The Moment that Shifted the Game
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation that sent shockwaves through global tech circles. From September 21, U.S. employers filing new H‑1B visa applications will need to pay US$100,000 per application. That’s many times the old fee of $2,000–$5,000, depending on employer and situation.
The announcement has been framed by the White House as a move to curb misuse and prioritize American hires. In days, companies like Microsoft and JPMorgan moved to limit international travel for current H‑1B workers. Rumors and fear spread fast. Individuals abroad wondered whether buying a return ticket might cost them far more than just airfare.
The White House eventually clarified: current visa holders and renewals are not targeted under the new fee; it applies only to new petitions filed after the deadline.
Still, this clarity doesn’t erase the widespread anxiety, but there’s another angle which isn’t being considered as much.Behind the headlines lies a strategic opening for Canada—if Ottawa is ready to act.
What Changed (and What Didn’t)
The new rule targets new H-1B visa applications, not existing holders. That means those already in the U.S. on H-1B status or those whose petitions were filed before the cutoff are generally exempt.
Supporters argue the fee will deter firms from hiring large numbers of foreign workers at modest wages, forcing them to raise pay or hire domestically. Critics warn it will strangle innovation, drive companies to offshore work, and intensify competition for talent elsewhere.
In fact, some observers say this policy could end the H-1B route as we know it, pushing firms to shift recruiting, taxing, and operations to regions outside of the U.S.
What This Really Means for Skilled Workers & Companies
Who Is Most Affected | Why It’s Problematic |
New applicants from abroad | The fee is a huge up‑front cost. Even large firms will hesitate. Smaller employers or start‑ups may simply decline to use H‑1B for foreign hires. |
Tech / STEM sectors | These sectors have depended on H‑1B to fill skill gaps. Fielding global talent just got much more expensive. |
Indian nationals | Over 70% of H‑1B recipients are from India. This policy hits that population heavily. Many may reconsider U.S. as a destination. |
U.S. companies & innovation | Because firms will face higher costs for attracting foreign experts, they may cut back, outsource differently, or shift operations. Possible decline in competitiveness. |
Canada’s Opening: What Experts Are Saying
Canadian leaders see this as moment to act. PM Mark Carney has publicly signaled that Canada will try to “absorb” some of the skilled tech workers who find U.S. doors harder to open now.
From legal experts:
Bill MacGregor (Gowling WLG) argues that some workers priced out of U.S. may shift interest to Canadian job and immigration pathways.
The Global Talent Stream (Canada) is getting more attention: it’s faster, simpler, and less costly, making it a strong alternative for high‑skill foreign workers.
So, there is both intent and structural opportunity. Canada’s position is also favorable from the get-go:
Proximity & Cultural Pull
Canada shares time zones, language, and business ecosystems with the U.S., making it an attractive fallback for firms looking to maintain North American operations.
Pre-existing Footprints
Big tech companies already have significant Canadian operations. Many maintain offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Waterloo. Some may view this move as a cost-savings play; route roles northward instead of stretching into U.S. jurisdictions.
Talent Retention Potential
Many top Canadian university graduates historically move to the U.S. via H-1B. This change might slow that flow. Prime Minister Mark Carney even alluded to it, saying: “You’re changing your visa policy … we’re going to hang on to a few of those.”
As experts have put it, the fee gives Canada a “massive gift”; a “toll booth” erected in U.S. migration flows that Canada could now route around. Build Canada (non‑profit) released a memo urging the Canadian government to act quickly. They estimate that by capturing displaced H‑1B skilled professionals, Canada could see up to a US$30 billion boost to its GDP.
Dave McKay, CEO of RBC, called the policy change a “material opportunity” for Canada. He pointed out that many top foreign students or tech workers who might formerly have targeted the U.S. are now likely to consider Canada instead.
Possible Consequences (Short, Medium & Long Term)
Here’s what we could likely see from this new development:
Short term:
Rush of applications / inquiries from talent exploring Canada.
Canadian employers (especially in tech) may start scouting abroad more aggressively, seeing chance to attract talent that otherwise aimed for the U.S.
Visa & immigration consultants getting busy.
Medium term:
Pressure on Canada’s immigration system to respond: higher volumes, faster pathways, maybe more flexible requirements.
Competition among provinces: some may offer incentives or faster draws for workers in tech / AI / engineering, etc.
Wage pressure: an influx of talent could tighten supply in some Canadian sectors, possibly pushing wages or compensations up (especially in tech).
Long term:
Canada may strengthen its reputation globally as a destination for tech & STEM professionals, especially for those who value stability, immigration clarity, and cost‑predictability.
U.S. loses some share of global tech talent; Canada, UK, Germany etc. gain.
Policy changes: Canada may be forced to revise its immigration quotas, processing times, or work permit rules to maintain competitiveness.
Risks & Challenges Canada Will Need to Watch Out For
Capacity constraints: Processing delays, backlogs could frustrate candidates expecting “fast exit from U.S. trouble.”
Credential recognition & licensing: Some professions require provincial licensing; foreign credentials may be under‑valued. Candidates may still face hurdles.
Cost of living/housing: Canada’s big tech hubs (Toronto, Vancouver) already have expensive housing, which may offset financial advantage for some.
Retention: Attracting talent is one thing; retaining them (through career growth, stability, integration) is another.
Final Word
For Nigerian and African immigrants, Trump’s $100,000 fee on H-1B visas is a radical U.S. policy shift with a potential turning point in the global talent race. Canada now becomes a more serious contender as a destination. But advantage isn’t automatic. It depends on how well you prepare (skills, credentials, network) and how responsive Canada becomes (immigration capacity, credential systems, clear opportunity mapping).
The question isn’t if this opens an opportunity; it’s whether we’ll be ready to seize it.
For Canada, this could be a rare “wind‑in‑sail” moment. If Ottawa moves swiftly; aligning immigration pathways, credential recognition, incentives, marketing, and processing capacity, Canada could reshape its reputation from a secondary choice to a first-choice destination. This can lead to gains: attracting more high‑skilled immigrants, boosting innovation sectors, and helping fill critical skill gaps.
Until next time,
