https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/h-1b-program-canada-applications-full-1.6910448

A government program meant to attract highly skilled tech workers from the U.S. closed for applications the day after it launched when it hit its maximum number of applicants.

Last month, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced a new work permit for H-1B visa holders in the U.S. — part of a larger federal government strategy to poach talent from abroad.

H-1B visas allow foreign nationals to work temporarily in the U.S. in certain specialized occupations, including some in the technology sector.

Tech companies went on a hiring binge during the pandemic but have since starting laying people off in large numbers. That has left a lot of H-1B visa holders scrambling to find new jobs before they're forced to leave the U.S.

Applications for the work permits opened on Sunday. By Monday the program had reached capacity, with 10,000 applicants bidding for a permit.