This content is sponsored by Cigna Healthcare. The views, opinions, and information expressed in this piece are those of Moving2Canada and do not reflect those of Cigna Healthcare. Cigna Healthcare is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or any representations made herein. It also contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click or sign up through them.
Canada is considering creating a new Express Entry category specifically targeting holders of United States H-1B visas.
If introduced, the category would make it easier for highly skilled workers currently or previously based in the United States to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents through the Express Entry system.
However, there is one important thing to know right away: Canada has not yet confirmed the Express Entry category for H-1B visa holders.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) included H-1B visa holders among the groups being considered as part of its consultations on Express Entry categories for 2027. Those consultations ran from August 4 to September 1, 2026.
This page will be updated as IRCC releases more information about a potential H-1B Express Entry category. For now, this page contains everything we know about the potential category.
Is There an Express Entry Category for H-1B Visa Holders?
Not yet, but there could be at some point in 2027. IRCC is currently considering whether H-1B visa holders should be targeted through Express Entry category-based selection beginning in 2027.
Every year, IRCC reviews its Express Entry categories based on Canada’s economic priorities and labour market needs. For 2027, one of the department’s priorities is finding new ways to attract and retain high-skilled international workers.
IRCC specifically points to the federal government’s commitment to create an accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders as one of the initiatives that could inform its Express Entry categories for 2027.
H-1B holders are foreign workers based in the United States who work in specialty occupations. This is well aligned with IRCC’s interest in attracting talent in sectors like STEM, healthcare, and research.
But – simply being included in IRCC’s consultation does not mean that the category will be introduced.
What Would the H-1B Express Entry Category Be?
Express Entry categories allow IRCC to prioritize candidates with particular skills, work experience, or language abilities when issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent resident status (the equivalent of U.S. Green Card).
Canada currently uses category-based selection to prioritize candidates including French speakers and people with work experience in certain occupations.
An H-1B category would allow IRCC to conduct Express Entry draws targeting candidates who currently hold (or potentially previously held) an H-1B visa in the United States.
But – exactly who would qualify has not yet been announced.
How Would an Express Entry Category for H-1B Visa Holders Work?
If the H-1B category follows the model used for Canada’s other Express Entry categories, holding an H-1B visa would not automatically make someone eligible for Canadian permanent residence.
Candidates would first need to qualify for one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry:
- the Canadian Experience Class;
- the Federal Skilled Worker Program; or
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Note: IRCC does have plans to merge these programs into a single streamlined program in 2027. Proposed eligibility requirements remain similar.
Eligible candidates would then need to create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool, where they receive their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
IRCC typically conducts different types of Express Entry invitation rounds. During a category-based draw, IRCC identifies candidates who meet the requirements for a particular category and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
If Canada introduces an H-1B category, we expect it would use a similar process, although IRCC could establish additional requirements specific to H-1B holders. It is also hard to predict what the CRS cut-offs for an H-1B Express Entry category might be like.
Coming to Canada from the US?
Who Would Be Eligible for an H-1B Express Entry Category?
We don’t know yet exactly. Of course, we can assume that candidates would need to have an active H-1B visa (or have recently held an H-1B). However, IRCC hasn’t released any significant details on how the category could work.
IRCC’s consultation materials mentioned the government’s broader H-1B initiative targeting workers in sectors like STEM, healthcare, research, and other advanced positions.
This might mean an eventual category could even be limited to H-1B holders working in particular fields. It is also possible that IRCC could bring in requirements relating to a candidate’s occupation, work experience or H-1B status.
Until IRCC officially announces the category and publishes its eligibility criteria, any specific eligibility requirements remain speculative.
Can H-1B Visa Holders Apply for Express Entry Now?
Yes, but not through a dedicated H-1B category. You have to apply through the same system as everyone else.
H-1B visa holders who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry-aligned programs can enter the pool, receiving a CRS score, and be considered in upcoming draws.
Many H-1B holders have skilled professional work experience that could make them eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker program (FSW). However, it’s worth nothing that there hasn’t been an all-program draw considering FSW candidates in more than a year. This means that FSW candidates likely need to qualify for a category-based draw, by learning French or gaining work experience in one of the targeted occupation sectors, such as healthcare or research.
You can use the Moving2Canada CRS Score Calculator to estimate your Express Entry eligibility and CRS score.
What Can H-1B Visa Holders Do to Prepare?
Because the H-1B category has not been confirmed, we don’t recommend spending a lot of time or money preparing at this point. However, H-1B holders who are seriously considering Canadian immigration might want to consider getting a headstart on a few of the basic requirements.
Two requirements in particular can take time to complete:
- Language testing: Express Entry applicants need to complete an approved English or French language test. This requirement applies even if English or French is your native language.
- Educational Credential Assessment: Candidates who completed their education outside Canada need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to receive points for their education.
Having these documents ready will make it easier to create an Express Entry profile quickly if a new category is eventually introduced. And – getting in early could mean you’ll be considered for an invitation in a less competitive draw. Bear in mind that language test results typically expire in two years, while an ECA is valid for five years.
Canada Has Targeted H-1B Workers Before
A potential Express Entry category would not be Canada’s first attempt to attract H-1B visa holders from the United States.
In July 2023, Canada launched a temporary initiative allowing eligible H-1B visa holders to apply for Canadian open work permits. Interest was massive, with the program hitting its cap of 10,000 applications in less than two days.
The federal government returned to the idea in Budget 2025, committing to create an “accelerated pathway for H-1B visa holders” as part of Canada’s efforts to attract international talent.
IRCC’s 2026 Express Entry consultations hint that category-based Express Entry selection could become part of that strategy.
When Will Canada Confirm the H-1B Express Entry Category?
IRCC has not announced when it will confirm the Express Entry categories for 2027. The 2026 categories weren’t announced until February 2026.
The department’s public consultation on the 2027 categories ran from August 4 to September 1, 2026. IRCC will now consider the consultation feedback, along with its other priorities, to determine its strategy for 2027. For now, an H-1B Express Entry category remains nothing more than an idea.
Moving2Canada will continue monitoring IRCC announcements and update this page as soon as more information becomes available.
Coming to Canada from the US?
Express Entry’s H-1B Category FAQs
Does Canada Have an H-1B Express Entry Program?
No, a dedicated Express Entry category for H-1B visa holders does not currently exist. However, Canada is considering adding an Express Entry category for H-1B visa holders in 2027.
Can I Immigrate to Canada if I Have an H-1B Visa?
Possibly, but you have to go through a regular immigration pathway. There is currently no special pathway for H-1B visa holders.
H-1B holders can already qualify for Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry, if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. You do not need to wait for a dedicated H-1B category to explore your Canadian immigration options.
Will Having an H-1B Visa Guarantee an Invitation to Apply?
No. Even if Canada introduces a dedicated H-1B category, candidates will still need to meet basic eligibility requirements for Express Entry. Plus, you will have to meet any additional requirements for the H-1B category, and have a competitive CRS score.
When Will the H-1B Express Entry Category Launch?
No launch date has been announced. IRCC is considering H-1B visa holders as part of its Express Entry planning for 2027, but the category has not yet been approved. For Express Entry 2026, categories were only announced in February 2026. It’s possible 2027 could follow a similar schedule.
