How to become a Permanent Resident in Canada as a Tech Worker?

The tech industry across Canada is flourishing. Canada is known to have a diverse tech sector with several opportunities for tech workers. The sector remains one of the major contributors to economic growth. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, Canada has recruited several people working in the tech sector. There are several ways to immigrate to Canada as a tech worker either as a temporary resident or a permanent resident. Canada offers a slew of immigration pathways for IT workers. Here are some of the main immigration programs:

Express Entry

The Express Entry is one of the most popular immigration systems for skilled immigrants. Tech workers choose to move to Canada through the express entry. This immigration program offers a quick route to permanent residence as it aims to process the immigration application of a candidate within six months. If you are an IT professional from overseas who wishes to find great opportunities in Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program of the express entry is for you. Almost half of the individuals applying for Canada PR receive an Invitation to Apply through the FSWP. Before submitting your profile in the express entry pool, you must ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for FSWP. Also, you need to have at least 67 points to apply under the FSWP.

Provincial Nominee Program

Another best alternative for tech workers to immigrate to Canada is through the Provincial Nominee Program. Nearly every province and territory of Canada has a PNP to select skilled workers as per their labor market needs. Some provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia have a huge requirement for talented tech workers. Therefore, these provinces conduct special tech draws to nominate candidates for permanent residence. Ontario conducts tech draws through the Ontario Tech Pilot. Candidates who have an express entry profile and work experience in one of the six eligible tech occupations can apply for the Ontario Tech Pilot. Ontario has held two tech draws this year; one draw was conducted during the pandemic in May that issued invitations to around 700 candidates. The technology sector is a major driver of economic growth in British Columbia. And the demand for tech workers is rising rapidly in the province. Therefore, the province conducts weekly tech pilot draws to recruit talented workers. Candidates who have a job offer from a list of 29 eligible occupations can apply for the Tech Pilot. British Columbia has already conducted 14 tech draws this year by inviting more than 1,500 people for provincial nomination.

Global Talent Stream

Global Talent Stream is an immigration category for tech workers who want to find suitable career opportunities in Canada. Candidates who are recruited through the Global Talent Stream get a fast-track immigration process as their applications are processed within four weeks. Candidates can live in Canada on a temporary visa permit through this stream. Since 2017, an estimated 40,000 tech workers have arrived in Canada through the Global Talent Stream.

Start-up Visa

The start-up visa program operated by the federal government also provides a good immigration option for talented workers in the tech field. In this program, the successful candidates are recommended by an entity(an angel investor, business incubator, or venture capital firm). This entity, designated by the government of Canada, is responsible for helping the entrepreneur towards success when they move to Canada. With such diverse immigration pathways, Canada is emerging as a top destination for tech workers. Immigrants can move to Canada as a tech worker through any of the immigration programs.