Why This Matters for Canada
Canada is already ahead of the curve. Back in 2023, the federal government launched the Tech Talent Strategy, which gave H-1B holders in the U.S. a pathway to come north with open work permits valid for three years. It was so popular that the 10,000 spots filled in less than 48 hours.
Add to that easier permanent residency pathways and thriving hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, and Waterloo, and Canada looks like a natural landing spot for tech workers who are suddenly rethinking their U.S. options.
Venture Capital Is Leaning In
The timing could not be better. Canadian venture capital is on the rise, fueling even more momentum in the ecosystem.
White Star Capital launched a new seed fund targeting up to US$50 million for early-stage founders in Canada and the U.S.
Yaletown Partners closed US$100 million for 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.
This surge in capital means Canada is not just welcoming top talent, it is also building fertile ground for startups to thrive.
What This Means Going Forward
For skilled workers, Canada is looking more attractive than ever. For startups, it is a chance to bring in global talent and scale faster. And for Canada overall, it is an opportunity to strengthen our place as a leader in the global tech ecosystem.
We admit we are biased because we love Canada. We have always championed startups and global brands here with a little extra pride. But this latest U.S. move truly is a turning point. It is a chance to attract world-class talent, keep our brightest minds at home, and build the next wave of Canadian success stories.
Now really is the time to build.
