Jul
10
Microsoft To Open Canadian Offices After Immigration Bill Defeat
Filed Under Immigration News, Z Visa
US computer giant Microsoft has announced plans to build a software development center in Vancouver, Canada after the recent comprehensive immigration reform bill (aka the ‘Strive Act’ or the ‘Z’ Visa) was defeated in the US Senate.
If the bill had been approved by the Senate, companies such as Microsoft would have been able to hire a higher number of skilled workers from overseas. But the controversial bill never made it through the Senate after opponents called the bill an ‘amnesty’ for illegal immigrants.
Current restrictions on work visas are proving very difficult for big companies - for example, only 85000 H-1B visa’s were allocated this year despite 150000 applications.
If Microsoft build their development center in Canada, there will be no similar restrictions on the hiring of skilled foreign labor.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says, “Unfortunately, our immigration policies are driving away the world’s best and brightest, precisely when we need them most.”