The technology sector in Canada is booming as we speak. Despite the pandemic situation affecting the country, the tech sector is still going strong. Tech companies are still actively recruiting workers to meet their rising business needs.
To meet its need for more tech workers, Canada has several permanent and temporary immigration routes for skilled tech workers to migrate to the country. These include general Permanent Residency programs as well as tech-specific programs.
If you are a tech worker, here are some of the best ways that you can migrate to Canada:
Express Entry Program
The Express Entry Program manages the application pool of skilled workers for Canadian Permanent Residence. It is the most popular program for tech workers to migrate to Canada. Tech workers form the main occupation group of immigrants who move to Canada through the Express Entry Program.
The main advantage of the Express Entry Program is that it is quick. If you are one of the highest-ranking candidates, you can get an Invitation to Apply in just a matter of days. You get 60 days to submit a completed Canada PR application. 80% of all Canada PR Visa applications through the Express Entry Program gets processed in as less as 6 months.
If you are a tech worker who has never worked in Canada, you would need to meet the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program to apply under the Express Entry Program. You have to score 67 points on the FSWP points grid besides fulfilling other eligibility criteria.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Express Entry Program relies heavily on your CRS score. A high CRS score ensures that you get an ITA to apply for the Canada PR Visa . Have you checked your CRS score yet? You can simply use a Canada CRS Points calculator to check your score.
If your CRS score is not very high, then the Provincial Nominee Programs are your next best bet. The Govt. of Canada gives its provinces and territories the right to operate their own immigration programs. Provinces and territories in Canada have the right to nominate candidates who meet the labour market needs of the province. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination can then submit their application for Permanent Residence to the federal government of Canada.
Provinces provide immigration pathways for skilled workers in shortage occupations. The tech sector is a field with a significant skill shortage in Canada which is why many provinces run tech-specific programs.
The most notable tech-specific programs are run by the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.
The Ontario Tech Pilot nominates Express Entry candidates who have work experience in any one of the six eligible tech occupations. Ontario has conducted two Tech Pilot draws in 2020 with the latest one being held in May during the pandemic lockdown. Over 700 candidates have received an invitation for a provincial nomination in these two draws.
The British Columbia Tech Pilot invites eligible tech workers who have a job offer from the province in any one of the 29 eligible tech occupations. The province has conducted nearly 14 Tech Pilot draws in 2020 inviting more than 1,500 applicants for a provincial nomination.
Start-up Visa
The Start-up Visa program looks to attract talented entrepreneurs who wish to set up their own business in Canada. Many tech workers who do not qualify for standard immigration programs often apply for this program. Successful candidates need to get an endorsement from a designated entity like a venture capital firm or an angel investor. These designated entities are responsible for the success of the candidate once they come to Canada.
Global Talent Stream
If you do not want to settle down permanently in Canada or want a quicker way to migrate to Canada, then there are several other temporary pathways for you to immigrate to Canada. Working in Canada can give you a distinctive advantage over other candidates. With Canadian work experience, you become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class. With a job offer in hand, you may also qualify for several provincial nominee programs.
The Global Talent Stream allows employers in Canada to bring in tech workers to the country. It is a fast-track program which can bring in tech workers in as less as 4 weeks. The Global Talent Stream is a part of the Global Skills Strategy of Canada launched in 2017. It has facilitated the immigration of over 40,000 tech workers to Canada.
Conclusion:
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the immigration programs of Canada. However, temporary visa holders are being allowed to come to Canada for work. Canada has also been issuing invitations for PR Visa applicants even during the pandemic lockdown. Canada is now on the road to recovery after recently lifting the Coronavirus restrictions. Despite the immigration slowdown, the country remains open to tech workers who wish to make Canada their new home.