Published by: Di Leone Group – Canadian Immigration Consultants
Date: October 06, 2025
In September 2025, the United States announced a drastic increase in the cost of the H-1B visa — fees that can reach up to $100,000 USD per application.
This change has alarmed thousands of skilled professionals, especially in the tech sector, who seek career opportunities in North America.
While the U.S. visa process becomes more expensive and restrictive, Canada is opening its doors wider than ever — offering more affordable, transparent, and realistic pathways to work and permanent residency.
🇨🇦 Canada: A Smarter, More Accessible Path to Work and Live
Unlike the U.S. H-1B system, Canadian work permits cost only around $155 CAD (less than $120 USD).
Beyond the lower fees, Canada’s immigration system is designed to attract global talent — with faster processing, clear criteria, and a real path to permanent residency.
There’s no lottery system or random selection: Canada rewards merit, skills, and experience.
That’s why more and more professionals are choosing Canada over the U.S. for their career and life goals.
🔍 Top Work Permit Options in Canada
Depending on your background and goals, there are several ways to work legally in Canada. Here are the main ones:
1️⃣ Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Allows foreign workers to work in Canada with an approved LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Ideal for those who have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
2️⃣ Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)
Created for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a Canadian branch.
No LMIA required and often processed faster than other options.
3️⃣ Express Entry (Permanent Residence)
A points-based system that selects skilled workers based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
It’s one of the fastest routes to permanent residency, often in under six months.
4️⃣ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province in Canada runs its own immigration program targeting specific occupations such as tech, healthcare, or construction.
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score — a huge advantage toward permanent residence.
💡 Why Canada Wins Over the H-1B Visa
| Aspect | H-1B Visa (U.S.) | Canada Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Up to $100,000 USD | From $155 CAD |
| Selection | Lottery / limited quota | Merit-based selection |
| Processing time | Several months or years | Weeks to a few months |
| Path to PR | Not guaranteed | Clear and achievable |
| Family options | Restricted | Spouse and children often included |
📈 Canada: The New Hub for Global Talent
Canada plans to welcome over 500,000 new skilled immigrants every year, with high demand in sectors like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
The country offers excellent quality of life, economic stability, and inclusive opportunities for both workers and their families.
What truly sets Canada apart is its transparent, digital, and fair immigration system — a refreshing contrast to the uncertainty of the H-1B process.
📲 Find Out Which Canadian Program Fits You Best
Every professional profile is unique.
At Di Leone Group, our licensed Canadian immigration consultants will assess your profile and guide you toward the best work or residency option for your goals.
👉 Book your personalized consultation today and discover your ideal path to Canada.