Canada’s technology sector is booming, even more after the pandemic. That’s why tech companies are considering Canada as a hub. The sector is going strong with companies actively recruiting talents from across the borders. Canada offers many permanent and temporary immigration pathways to tech workers looking to immigrate to Canada. Here are some immigration options available to IT professionals looking to work and settle in Canada:
1. Global Talent Stream
A major temporary path is the Global Talent Stream. Employers use this program to bring in high-skilled staff quickly. You can look for an employer who qualifies under Category A or Category B. Category A is for companies that are growing very quickly and need specialized talent from abroad. Category B is for employers who are looking for certain skilled workers that Canada has listed as being needed, but in short supply. If you get selected by one such company under the Global Talent Stream, you can work and immigrate to Canada.
2. Express Entry
This is the most popular immigration pathway for skilled workers across all disciplines. There are three Express Entry systems that you can apply to including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
The FSW program is well-suited for people without major exposure to Canada. CEC is designed for people who have already studied or worked in Canada. And, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is more for trades people.
3. British Columbia Tech Stream
British Columbia is amongst the top destinations for Canadian immigration due to its economic growth and labour market demands. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is a pathway for in-demand overseas immigrants. Candidates who have employment offers in one of the qualifying tech occupations are eligible for this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Similarly, the Ontario Tech Pilot is for workers who have experience in one of six tech occupations. Candidates need to have an Express Entry profile.
4. CUSMA
The Canadian United States Mexico Agreement makes talent mobility among the three countries easy. The two major categories that are relevant to tech workers are Professionals and Intra-Company Transfers (ICT). There are 63 occupations that are identified by CUSMA under the professional category. If an employee comes to Canada through any ICT does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
5. Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is a great immigration option for tech workers that don’t have a Canadian job offer. The stream regularly holds targeted tech draws, where they invite technology professionals directly from the Express Entry pool.
6. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
If you want an accelerated pathway to permanent residence, you can apply through Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway, but you need to have Alberta job offers. This pathway operates through Alberta’s Express Entry stream. So you must be eligible for AINP’s Express Entry stream to apply under this pathway.
Conclusion
Canada remains open to global tech talent who want to call this country their new home. The demand for tech workers in Canada is higher now more than ever. More and more tech employers in Canada are looking for skilled tech workers to fill labour market gaps. If you want to work and immigrate to Canada, you can opt for the aforementioned programs, streams, or pathways.
Not sure which stream, program, or pathway is right for you? Contact Dastur Immigration Services and we will help you through the entire application and immigration journey.
