Restrictive U.S. worker visa could fuel Canada’s rise as a global tech leader

The recent introduction of a $100,000 fee per year for H-1B visas is presented as a measure to protect American workers. In practice, it threatens to accelerate brain drain.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. If the U.S. turns away the builders of tomorrow, Canada must ensure they don’t just land here but thrive here, writes S. Yash Kalash.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY S. YASH KALASH

November 12, 2025

The global competition for highly skilled STEM talent is intensifying, and the United States risks falling behind. At a time when countries are re-evaluating their immigration rules to attract skilled workers, Washington is moving in the opposite direction. The recent introd...

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