I'm an Indian national and entrepreneur considering applying for the US H-1B visa, but I see Canada introduced a new STEM focused startup visa. I would like to relocate to Canada if the visa is competitive. How do they compare?
H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification versus Canada start-up visa, which is a permanent residency pathway. However, I suggest, if you have worked full time for at least 6 consecutive months in the past 3 years in any occupation in STEM, have a master's degree, are under 30 years old with the IELTS General (listening: 8, speaking, reading, writing: 7), you will be selected and can apply under express entry.
These are not really comparable. The H-1B is a temporary work permit, and requires a sponsor. The start-up visa is a permanent residence scheme. It requires that the investor be vetted by an investor or incubator, and be shown to be something that will benefit Canada. It will need to show the value it will bring - investment, new employees, etc. Separately, there is a temporary Canadian work permit under the 'Global Talent Stream' for tech workers. Though not the same as an H-1B, it does require a sponsor, but then is usually a good way to secure a work permit (and typically, later, 'convert' that to permanent residence through other programs - though we'd have to assess).
Canada's Express Entry system has been updated to prioritize skilled professionals with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) expertise, making it easier for them to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This change is aimed at addressing labor shortages in crucial sectors, supporting economic growth, and advancing technology. The adjustments in the Express Entry system now include category-based selection to meet specific labor demands and encourage Francophone immigration by inviting candidates with relevant work experience or language skills to seek permanent residency. Conversely, the H-1B visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa in the United States, designed for highly educated foreign professionals. It enables employers to hire individuals for "specialty occupations" that typically require at least a bachelor's degree, often falling under fields like mathematics (M), engineering (E), technology (T), and medical sciences (M). Initially, H-1B visas are granted for three years, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six years.
The Canada start-up visa has 3 different streams and close to a hundred designated organizations, some have fast-track others don't, so you shouldn't look for an easy comparison. This being said, having a consultation with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer should help you have a clearer picture because the best start-up visa solution for you may not be the best start-up visa solution for someone else.
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