H-1B to Canada: A Federal Skilled Worker Guide for Skilled Professionals in the U.S.
Are you a skilled professional on an H-1B visa in the U.S. facing lengthy green card backlogs? Thousands of highly skilled individuals like you are choosing Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program as a faster, more reliable route to Canadian permanent residency. If you want to future-proof your career and secure stability for your family, Express Entry through the FSW program may be the ideal option.
Why H-1B Professionals Are Choosing Canada
The U.S. immigration process is often uncertain, slow, and tied to employer sponsorship. In contrast, Canada’s Express Entry system is merit-based, transparent, and family-friendly. Here are key reasons why H-1B workers are making the move:
Faster permanent residency processing times (typically 6 to 12 months)
No employer sponsorship required
Citizenship eligibility after three years of permanent residency
What is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program?
The FSW Program is a key part of Canada’s Express Entry system, designed for skilled foreign workers with education, work experience, and language proficiency. Many H-1B visa holders meet these eligibility criteria.
FSW Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
At least one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience in an eligible occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
Language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher (IELTS/CELPIP accepted)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees, including Indian qualifications
Proof of sufficient settlement funds (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer or are currently in Canada)
Minimum score of 67 points on the FSW selection grid
Understanding the CRS Score and Its Importance
Once eligible under FSW, candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS evaluates candidates based on:
Age
Education
Work experience (both foreign and Canadian)
Language skills (English and French)
Job offer (optional)
Canadian study or work experience (optional)
Spouse’s profile, if applicable
How H-1B Professionals Can Improve Their CRS Score
To maximize your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), consider the following strategies:
Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to validate your foreign degree(s)
Achieve high scores on English language tests, aiming for CLB 9+ (e.g., IELTS 8 in Listening, 7+ in other bands)
Claim additional points if your spouse also has a degree and language test results
Learn basic French to gain bilingual bonus points (CLB 5 in French)
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can provide an additional 600 CRS points
Category-Based Draws in Express Entry and H-1B Eligibility
Canada’s Express Entry system also conducts category-based draws targeting specific occupations. These draws prioritize candidates based on their skilled work experience rather than solely on CRS scores. Most H-1B visa holders in the U.S. will qualify under these STEM categories due to the nature of their professional work experience and educational credentials. Specifically,
Skilled professional work experience in eligible occupations
High levels of education
Language proficiency in English (and potentially French)
Demonstrated ability to establish themselves economically in Canada
Category-based draws can offer H-1B holders additional opportunities to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs), especially when CRS scores are competitive but slightly below the general draw cutoffs.
Eligibility Requirements for Category-based draws:
At least 6 months of full-time continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past 3 years
Work experience in a single occupation from the table above
Experience can be gained in Canada or abroad
Must meet all requirements specified in the instructions for each draw round
Current NOC’s Targeted Under the STEM Category
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Science Managers | 20011 | 0 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 1 |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 21220 | 1 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 21310 | 1 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers | 21321 | 1 |
| Insurance Agents and Brokers | 63100 | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
Can You Apply for FSW While on H-1B in the U.S.?
Yes. You can live and work in the U.S. on your H-1B visa and submit your Express Entry application online from the U.S. There is no requirement to be physically present in Canada to apply.
After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Upon approval:
You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa
You can relocate to Canada and activate your permanent resident status
You gain the right to live and work anywhere in Canada and eventually apply for citizenship
Best Canadian Cities for H-1B Professionals
Consider relocating to cities with strong job markets, tech industries, and established Indian communities:
Toronto, Ontario – Canada’s financial and technology hub
Vancouver, British Columbia – Known for IT and gaming sectors
Calgary, Alberta – Affordable living with a high quality of life
Ottawa, Ontario – Family-friendly with a strong public sector
Waterloo, Ontario – Often called Canada’s Silicon Valley
Need Assistance With Your FSW Application?
At NextGen Immigration, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals through the Express Entry system. From improving your CRS score to preparing documents and navigating Provincial Nominee Programs, we provide support every step of the way.
About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.