What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers?

What are the Canada PR pathways for skilled tech workers?

In 2021, Canada had just 1,146,270 tech workers employed in Canada. This was a 1.3% increase in employment of tech workers owing due to the pandemic slowing down the pace. Also, this percentile shares an insight into the tech industry workforce and the tech occupation workforce in various sectors.


In 2022, due to a huge vacancy of 957,500 in the first quarter of 2022, one can imagine the dire need for skilled workers in Canada. As a result, the aftermath of the immigration process slowing down due to the pandemic, later the application backlogs, and delays in processing times have left Canadian employers needing more and more foreign tech talent.


Canadian employers are seeing a huge rise in the demand for applicants with strong tech talent. This is primarily because of the following:

  • Lack of talent pool amongst the existent Canadian labour market.
  • An effort to promote inclusivity and diversity.
  • Use of foreign skills to grow the domestic task force.
  • Sharing innovation and skills amongst the company.
  • Expanding the company and its services on a global scale.


According to Statistics Canada, the tech industry’s 2-year job vacancy rate is increasing rapidly. In 2020 the vacancy rate was 4.1% whereas, in 2022, this is up to 5.9%.


But for foreign tech skilled workers, this is a lifetime opportunity to encash your valuable skills. Get to know What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers? And apply now for a Canadian visa and live a life of luxury and success.


Entering Canada as a Foreign Tech Skilled Worker

As a tech worker, you would want to enter Canada on a valid visa. But the question arises, ‘What are the Canada PR pathways for skilled tech workers?’.


The following are the pathways by which you can get a Canadian visa:

Express Entry (EE) System

Nothing answers the question What are the Canada PR pathways for skilled tech workers? better than the EE System. For this is the top and the best Canada PR pathway. And as a tech worker, you have a great chance of getting an ITA for permanent residency in Canada.


But what is the EE System and how can it help you get a PR visa for Canada?

The EE System handles applications from its sub-streams such as the:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)


So as a tech worker you can apply to the FSWP or CEC if you qualify to apply to the same. Once you apply, your application will enter the EE pool, where applications from all sub-stream are ranked as per the information provided by them under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Further, Canada holds periodic draws and shares a qualifying CRS cut-off. Thus, if you match the cut-off or exceed the same then you can get an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR.


Moreover, as the EE draws are back on track in terms of holding draws and processing applications, you can expect to get a PR visa in 6-8 months.


In addition, Canada in the first quarter of 2023, will be holding separate draws targeting occupations in demand. So, it should not come as a surprise if we see a separate EE draw targeting tech workers in 2023. This is also why on the What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers? list the EE System tops as the best Canadian PR pathway.


PNP Pathway for Permanent Residency in Canada

All provinces and territories (not Quebec and Nunavut) take part in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This helps the provinces to select skilled workers keeping in mind their ecnomin=c and labour market needs.


British Columbia BC PNP Tech

Under the BC PNP Tech, the province selects tech workers to grow its tech industry and fill up the increasing job vacancies. Also, it selects applicants whose profiles fall under 1 of the 29 eligible tech occupations. And to select the applicants the province holds periodic tech draws to give an ITA for nomination.


So, once you get a nomination you can apply to IRCC for a PR visa.


Ontario – OINP

Ontario like BC PNP too holds periodic tech draws to select qualifying applicants. If your job profile lies in the in-demand tech occupations then you will get an ITA. To get a nomination under OINP you must apply to the Human Capital Priorities Stream. Also, this stream is linked to the EE System. As a result, when Ontario gives you a nomination, you get an extra 600 CRS score in the EE pool against your profile.

Thus, your chances of getting PR increase majorly.


Did you know in 2022, Ontario is to offer nominations to up to 9700 people. But as of now, the province has already issued 7558 ITAs. If you do not wish to miss your chance then why wait? Apply now.


Quebec: Permanent Immigration Pilot – workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors

This new pilot program was launched on April 22, 2022, and will run till January 01, 2026. The program specifically targets applicants from select tech occupations such as AI, Information Tech, and Visual Effects sectors.


If you want to apply to this program then you must meet the following terms:

  • Either be a foreign worker or Quebec graduate in the field of AI, OR
  • Foreign worker in information technologies and visual effects.
  • For A. I profiles:
    • Quebec graduate – have experience and job offer.
    • Foreign workers – Have relevant education, job offer may not be applicable.
  • IT and Visual Effects profiles:
    • Have a minimum of 2 years of work experience in 5 years in 1 of the 10 eligible occupations.
    • Have a new job offer or are working in the same profile.
    • Also, have a qualifying and relevant education.
    • Besides, for this occupation, Quebec has 2 sub-streams: Francophones and Non-Francophones.
  • Also, have a minimum language skill level.
    • French CLB 7 – Francophones
    • Non-Francophones – Sign the Francization agreement.
  • Besides, have a job offer in the tech sector from Quebec.


However, the province will select a total of 500 applicants and their family members for permanent selection.

Now you know, What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers, you can choose the right option for PR.


Temporary Pathways for Tech Workers

In case you wish to work in Canada temporarily then knowing What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers, may not work. Irrespective of your Canadian immigration goal, here are the option by which you can apply for a Canadian temporary residence visa.

Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The GTS is a part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Under which a Canadian employer can hire a foreign skilled worker. But to do the same the employer must have an LMIA approval from ESDC and meet additional terms such as qualifying for either :

Category A

Under this Canadian companies through the referral of local, government, or semi-government agencies can hire tech talent or highly skilled workers.


OR


Category B

Canadian employers can hire skilled workers whose occupation is listed in the Global Talent Occupation List. If an employer can meet terms such as showcasing the benefits that will arise from the hiring of foreign workers then they can apply for the same.


Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

This 3 countries agreement, allows the movement of workers between the 3 countries. Further, it has 2 sub-streams: Professional and Intra Company Transfer (ICT).


Non-CUSMA Intra Company Transfer

Any multi-national company with a branch(es) in Canada can opt for this pathway. Under this, the transferee will be eligible for a Canada Work Permit. Also, the employees can transfer without the need for an LMIA approval.


Now, you know What are the Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers? In addition, you have the temporary permanent residence pathways for Canada. Choose wisely.

In short, Apply Now! Free Assessment. Contact Us to get expert visa assistance.

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