On March 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary policy to facilitate applications under the H-1B open work permit measure launched on July 16, 2023. It allows IRCC to process a limited number of applications received beyond the cap and submitted before the cap was reached on July 17, 2023. The policy also waives study permit processing fees for minor children of H-1B holders. This aims to address issues some H-1B applicants face and supports the government’s efforts to attract foreign talent to fill labour market shortages and skills gaps in Canada.
