The Best Tech Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada
September 15, 2023
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Wesley Allan
Reviewed By: David Allon
The dependency on technology by businesses will increase. At the same time, investments in this sector grew at an exponential rate of 5.3% going forward - which calls for a positive five-year growth going forward, as reported by BDC, a Certified B Corporation. The term is also coined as "B Corps," which are businesses designed to benefit society holistically instead of being driven solely by making profits.
What does this mean for prospective tech gurus in other parts of the world?
Canada's tech industry is booming for a long time, and the demand for the skills set and labor in this sector will continue to increase. By its very nature, the technology sector is constantly evolving, and individuals who want to capitalize on this opportunity must act quickly.
Canada, known for its diverse culture and booming tech industry, presents many opportunities for professionals worldwide. This article discusses the Top Tech Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada, focusing on the different programs and in-demand tech jobs in Canada. Ultimately, you'll understand how to apply and why becoming a permanent resident in Canada as a tech worker is beneficial.
The Best Canada Tech Pathways to Permanent Residency
Express Entry Canada
The Express Entry system is Canada's flagship program for skilled immigrants. It's an online system that the Canadian government uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The system ranks candidates based on their skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Introduced in 2015, the Express Entry system has revolutionized Canada's immigration process, making it quicker and more efficient. It covers three major federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Express Entry system can be a quick pathway to permanent residency in Canada for tech professionals. However, the competition is fierce, and only the highest-ranking candidates receive an ITA. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the system thoroughly and maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
In this case, prospective tech workers will apply to the FSWP, which favors applicants without work experience. According to the Government of Canada, applicants do not need a job offer to enter the Express Entry pool. However, if you are applying under the FSWP program or the FSTP, you must try to secure a job offer, which will also prove that you will have sufficient funds to sustain yourself.
Overall, having a job offer when applying to the Express Entry increases your CRS and, therefore, stands a better chance of success under this program.
Learn more about increasing your CRS by creating an Express Entry Profile to get you that Invitation To Apply (ITA) or even be nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
PNP Canada
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another pathway for tech professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Under the PNP, Canadian provinces nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. The top PNP Canada tech pathways are as follows:
BC Tech PNP
The BC Tech Pilot Program, a part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), targets prospective tech professionals abroad who will add value to the Canadian tech industry. Interestingly, this pilot enables candidates to gain permanent residence and fill the labor shortage. The program aims to attract and retain top international tech talent who can contribute to British Columbia's dynamic tech sector.
The BC Tech PNP operates through the province's existing provincial immigration streams. Tech professionals must create an online profile and register under one of BC PNP's categories. If they meet the criteria, they'll receive an Invitation to Apply for a provincial nomination.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers tech workers another pathway to permanent residency in Canada. The OINP Tech Draw targets professionals with work experience in specific tech occupations. Like BC PNP, candidates must create a profile and enter the Express Entry pool. If they meet the criteria, they can receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.
Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is a fast-track route to permanent residency for tech professionals in Canada. The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway targets foreign tech workers with experience in specific tech occupations. The program operates through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
In-demand Tech Jobs in Canada
The tech sector in Canada is thriving, with a high demand for tech professionals in various roles:
| NOC Code | Job Title |
|---|---|
| 21230/2/4 | Developers/Programmers |
| 21222 | Information systems analysts and consultants (including Business System Analyst Administrators) |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrators (including Data Analysts/Scientists) |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians (including Quality Assurance Analysts) |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers (including Security Analysts/Architects and Cloud Architects) |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers (including IT Project Managers) |
| 22220 | Computer network technicians (including Network Engineers) |
To qualify for any of the above programs, tech professionals must have relevant work experience in one of the in-demand tech jobs in Canada. They must also meet the language requirements of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The language requirements vary depending on the program that they are applying for.
Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of their education credentials to prove they have the qualifications for the job. Upon arrival in Canada, they must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families. Finally, they must show they are committed to establishing a permanent residence in a particular province.
How to Apply to Canada’s Tech Pathways
Applying for tech pathways to permanent residency in Canada involves several steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
The first step of the process is to choose the right program. One of the best ways to do this is via getting an eligibility evaluation from a certified immigration professional like an RCIC to help you find the program that works best with your eligibility and your goals in Canada.
Step 2: Ensure Eligibility
Once the application is approved, applicants must take an immigration medical exam to prove healthy. They must also provide police certificates to show that they have no criminal record in their home country or any other country where they resided for more than six months in the past ten years.
Applicants must also pay the appropriate fees and provide additional documents such as proof of language proficiency, education credentials, and evidence of funds to support themselves and their families upon arrival in Canada. Once all these requirements are met, applicants will receive a permanent residency visa from IRCC.
Successful applicants may also be eligible for additional programs supporting their career development, such as job search assistance, language classes, and professional mentorship. These programs help tech professionals settle in Canada and start their new careers quickly.
Step 3: Create Your Online Profile
Register and create your profile online. Provide accurate details in the profile. Include your work experience, language proficiency, education credentials, and proof of funds to support yourself and your family. Ensure the accuracy of all documents to be submitted to the relevant authorities. Once the profile is created, applicants can access the Express Entry pool and start their immigration process for Canada.
After creating an online profile, applicants must keep track of any changes or updates that need to be made to their profiles. This includes updating language scores or adding additional documents like work experience certificates or educational transcripts as needed. Applicants need to keep their profiles up-to-date and accurate for their applications to be considered by Ontario or Alberta Immigration.
Step 4: Receive an ITA or NOI
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Canadian government or a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province.
Once the ITA is received, applicants must submit the complete documents within a certain period. This includes the application form, language test results, educational credentials, police clearance certificates, and proof of funds. All documents must be up-to-date and accurate, as the authorities will verify them. Applicants must also provide biometrics such as fingerprints and photos.
Applicants should make sure to keep track of their applications and follow up with IRCC or relevant provincial immigration authorities if there are any changes or updates needed. Successful applicants will receive their permanent residency visa within a few weeks after applying. They can then start their new lives in Canada and enjoy all the benefits of being a Permanent Resident of Canada.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Applicants need to submit their applications within the specified deadline. The application should include all the required documents, such as language test results, educational credentials, police clearance certificates, proof of funds, and biometrics. Applicants also need to ensure that all documents are up-to-date and accurate. Once the application is submitted, applicants can check the status of their applications online or contact IRCC or relevant provincial immigration authorities for any updates.
After applying for permanent residency, applicants will receive a confirmation notice from IRCC or relevant provincial immigration authorities within a few weeks. Successful applicants will receive their permanent residency visa shortly after receiving the confirmation notice.
Why Move to Canada as a Tech Worker
There are several reasons why tech professionals should consider becoming permanent residents in Canada:
Strong Tech Industry
Canada boasts a robust and rapidly growing tech industry, offering many job opportunities.
Quality of Life
Canada consistently ranks high for its quality of life, including healthcare, education, and safety.
Diversity
Canada is known for its cultural diversity, making it an attractive destination for immigrants.
Immigration-Friendly Policies
Canada has immigration-friendly policies, including multiple pathways for tech professionals.
Career Growth
The booming tech industry in Canada provides excellent career growth opportunities.
Working in tech in Canada can open doors you can't find elsewhere. The country offers several top tech pathways to permanent residency, making it an ideal destination for tech professionals worldwide. Understanding and navigating these pathways can greatly increase your chances of achieving permanent residency in Canada.
FAQs:
How Do I Get A Job Offer For A BC Tech Pilot?
To get a job offer for the BC Tech Pilot, applicants must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada. This LMIA will need to be submitted with the application for permanent residency.
Applicants can then submit their resumes and portfolios to tech companies in British Columbia that are part of the BC Tech Pilot program. After being interviewed and selected, applicants will receive a job offer from the company. Once this job offer is accepted, applicants can submit their permanent residency application and all other required documents.
How Often is BC PNP Draw?
The BC PNP Draw is held twice a month, usually on the first and third Thursdays. The draw is open to all eligible applicants who have submitted a complete application with all required documents.
The draw invites applicants with the highest score in its ranking system, and successful applicants receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency through the BC PNP program. Applicants can check the BC PNP website to find out when draws are scheduled and to view previous draws' results.