How to Immigrate to Canada as a Data Analyst
Canada’s tech sector is attracting top international talent. With an increase of nearly 60,000 jobs in 2019 and an estimated 73,000+ tech companies across the country paying median annual salaries of CAD 76,471, cities like Toronto and Vancouver are poised to become the new Silicon Valleys.
Data analysts play a key role in technological development. As a highly skilled and in-demand worker, you can easily secure a job in Canada and settle down with your family in this top-rated country. Below you will learn how you can immigrate to Canada as a data analyst.
2 Easy Ways to Immigrate to Canada as a Data Analyst
Canada has more than 100 visa and immigration options. Some of the programs are points-based and select the highest scoring candidates for permanent residency in Canada, while others are employer-driven, meaning you must find employment in Canada as a main requirement.
1. Apply for PR from outside Canada via the Express Entry system.
As a data analyst, you are considered a professional and are most likely eligible to apply for permanent residency through the popular Express Entry system. Express Entry uses a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank and score applicants based on admissions criteria such as work experience, education level, language proficiency, etc.
A draw is held every two weeks to select the applicants with the highest scores to receive Invitations to Apply (ITA). Under the Express Entry system, 108,500 ITAs are expected to be issued in 2021 and even more in 2022!
How the Express Entry System works
1. Check if you qualify for a federal Express Entry program
The first step is to see if you meet the minimum requirements for one of the three federal Express Entry immigration programs. As a data analyst, you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) if, among other things, you have at least one year of full-time work experience outside Canada. Otherwise, if you have at least one year of full-time work experience in Canada, you will likely be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Create an Express Entry profile
If you meet the minimum requirements of an Express Entry program, you can create an online Express Entry profile by filling out information about your professional and personal background. You will need certain documents to complete your Express Entry profile, such as a passport and language test results. You will also need to know your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Find your code below!
Database analysts and data administrators
- NOC code: 2172
- Skill level: A
- Employment requirements: Refer to the below-mentioned employment requirements
3. Receive an ITA
Once you have completed your Express Entry profile, you will receive a CRS score based on the information you have provided. It is important to know that the Express Entry system is very competitive and only those who have achieved a high enough score will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the Express Entry draws.
There are a few additional things you can do to increase your score and your chances of immigrating to Canada as a data analyst.
How to increase your score
- Secure a job offer;
- Have siblings currently residing in Canada; and
- Achieve a provincial nomination
GOOD TO KNOW: If you receive a provincial nomination, you will receive a whopping 600 additional points! You can receive a provincial nomination if your skills are in demand in a Canadian province and the province has a special immigration program associated with the Express Entry system.
For example, database analysts and data administrators can be nominated by Ontario if they send an expression of interest to the Human Capital Priorities Stream, which targets foreign professionals in that occupation.
2. Work in Canada via the Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Good news. Data analysts are on the Global Talent Occupation List of the Global Talent Stream (GTS). The GTS is a work visa program that allows highly skilled foreign workers in select occupations with valid job openings in Canada to obtain a Canadian work visa in as little as two weeks!
With a Canadian work visa, you can work temporarily in Canada and have the option to renew your work permit. By now, you must be wondering: how can I immigrate to Canada as a data analyst with a work visa in 2021? The benefits of gaining work experience in Canada are invaluable. Not only does it make it easier to settle in the country, but it can also help your application for permanent residency in Canada stand out from the rest and help you qualify for even more immigration programs. This is because Canada values domestic work experience more than foreign work experience.
Can you work in Canada as a Data Analyst?
According to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), data analysts who wish to work and live in Canada should meet the following requirements:
Education
- A bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science or in mathematics or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
Experience
- Computer programming experience is usually required.
Job Duties
- Collect and document user requirements;
- Design and develop database architecture for information systems projects;
- Design, construct, modify, integrate, implement and test data models and database management systems
- Conduct research and provide advice to other informatics professionals regarding the selection, application and implementation of database management tools
- Operate database management systems to analyse data and perform data mining analysis
- May lead, co-ordinate or supervise other workers in this group.
Best Places to Work in Canada as a Data Analyst
Where is the best place to find a data analyst job in Canada? According to a report, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Waterloo Region and Montreal are the best places to find technology jobs in Canada.
| Top 5 Cities for Technology Jobs in Canada | |
|---|---|
| City | Quick Facts |
| 1. Toronto | This city has single handedly accounted for about 25 of all the new tech jobs in Canada |
| 2. Ottawa | Ottawa has an impressive 11.3 concentration of tech workers, double the Canadian average of 5.6 and the highest level amongst all North American cities |
| 3. Vancouver | Vancouver is home to most of the world’s largest tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Cisco Systems, Samsung, SAP, Intel, Salesforce, Eventbrite, as well as Absolute Software, ACL Service, TELUS, Hootsuite , Dwave, 1Qbit and Slack |
| 4. Waterloo | The Waterloo region has 22,400 tech workers, much less than the bigger markets so competition is mild |
| 5. Montreal | Montreal is considered the video game capital of North America. The city hosts 3 digital festivals, is home to a number of specialized cultural facilities, and outstrips the rest of Canada in smartphone penetration and social media use. |
How Much Does it Cost to Immigrate to Canada?
In 2021, an application to immigrate to Canada as a data analyst will cost $1,325. Please note that this is the federal application fee and that additional fees may apply if applying for a nomination by a Canadian province. Those immigrating to Canada without an employment arrangement must also provide proof of financial means, which starts at $13,213 for single applicants without dependents.