Our ServicesCanada is fast becoming the next tech and IT hub of the world. From innovative financial services, blockchain, to Artificial Intelligence there is a huge demand for tech talent. In fact, tech and IT workers in foreign countries will find they have many options for becoming permanent residents on the basis of their IT and tech education and experience.
In this article we are looking at permanent immigration programs that will let you live and work freely in Canada. If you qualify under any of the PNPs we mention below, you don’t face any of the restrictions you have to with a temporary work permit.
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program – Tech Draws
The demand for skilled tech and IT workers in Ontario, Canada is sky high. Toronto, Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo, in particular, are home to vibrant tech industries. In light of that, the province allows the nomination of Express Entry candidates who have tech experience to apply for permanent residence. The following NOC codes are eligible for tech draws:
NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers
NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers
NOC 2147 – Computer engineers
NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers
NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators
NOC 0213 – Computer and information systems managers
Ontario invited nearly one thousand Express Entry candidates with tech experience in a January 2020 draw.
British Columbia Tech Pilot
BC will be running its ‘Tech Pilot’ Provincial Nominee Program till at least June 2020. BC, like Ontario, is seeing huge demand for tech skills international recruitment. This program works differently to Ontario’s program, though. Its benefits for applications are:
Invitations to Apply – ITAs are issued to qualified and skilled technology workers every week, reducing the time employers and employees must wait.
Prioritized applications – Applications of tech and IT candidates are fast-tracked to make sure the right talent is able to come to Canada immediately.
The list of eligible occupations for Tech Pilot is revised regularly. At the time of writing, there were 29 tech occupations that are in high demand. A few eligible categories are:
NOC 0131 – telecommunication carriers managers
NOC 0512 – Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
NOC 2131 – Civil engineers
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Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
Manitoba has adopted a different approach to Ontario and BC for attracting foreign tech and IT talent. Instead of a dedicated tech-focused PNP, the province has been sending out missions to recruit skilled tech workers. Though the program does not offer the initial benefits that other PNPs do, the biggest draw is recruitment.
MPNP representatives actively assist Manitoba employers recruit foreign talent. Hundreds of IT positions across many different industries are up for grabs at their events. Keep up to date with the latest Manitoba PNP recruitment drive, expected to take place in spring 2020.
Quebec Skilled Worker
Quebec has been long regarded as having one of the toughest provincial nominee programs. Applicants must fulfill national criteria, then also demonstrate French language skills. What many don’t realize is that the Quebec Skilled Worker program gives tech and IT workers an advantage.
QSW requires a minimum of 43 points on employability factors alone. However, the “Listes Des Domaines De Formation’ (List of Training Areas) actually allocates the highest number of points for tech university education. Applicants who can show education in IT and technology can claim 12 points, the highest of any other category. What’s more, their spouses are also eligible to receive 4 points, which is the highest of any category too.
How to immigrate to Canada if you have tech and IT experience
If you have built a career in tech in your country, there is a very good chance your skills are in high demand in Canada. At Immigration Way we have helped thousands of people come to Canada legally and settle into prosperous lives. Speak to a qualified Toronto immigration lawyer and find the right program for you.
