Canada Targets Indian H-1B Tech Talent After Trump’s $100K Visa Fee Hike

Following a steep increase in H-1B visa fees by the Trump administration, Canada is positioning itself as a new destination for skilled foreign tech workers.

On September 21, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa petitions. The announcement triggered panic and confusion, particularly among Indian tech professionals, who account for over 72% of H-1B visa holders. The White House later clarified that existing H-1B visa holders would not be affected. The US government justified the hike citing concerns over program misuse and national security.

Canada Moves to Attract Global Tech Talent

In response, Canada is actively promoting itself as a welcoming alternative for skilled professionals. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in London, said the country is reviewing immigration policies to attract foreign tech workers who might have previously sought H-1B visas in the US. "There's an opportunity to attract people who previously would've got H-1B visas," Carney stated. Canada is expected to soon announce a clear framework targeting global tech talent.

Other countries, including the UK and Germany, are also capitalizing on the US policy shift by offering simplified immigration pathways to tech professionals.

Tech entrepreneurs and analysts have noticed the trend. Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, tweeted that cities like Vancouver and Toronto could thrive as American cities lose talent due to the new US visa fees, calling it a "massive gift" to overseas tech hubs.

Big Tech May Shift Hiring to Canada

Several major tech firms already have a significant presence in Canada, which could expand in response to the US fee hike:

• Amazon: Over 8,500 tech employees in Vancouver and Toronto.
• Microsoft: 2,700 staff at its Vancouver development hub.
• Alphabet (Google): Established operations in Canadian tech centers.

These companies are likely to increase hiring in Canada to continue attracting top talent while avoiding the high US visa costs, positioning Canada as a prime destination for Indian tech professionals seeking international opportunities.