Tech companies went on a hiring binge during the pandemic but have since starting laying people off in large numbers. By Monday the program had reached capacity, with 10,000 applicants bidding for a permit. The program filled up at such a rapid pace that it drew the attention of Twitter owner Elon Musk. Replying to a tweet from a Twitter user flagging that the program was full, Musk responded with a Wow. Immigration lawyer Mark Holthe said that if the government plans to expand the program, it should simplify the application process first.

Source: CBC News July 19, 2023 15:32 UTC