Canadian Immigration Xperts

Changes in the H1B Fast-Track Immigration Category

The H1B program of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) was designed to ease the immigration process for U.S. Visa Holders by not requiring applicants to have a job offer to qualify. H1B applicants are only required to be presently working in the United States on a temporary work visa since at least one year in an occupation that is considered in high demand in Alberta. U.S. H1B Holders have a much simpler immigration process than that of the Federal Skilled Worker who, in order to qualify, must score 67 points based on various selection factors.

On May 19th 2009, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) reduced its list of qualifying occupations for the U.S. Visa Holder category. Eight Information Technology (IT) occupations have been removed from those listed as ‘occupations under high pressure’ and as a result, applicants with work experience in these particular occupations no longer qualify for the program.

Although the program still welcomes U.S. H1B holders who are experienced in 73 different management, science, and health occupations, certain IT professionals will now have to utilize other options for their Canadian immigration. The field of Information Technology, however, is sought-after in the Canadian labour market therefore IT professionals should not be discouraged and may still qualify for Canadian immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker category or through another Provincial Nomination Program.