The Best Tech Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada

DEC 19, 2022

KOUTHAR SAMBO

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, and will be booming for a long time and the demand for the skills set, and labour 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.

In this article, we unfold some of the best Canada tech pathways to permanent residency, eligibility factors for each immigration pathway and the steps to apply.

The Best Canada Tech Pathways to Permanent Residency

Due to Canada's booming tech sector, the government has implemented immigration pathways for tech workers - this will enable permanent residence to foreign nationals with the right skills and experience to support and nurture the country's tech industry.

Here are some of Canada's major immigration pathways for tech workers:

The Express Entry

Express Entryis a popular points-driven system designed to yield quick immigration results. The system operates on a Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) whereby eligible applicants will be selected based on their accumulated points. The system comprises three highly accommodating immigration streams. These are as follows:

In this case, prospective tech workers will apply to the FSWP, which favours applicants with no prior work experience. According to the Government of Canada, applicants do not need a job offer to get into 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 that will get you that Invitation To Apply (ITA) or even nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP is popular for tech workers as it is provincial and employee-driven. In addition, the program acts as a filter for Canadian employees looking for talented tech workers abroad to fill the labour market needs within the province.

Candidates selected under this program may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from their employees. We strongly advise prospective tech workers to research the conditions of a province, territory or city in Canada before applying and officially settling. Not only do you want to ensure the availability of your industry long-term, but you also want the assurance of economic and political stability. In addition, factors such as cost of living and quality of life can also impact your decision at large.

Here are the three popular PNP streams for tech workers who want to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the PNP:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

A pathway that falls under the Human Capital Priorities stream, the program is aimed at prospective tech workers who want to settle in Ontario and address the labour shortage needs in the tech industry.

Eligible tech workers are invited directly from the Express Entry pool if they meet the criteria and have the right work experience in one of the targeted occupations. Candidates applying for the targeted occupations will be considered priority applicants.

According to the Government of Ontario, below is a list of the targeted National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
Web designers (NOC 21233)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)

To be considered for the above-targeted occupations, you must demonstrate the stipulated work experience in one of the NOC codes. Failure to meet the requirements will result in the refusal of your application.

Furthermore, for a more in-depth overview, find out how you can qualify for the OINP here.

You can do our eligibility assessment with an immigration expert who can assist and guide you through the process.

The British Columbia (BC) Tech Pilot

The BC tech pilot 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 labour shortage.

Explore our comprehensive guide to learn more about the targeted occupations and eligibility factors when obtaining your British Columbia PNP with the BC Tech Pilot.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Accelerated Tech Pathway

This pathway is an expedited option for foreign nationals who have secured a job offer or are currently working for a tech industry in Alberta in the eligible occupation. We have listed the adaptability factors that will increase your chances of success under this program. The applicant must meet one or more of these factors below:

If you manage to secure a valid job offer in Alberta.
If you are a graduate of a post-secondary institution in Canada.
If you have a close relative who is a permanent resident living in Alberta or a Canadian citizen living in Alberta.
If French is your first language.

Note:

Before applying, we urge applicants to double-check if they meet the adaptability and assessment criteria, as failure to meet these requirements can be time-consuming. There will be a delay in processing times, and your application will be returned to you, resulting in you having to re-apply.

Once you meet the minimun criteria, you will receive an email from the AAIP to apply directly to the program. Below we summarize the assessment criteria, as per the information on the Government of Alberta website:

You must have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool and list an occupation that's high in demand in Alberta.
You must ensure you meet the requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Federal Skilled Worker Program.
You must plan to live and work in Alberta.
You must have a minimum CRS score of 300 points.

Note: We urge applicants to maintain an updated version of their Express Entry profile to ensure eligibility and to be considered under the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

For your convenience, discover the recent immigration programs launched by Alberta and the top in-demand jobs currently trending in Alberta.

Quebec Introduces Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Tech Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and Visual Effects Sectors

According to the Quebec Government website, the pilot program was implemented on April 22, 2021, and will close on January 1, 2026. The program enables prospective tech workers to live and work in Quebec permanently if they are foreign workers with the right skills or Quebec graduates in artificial intelligence.

There are two streams under this program, which are as follows:

Artificial intelligence
Information technologies and visual effects, including video games.

The stream consist of the following profiles, which applicants can apply under:

Francophone
Francization

The Program Conditions

Before applying, you must ensure you meet the program's conditions. These are:

Those applying the Francophone profile must demonstrate proficiency in spoken French.
The applicant must secure a job offer in Québec's artificial intelligence, information technologies or visual effects sectors.

Below, we list the conditions applicable to both streams

You must be 18 years of age or over.
Plan to settle in Québec and work in the province.
Comply with the conditions of your stay in Québec.
Demonstrate that you are financially stable to take care of yourself. Note that you must sign a financial self-sufficiency contract.

Have your sights set on living and working in Quebec? Find out how you can be part of this program by speaking to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to advise you on the best way forward.

In-Demand Jobs for Tech Workers in Canada

Since the tech sector is constantly evolving, the supply versus demand will naturally fluctuate in any tech industry. Therefore, if you plan on making a life for yourself and climbing the tech ladder in Canada, you need to target the right trending industries.

Below we list some of the current active jobs in the tech sector, per the Indeed data.

Tech Support Professional

Salary: $50,000–$70,000 a year

Tech Support Specialist

Salary: $55,900–$61,600 a year

Senior Software Developer

Salary: $140,000–$160,000 a year

Mobile Lube Technician

Salary: $25–$35 an hour

Software Engineer

Salary: $125,000–$175,000 a year

Service Desk Analyst 1

Salary: $39,110–$52,044 a year

Remember that there are constantly new market trends, and you should research to stay updated. The jobs mentioned above are subject to change, but you may visit Indeed for the latest active tech jobs.

Alternatively, you can explore our comprehensive list of the best emerging tech cities in Canada to help you find where your next job may be.

While immigration experts cannot offer you a tech job in Canada, they can assist in curating your resume based on Canadian standards, therefore increasing your chances of finding your ideal job.

For your convenience, learn more about work permits, eligibility factors and how to apply for a work permit, which is required to work in Canada.

Canada Tech Pathways - The Application Process

Now that you understand the ins and outs about tech pathways, we break down the application process below:

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility

Whether you are applying to Canada tech pathways or any other immigration program, you must ensure you can meet the program criteria and comply with the conditions of your nomination, program and job offer.

Step 2: Have an Updated Express Entry Profile

The last thing you want is sabotaging yourself from getting an invitation or a nomination. Ensure that the information is updated on your Express Entry profile, as this will increase your chances of receiving an invite to apply directly to the stream.

Step 3: Secure a Job offer and Meet the Criteria.

Applications applying under the prioritized occupations will experience faster processing times. Be sure to conduct the necessary research on the latest tech trends in the city/province. Contact an RCIC who is updated with the regulations and changes in the industry.

Step 4: Receive an ITA

Successful candidates will receive a nomination to apply directly to the program to gain permanent residence.

Step 5: Apply and Submit Your Application

Always double-check that everything is in order and that you supplied the necessary supporting documents, as incorrect or dishonest information can cause a delay in processing times, or your application could be rejected completely.

Immigrate through Canada Tech Pathways Today

Immigrating to another country can be scary, but with the right guidance and support, this need not be the case. If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of Canadian immigration, visit CanadianVisa.org or MDCCanada. You can also contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) today to start your journey.

FAQs

How Do I Get A Job Offer For A BC Tech Pilot?

While our immigration experts cannot promise you a job, they can advise and guide you throughout the process, maximizing your chances of securing a job offer for BC Tech Pilot.

Who is Eligible for Pilot Programs in Canada?

Depending on the type of pilot program you are applying to, different programs have different eligibility factors. However, an immigration expert can guide you accordingly.

How Often is BC PNP Draw?

The BC PNP draws are conducted every week.