Saturday, March 29, 2025
A New Hope for Indians Affected by Trump’s H-1B Decision: Canadian PM Mark Carney Makes Major Announcement
The recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to hike the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 has triggered widespread concern among tech professionals globally—particularly among Indians, who make up the majority of H-1B recipients. Amidst this growing uncertainty, Canada has seized the opportunity to open its doors to affected skilled workers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will welcome professionals impacted by the U.S.’s restrictive immigration policies.
Prime Minister Carney’s statement comes at a strategic time, as Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand prepares for her first official visit to India in mid-October. The move clearly signals the new Canadian government’s intent to rebuild and strengthen its ties with India. Carney emphasized that many of those who previously held or qualified for H-1B visas—primarily in the technology sector—are now facing increased barriers to staying or working in the U.S.
“This is clearly an opportunity to attract those individuals who were previously granted H-1B visas… This is an opportunity for Canada,” said Carney. He also hinted that his government will soon present a concrete proposal to support and attract such global talent.
Under the new U.S. policy, the H-1B visa application fee has been dramatically raised to $100,000—far higher than before. This sudden hike has caused anxiety and uncertainty among Indian professionals, who constitute nearly 72% of H-1B visa holders. While India is engaging in diplomatic talks with U.S. officials to express its concerns, it is also actively seeking alternative partners who can offer similar opportunities to its skilled workforce.
This development is particularly significant given the strained relations between India and Canada over the past two years. Tensions escalated in September 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government agents of possible involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly rejected the allegations, leading to a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties.
Now, with Prime Minister Carney’s administration signaling a new approach, there is renewed hope for improved bilateral relations between the two nations. The latest announcement could serve as a fresh start—benefiting both countries, especially in the realm of technology, skilled migration, and global collaboration.
