Canadian immigration from the U.S. is an excellent option specifically for Tech workers. Recently, Washington’s Cato Institute in March 2022 experienced a green card backlog based on employment. The backlog comprised 1.4 million skilled worker immigrants from the U.S.
In the U.S., numerous foreign nationals are currently facing the repercussions of prolonged processing times. Ironically, they are simply not aware of the existing Canadian immigration alternatives related to employment specifically.
Furthermore, it also indicates that Tech workers from international countries who seek to immigrate to the U.S. are unable to benefit from the Canadian immigration options before them fully.
A recent report of the State of the Tech Workforce Canada claims that the total tech employment in Canada turned out to be nearly 1.23 million workers toward the latter half of 2021. This figure implies a 9 percent increase compared to 2019. According to the estimation, the number is likely to rise by 1.5 percent by the latter part of 2022. Hence, this indicates why the U.S. Tech workers must acknowledge a better immigration option like Canada.
Canadian immigration from the U.S. for Tech workers- exploring the pathways
Temporary and Permanent Resident pathways are certainly available through the IRCC for U.S. Tech workers who would like to immigrate to Canada. There are primarily five Tech pathways:
- The Global Talent Stream within the TFWP- The GTS is a part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which enables Canadian employers to welcome skilled foreign tech talent to Canada within two weeks timeframe. This way, international workers get the opportunity to support the growth of creative companies in Canada by using their skills to the best of their potential. Additionally, these Global Talent Stream applications possess a standard processing timeframe of ten business days. The processing time will potentially begin on a specific day after ESDC receives the application. Usually, this standard time is fulfilled by at least 80 percent.
- CUSMA under the Intra-Company Transfers– CUSMA came into existence in 2020 to replace the earlier agreement called NAFTA. The ICT branch is one of the four main branches under this agreement. Tech workers from the U.S. might be transferred for work temporarily for a subsidiary, affiliate, Canadian branch, or the USA employer.
- Start-Up Visa Program– The Start-Up Visa Program is a program in Canada related to Permanent Residence, which is exclusively meant to hire creative entrepreneurs from international countries. Moreover, the program will support foreign nationals who will drive the Canadian economy through the creation of numerous work opportunities. Furthermore, this program will help successful candidates engage with IRCC-affiliated organizations. These designated organizations are there to support foreign nationals by operating a Canadian business by offering their expert guidance and funding.
Canadian work opportunities leading to Canadian PR
Tech workers from the U.S. can possibly apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. However, they must be able to fulfill all essential eligibility criteria even before they gain Canadian work experience.
The above pathways will potentially enable U.S. Tech workers to gain Canadian work experience before they start applying for Permanent Residence in Canada. Their work experience in Canada will significantly impact Express Entry eligibility and Provincial Nominee Programs. The two chief pathways enable skilled workers to acquire Canadian PR.
Provincial Nominee Programs
The Provincial Nominee Programs are a part of the immigration measures based on 11 regions of the total Canadian territories and provinces. All these eleven provinces operate based on their PNPs. Hence, the governments specific to the regions will select candidates most appropriate to confront the Canadian labor gap. They also select them, keeping in mind the essential requirements of the local Canadian economy.
Furthermore, this will enable Canada to make everyone aware across Canada about the potential advantages of immigration. Ontario and British Columbia are the major areas with a concentration of immigrant population.
The Provincial Nominee Programs are leading categories for immigrants under the economic class who’d like to move to Canada.
Several programs also comprise streams that emphasize skilled workers working in the Tech industry. Moreover, each PNP consists of at least one Express Entry-aligned stream.
Canadian immigration from the U.S.- Express Entry pathway for Tech workers
The Express Entry system largely revolves around three chief programs, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the FSTP. These programs offer candidates scores so they can compete based on their rankings. The scores fall under the Comprehensive Ranking System. During the Express Entry draws, these candidates receive invitations to apply for PR in Canada. These draws take place once in two weeks; however, recently, these Express Entry draws for all programs occurred unexpectedly. The draws have been quite inconsistent.
Each drawing has its own unique CRS score. Additionally, Intra-Company Transfer workers receive the topmost ITAs under Express Entry. Interestingly, the U.S. ICTs are among the top five recipients of invitations to apply.
Notably, a Tech worker from the U.S. who doesn’t hold Canadian work experience will lack nearly 53 points under the CRS. For instance, someone with two years of Canadian work experience through either of the immigration pathways might have their CRS score increase to 528 points. This score is above the recent scores under the Express Entry draws. Possessing Canadian work experience before the most recent Express Entry draw will fetch you an ITA for Canadian PR.
