The Tech sector in Canada is reaching its highest potential, and there is a strong requirement for labor to maintain economic growth. This is the main reason the Canadian government provides a variety of immigration alternatives for Tech workers who are seeking to move to Canada.
There is excessive demand in the Tech industry, so special work permits are available for Tech workers. Tech workers can permanently immigrate to Canada without any prior Canadian work experience.
There are a few ways for tech workers to immigrate to Canada in 2022; they are as follows:
Express Entry
The Express Entry in Canada welcomes over 110,000 newcomers annually, and it is widely popular specifically for the Tech workers wanting to settle permanently in Canada.
The Express Entry has three immigration streams incorporated under it including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Tech workers who don’t have any prior working experience in CFSTanada can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
It is essential to create and submit your Express Entry profile to further get a CRS score. Those candidates who achieve scores that are above the standard CRS cut-off receive an invitation for permanent residence application.
Currently, the Express Entry system doesn’t consider occupation when analyzing a candidate’s CRS score. However, Mr. Fraser, the immigration minister, also hinted toward Express Entry Draws based on occupations coming into the picture. If occupation-based Express Entry draws begin to take place the Federal government will be able to choose selective candidates based on particular labor market needs.
With the popularity of Tech occupations, the Tech professionals in the Express Entry will have wider opportunities for growth.
Provinces continually invite Tech workers through the Provincial Nominee Program under the Express Entry Pool.
Provincial Nominee Programs- Tech Workers
Provincial Nominee Programs prove to be a significant pathway for tech workers for Canadian immigration. Many provinces in Canada provide nominee programs specifically to those working in the tech industry. Certain programs also invite candidates from the Express Entry pool directly to apply for nomination.
Popular PNPs for those Tech workers who’re working overseas but want to permanently settle in Canada:
Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario Human Capital Stream is best suited for tech workers overseas but doesn’t have any job offers in Canada. There are regular Targeted draws that are conducted under this stream. These targeted draws allow them to send invitations to tech workers directly from the Express Entry pool.
The Tech workers face challenges because they can’t apply before they receive an invitation from the province.
The Tech draw helps them to figure out who will receive a notification of interest (NOI) based on the selected targeted CRS range.
Suppose a candidate receives a Notification of Interest (NOI) he will be able to apply for a nomination within 45 days of receiving the notification.
The occupations listed under the Targeted occupations are as follows:
- Software Designers and Engineers
- Interactive Media Developers & Computer Programmers
- Computer Engineers
- Web Developers and Designer
- Data Administrators and Data Analysts
- Managers for Information Systems and Computers
British Columbia PNP Tech
PNP Tech program for British Columbia provides its candidates with a speedy application process and also valid employment offers in British Columbia under the list of 27 in-demand tech occupations. It is most beneficial for those who want to skip the lengthy process of LMIA. Additionally, several successful nominees might even receive a “Letter of Support”, which will further help them in applying for a Canadian work permit. The list of 27 tech occupations on priority is as follows.
- Managers of Telecommunication carriers
- Managers at Computer and Information systems
- Managers – publishing, pictures, performing arts, and broadcasting
- Civil engineers, Chemical Engineers, Mechanical engineers, and electronics engineers
- Computer engineers (excluding software engineers and designers)
- Analysts and Consultants for Information Systems
- Database analysts
- Data administrators
- Software engineers; Software designers
- Interactive media developers & Computer Programmers
- Web developers and designers
- Biological technicians & Technologists
- Electrical and electronics engineers technologists and technicians
- Technicians for electronic services (related to households and business equipment)
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- Technicians-Computer Network
- Technicians for User Support
- Testing technicians- Information Systems
- Authors. Editors and Writers
- Translators, Interpreters, and Terminologists
- Broadcast technicians
- Technicians for Audio and Video Recording
- Other technical & coordinating occupations- performing arts, motion pictures, and broadcasting
- Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting photography, and the performing arts
- Graphic designers and Graphic illustrators
- Technical sales specialists for wholesale trade
Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) provides the route to permanent residence to specific tech professionals with employment opportunities in Alberta. To qualify for the eligibility requirements for AINP, applicants must possess employment offers in any of the 37 tech occupations or have a job under an employer in one of the most imminent and recognized tech sectors.
Alberta’s Express Entry Stream opens the gateway for AINP to operate. Candidates must qualify for the Alberta Express Entry Stream to apply under the Alberta Accelerated Tech pathway. Similar to the BC tech, successful nominees under Alberta’s pathway receive letters of support which can be further used to apply for work permits as a substitute for the LMIA process.
The following tech occupations are considered eligible:
- Senior managers – financial, communications, and other business services
- Human resources managers
- Telecommunication carriers managers
- Engineering managers
- Architecture and science managers
- Computer and information systems managers
- Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting, and performing arts
- Corporate sales managers
- Professional occupations in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations
- Human resources professionals
- Human resources and recruitment officers
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Database analysts and data administrators
- Software engineers and designers
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Web designers and developers
- Biological technologists and technicians
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- Drafting technologists and technicians
- Computer network technicians
- User support technicians
- Information systems testing technicians
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
- Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
- Business development officers, marketing researchers, and consultants
- Producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Electricians (except industrial and power systems)
- Industrial electricians
- Telecommunications installation and repair workers
Quebec Immigration
The Quebec government introduced an immigration pilot program that proves advantageous for tech workers. This program opens doors for foreign nationals working in specific tech occupations to reside permanently in Quebec. Artificial Intelligence and IT and Visual Effects are the two primary pilot program streams.
Artificial Intelligence Stream
The Artificial Intelligence stream of Quebec primarily targets tech professionals of two categories. Firstly, those who completed graduation from a college or university and secondly, the trained foreign workers.
Acquiring a job offer in Quebec is mandatory for Quebec graduates, however, foreign workers might not have to demonstrate graduation if they have adequate work experience in the province of Quebec. Under the Quebec Immigration stream, one must have attained relevant education that remains equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Quebec.
Information Technology and Visual Effects Stream
The IT and Visual Effects Stream aims at workers holding at least ten years of experience in the chosen occupations. Work experience of 2 years in the field of IT and Visual Effects is compulsory within the previous ten years. Interested candidates must possess a valid job offer or they must demonstrate work experience in their profession in Quebec. The applicants must ensure they have obtained an education that is equivalent to a technical training diploma in Quebec or a bachelor’s degree in Quebec.
The following occupations are deemed eligible under the IT and Visual Effects stream:
- Computer and information systems managers
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Information systems analysts; Consultants
- Software engineers and Software designers
- Computer programmers & interactive media developers
- Technologists and technicians; Electrical and electronics engineers
- Computer network technicians
- Technicians for audio and video recording
- Graphic designers & illustrators
- Producer, director, choreographer, and other similar and relevant occupations, but only if your job is concerned with the visual effects sector.
The Artificial Intelligence Stream as well as the IT and Visual Effects stream require applicants to be 18 years old with a clear intention of settling in the province, and also prove their independent financial capability. A Francization profile also exists for non-French-speaking applicants. These non-French-speaking candidates will not have to prove their language proficiency and will only have to demonstrate that they intend to acquire French proficiency when they come to Quebec. The province also provides learning opportunities to beginners who wish to gain proficiency in the French language through several free language courses.
Employment opportunities for Tech Workers
A Tech Worker is high in demand and it is because of the continuously increased demand for tech workers that more Canadian employers are seeking to bridge the gap in the labor market. As recorded, the maximum ICT jobs in 2020 belonged to immigrants only.
Salary of IT workers
An IT worker’s salary in Canada would range from $68,000 to $100,000 CAD. Your location in Canada will determine your salary structure, whether it be high or low. Your educational qualifications, if you become a permanent resident, will also determine your salary structure.
Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
Job Role of Information Analysts and Consultants
The job role primarily comprises proper analysis of the requirements of the Information System, developing plans and policies accordingly, and also ensuring their execution. It also provides suggestions on the existing issues in Information Systems.
The average Salary to expect will be $41 per hour.
Job Role of Software Engineers and Designers
The job profile of Software Engineers and Designers requires you to conduct thorough research, integration, maintenance, evaluation, and designing of technical processes, software applications, operating systems, telecommunications, etc. If you are leading the Software Engineers you will have to carry out the above roles as well.
The average Salary to expect will be $48 per hour.
Job Roles of Interactive Media Developers and Computer Programmers
Interactive Media Developers and Computer Programmers both have similar roles to play. Computer Programmers need to test the computer codes for software applications such as microcomputers and mainframes through writing, modification, and integration. It does the same for communications software and data processing applications. Interactive Media Developers manage the writing, modification, integration, and testing of the computer codes for training software, online applications, filming, computer games, video, and interactive media.
The average salary to expect will be $38 per hour.
Job Role of Database Analysts and Administrators
Database Analysts and Administrators fall under the same NOC category. The role of Database Analysts involves designing, developing, and administering solutions related to data management through database management software. Data Administrators will be required to create and execute policies concerning data administration along with other policies and standards.
The average salary to expect will be $37 per hour.
Job Role of Computer Engineers
The Computer Engineers are expected to conduct research, build strategies, create, analyze and combine telecommunication hardware and other concerned equipment with other Information and Communication networks and systems. These could range from the main structured systems to local, wireless, and wide area networks including the internet, other data communication systems, and intranets.
The average salary to expect will be $46 per hour.
Conclusion
Tech workers are gaining recognition in Canada and ruling the economic immigration pathways due to their education, and experience. They are leading on all levels such as the provincial, federal and territorial.
