How to Immigrate to Canada as a Tech Professional
It’s no secret that IT professionals are one of the most in-demand professions in Canada right now. With tech hubs like Ontario and British Columbia constantly on the lookout for tech gurus to join their community, thousands of jobs are being offered. But unfortunately, Canada is not able to keep up with the demand.
Due to declining birth rates and early retirement, Canada has had to look abroad for the best international talent and has developed several immigration programs to help with Canadian visa applications.
These include the ever-popular federal immigration system known as the Express Entry system or (unofficially) the “Express Entry Lotto.” The difference is that the Express Entry system has far better odds than the national lottery and could be your next step into a bright new future in one of the most dynamic countries in the world.
On average, IT professionals can expect to earn around $72,361, depending on their qualifications, experience and location. However, if you are a seasoned IT professional with years of experience, you can look forward to an annual income of $123,014 to $170,011!
Add to that some phenomenal perks like attractive benefits, job satisfaction, free healthcare and free public education for your children, high quality of life in one of the most tolerant and multicultural countries in the world… what more could you ask for?
Oh, and did we forget to mention the vibrant cities, lively culture and nightlife? Or how about some of the most impressive sights like the 46 national parks and over 2 million lakes to explore on your vacation if you’re looking for a change of pace?
Sound like a dream? Then you should pinch yourself because it’s all real and available to you now!
Give yourself the best chance of finding your dream job in this amazing country and let us help you apply for your Canadian visa.
Still not convinced? Read on to find out what your best immigration options are and how we can pave your way to a new life as an IT professional in Canada.
Which Tech Professions Are In-demand in Canada
As mentioned earlier, experienced and highly skilled IT professionals are among the most sought-after workers in Canada. We narrow down the top 10 tech occupations Canada is looking for and what you can earn annually. The top 6 occupations can qualify you for both the Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC) Tech Draws, while all occupations in the top 10 qualify for the BC Draws.
| Top 10 Canadian 10 Tech Occupations | |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Average Salary/Year |
| 1. Software engineers and designers (ON & BC) | $45,000 – $157,188 |
| 2. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (ON & BC) | $74,997 – $98,294 |
| 3. Computer engineers (ON & BC) | $77,025 – $130,943 |
| 4. Web designers and developers (ON & BC) | $46,859 – $79,659 |
| 5. Database analysts and data administrators (ON & BC) | $80,906 – $137,540 |
| 6. Computer and information systems managers (ON & BC) | $100,006 – $170,011 |
| 7. Graphic Designers and Illustrators (BC only) | $45,831 – $77,913 |
| 8. User Support Technicians (BC only) | $51,617 – $63,083 |
| 9. Computer network technicians (BC only) | $58,500 – $70,785 |
| 10. Information systems testing technicians (BC only) | $56,050 – $65,020 |
Top Ways to Immigrate to Canada as an IT Professional
Take the Expressway
There are essentially 3 ways to immigrate to Canada as a technical professional. Perhaps the most popular and successful is the Express Entry system. The Express Entry System, like any operating system, manages the components of the federal immigration program to ensure they function efficiently. These 3 programs are managed by the Express Entry System:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- The Federal skilled Trades Program; and
- The Canadian Experience Class.
As a skilled worker in the technical field, you may qualify to apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
The Express Entry system is a points-based system that ranks you based on factors such as age, language skills, education, experience and adaptability in Canada. Your profile is then entered into a draw, usually held every two weeks, and if you are one of the top candidates, you are selected to receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for permanent residency in Canada.
The great thing about the Express Entry system is that it allows provinces and territories to select profiles directly from the draw pool and issue them PN (Provincial Nominations), which are worth 600 points alone! Since you can score a maximum of 1200 points, a PNP gives you a great head start and can give you an extra edge.
Both Ontario and British Columbia have Tech Streams or categories that allow provinces to meet their needs for highly skilled IT professionals through targeted draws.
The OINP has a “Human Capital Priorities Stream” that specifically targets the recruitment of individuals from the Express Entry system with outstanding technology skills. There are 6 job titles that are eligible for this immigration option.
Ontario has already conducted its first targeted draw in the tech sector, which took place on January 15, 2020, where 954 Express Entry candidates received an invitation to apply for a PN.
BC PNP has a Tech Pilot that allows skilled workers with a one-year full-time job offer to fast-track their visa application. Most applications are processed in less than 2 to 3 months, with 29 key occupations eligible.
What if I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?
No need to worry. Just because you don’t meet the requirements for Express Entry doesn’t mean all hope is lost. You can still apply directly through the Provincial Nominee Program of your choice. The only difference is that it may take a little longer to apply for your visa.
We recommend you apply through these provinces as they are not only Canada’s technology hub, but they also specifically look for skilled technology professionals and are more likely to find you a job, which is required to apply through most PNP programs.
- OINP (Ontario Provincial Nominee Program); OR
- BC PNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.