Are you a tech worker looking for a job abroad and immigration opportunities? Are you not keen on Canada because you think Canada’s tech sector has become oversaturated? Well, there’s no doubt that Canada has become as big a tech destination as the US today.
However, this does not mean you should skip Canada and focus on other destinations instead. Canada is no longer a new entrant in the global race for technology development, but it is nowhere near saturation either.
Tech in Canada—a High Job Growth Sector
The city of Toronto is the third-largest tech hub in North America, and it is only set to grow bigger and faster in the years ahead.
Tech startups in Canada received around $4.5 billion investment in 196 deals through the first quarter of 2022. This was the second-highest level of VC investment ever done in Canada.
Despite the pandemic, tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit and Netflix announced expanded Canadian hiring plans in 2021.
In March 2020, there were around 743,000 workers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Canada. In March 2022, this rose to 855,000 workers. This rise happened despite the massive disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Also Read
Advantage Canada—Easier Foreign Hiring Compared to the US
The flip-flop over immigration programs and policies in the US was an important reason why tech companies focused on Canada. Hiring a foreign tech worker in Canada is a lot simpler and easier as compared to getting a H-1B visa in the US.
The trend of controversial proposals and frequent rule changes related to the H-1B visa has ended in the US. However, the still are problems like limited number of visas and the lottery system combined with long processing times in the US.
This means Canada’s status as an immigrant-friendly destination remains, which means US companies will continue to expand into Canada to ensure they have access to the brightest tech workers across the world.
Expanding Scope of Technology in our Lives
Easy work permit and immigration policies apart, Canada is, by itself, a robust and strong market for tech companies. The pandemic has resulted in entry of technology in virtually all aspects of our lives.
From telemedicine during isolation to streaming entertainment into your home to self-operated cars and other devices, technology represents a huge opportunity for businesses prepared to be innovative.
Canada Work Permit and PR Options for Tech Workers
Canada’s Global Talent Stream that offers a work permit to tech workers within just two weeks is the easiest way for a tech worker to come and work in Canada.
Apart from the GTS stream, you can explore the conventional work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as well as the LMIA-exempt work permit under the International Mobility Program.
The latter option is the best choice if you are an international student in Canada. You can qualify for the LMIA-exempt Post-Graduation Work Permit and get a tech job in Canada without any hassles.
There are many good options for tech workers seeking direct permanent residence in Canada. Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program is the obvious choice for a foreign tech worker who does not have any Canadian work experience.
Those who have already worked in Canada can opt for the Canada Experience Class Program.
Federal programs apart, you can choose from multiple streams of different Provincial Nomination Programs depending on where you want to settle in Canada.
Ontario is a very popular destination because it offers tech workers easy access to the tech hub in and around the Greater Toronto Area. The Human Capital Priorities stream of Ontario’s PNP lists certain targeted tech occupations.
If your CRS score is higher than the targeted CRS range in the Tech draw, then you will get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in Ontario.
British Columbia had a Tech Pilot which now become a permanent program. You are eligible to apply if you work in any of the 27 occupations included in the BC Tech Program.
Alberta has an Accelerated Tech Pathway that is open to all tech workers with a job offer from an employer in the province. The Pathway covers 37 tech occupations. Qualified candidates get a Letter of Support, which will serve as a alternative to the complicated and expensive LMIA process.
With the dynamic tech sector evolving constantly and Canada’s tech sector showing sustained growth, there’s no reason to worry about jobs drying up for tech professionals in Canada.
Leave a Reply