How to Immigrate to Canada as a Tech Worker

The tech industry contributes significantly to Canada’s GDP. It fosters innovation, which in turn leads to the creation of new businesses and industries, driving economic growth and productivity. To remain globally competitive, Canada needs to maintain a strong tech workforce. Tech professionals contribute to Canada’s position as a leader in various industries, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy.

Canada’s welcoming reputation for immigrants and the vital role of tech workers in its economy create a fertile ground for skilled tech professionals looking to start a new chapter in their careers and lives.

In this article, we will delve into the specific steps and pathways available for tech workers to immigrate to Canada and contribute to its vibrant tech landscape.

Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system is not just a popular immigration pathway; it’s a streamlined and efficient online application management system that has become the go-to choice for skilled workers across various disciplines, including tech professionals. Express Entry is designed to expedite the immigration process, with a goal of processing 80 percent of applications in six months or less.

It operates as a points-based system, where profiles are ranked based on various factors, such as education, language proficiency, and work experience. The system then periodically selects high-scoring profiles and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Tech workers tend to excel in the Express Entry system. Recent data from the Express Entry annual report reveals that approximately one-third of all successful applicants are tech professionals. In fact, four out of the five top occupations most frequently selected for ITAs belong to the technology sector.

How Express Entry Benefits Tech Immigrants

Tech workers have two main Express Entry programs that align with their expertise:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): FSW is ideal for tech professionals who may not have prior exposure to Canada. To qualify, applicants need at least one year of Canadian or foreign work experience in a high-skilled job, typically classified under National Occupation Code (NOC) Categories A or B. Many tech jobs fall under NOC A. Additionally, FSW applicants must score a minimum of 7 on either the English Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the French Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) language scoring systems. While a job offer is not mandatory, having one can significantly boost their overall score.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CEC is tailored for individuals who have already studied or worked in Canada. To qualify, candidates must have worked at least one year (within the past three years) in an NOC A or B job in Canada. Like FSW, no job offer is required, but having one can earn extra points.

Quebec Immigration

Quebec, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has also opened its doors to tech workers through a unique immigration pilot program launched in April 2021. This program offers an exciting opportunity for certain tech professionals to settle permanently in Quebec.

Quebec’s AI and IT/Visual Effects Streams

The Quebec Tech Immigration Pilot Program is a forward-thinking initiative that focuses on two key streams: Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies, as well as Visual Effects. These streams are designed to attract foreign workers with specific tech skills to contribute to Quebec’s thriving tech sector.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stream

The AI stream in Quebec is designed for two specific categories of tech professionals: graduates from a Quebec college or university and foreign-trained workers. Graduates from Quebec institutions are required to have a job offer in Quebec to qualify for this stream. However, foreign-trained workers do not need a job offer if they have sufficient work experience in Quebec.  Candidates applying under this stream must possess relevant education that is at least equivalent to a Quebec bachelor’s degree.

Information Technology (IT) and Visual Effects Stream

The IT and Visual Effects stream is tailored for tech workers with experience in ten select occupations. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of work experience in one of these designated occupations, within the past ten years. A job offer or current employment in the same field in Quebec is a requirement for this stream. Educational qualifications must correspond to a Quebec diploma of technical training or a Quebec bachelor’s degree. Eligible occupations include roles such as computer and information systems managers, electrical and electronics engineers, software engineers, computer programmers, and more. This stream also includes visual effects occupations.

General Requirements For Both Streams

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• They must have the intention to settle and work in Quebec.
• Candidates must adhere to the conditions of their permit in Quebec.
• Demonstrating financial self-sufficiency is a requirement.

Provincial Nominee Programs For Tech Workers

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have emerged as a popular and promising avenue for tech workers around the world to fulfill their dreams of settling permanently in Canada. With many Canadian provinces actively seeking tech talent, several PNPs offer tailored immigration pathways for tech professionals.

Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream

Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent choice for overseas tech workers seeking permanent residency in Canada, especially if they don’t have a Canadian job offer. This stream regularly conducts targeted tech draws, directly inviting tech workers from the Express Entry pool.

However, it’s worth noting that candidates can’t apply to this stream without first receiving an invitation from the province. During each tech draw, Ontario selects candidates falling within a specific Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) range to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs). Those who receive an NOI have 45 days to apply for nomination.

Key Details

• Targeted tech occupations include roles like software engineers, computer programmers, and web designers.
• A job offer in Ontario is not required for foreign tech workers with sufficient work experience in the province.
• Applicants must possess education equivalent to at least a Quebec bachelor’s degree.

British Columbia PNP Tech

British Columbia’s PNP Tech program offers expedited application processing for tech workers with a job offer in one of 27 prioritized tech occupations. To qualify, tech professionals must meet the eligibility criteria of one of BC’s Skills Immigration streams. Unlike some other programs, BC’s PNP Tech does not demand a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, the province may issue a “letter of support” to successful nominees, which can be used to apply for a Canadian work permit.

Key Details

• Prioritized tech occupations include telecommunication carrier managers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, web developers, and more.
• Eligible tech workers must have a job offer in British Columbia.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) offers an expedited pathway to permanent residence for tech professionals with a job offer in one of 37 tech occupations or within an identified tech sector in Alberta. This program operates through Alberta’s Express Entry stream, necessitating that candidates meet AINP’s Express Entry stream requirements.

Key Details

• Eligible tech occupations range from software engineers and computer programmers to industrial instrument technicians and managers in various fields.
• Successful nominees receive letters of support to facilitate work permit applications, bypassing the usual LMIA process.

Conclusion

Canada stands as a beacon of opportunity for tech workers from around the world seeking a new home and career destination. With a strong reputation for its welcoming immigration policies and a booming tech industry, Canada offers numerous pathways to permanent residency.

These programs not only address the growing demand for tech talent but also reflect Canada’s commitment to diversity and innovation. Tech professionals play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in Canada’s ever-evolving tech landscape.