Guidelines on Canadian Immigration for IT Workers

The technology industry has always been prominent in Canada and, in recent years, has increased rapidly.
This is due to the country’s beneficial immigration policies, which have created success in the technology industry and IT companies finding Canada a favorable tech hub.

In this article, we’ll be discussing everything all types of foreign IT workers will need to know before they decide to immigrate to Canada, along with some valuable tips to get your immigration journey.
So make sure to read until the end!

Table of Contents

Immigration to Canada for Tech Workers

Tech sectors in Canada have continued to boom in recent years. 
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the tech industry took little to no damage and remains strong.

What’s even great is that IT companies continue to hire skilled tech professionals and need more each year! Immigrating to Canada as an IT worker comes with plenty of permanent and temporary pathways. 

To learn more about the best immigration pathways for tech workers, we’ve provided some great options for you to choose from in the following section.

Popular Immigration Programs in Canada for Foreigners

Tech employees gathered around a computer
There are several Canadian immigration pathways that IT workers can choose from!

Commonly Asked Questions

The most in-demand IT jobs in Canada as of 2021 are: 

  • Business Intelligence Analysts
  • Cloud Architects
  • Cloud Systems Engineers
  • IT Project Manager
  • Data Scientists
  • Developers (web, software, mobile)
  • DevOps Engineers
  • Full-Stack Developers
  • IoT Specialists
  • Security Professionals

Overall, any city in Canada is a great option for foreign tech workers to find jobs at, but the best cities to work in tech are:

1. Toronto
2. Ottawa
3. Vancouver
4. Waterloo region
5. Montreal

According to glassdoor The average salary for an IT Professional is $77,198 in Canada.

Generally speaking, it really depends on your skills and the number of years you’ve been working in a certain industry.

Anyone can get a job offer in Canada, but finding the best Canadian employer for you may be the most difficult part.

Luckily, CanadaCIS offers services that can fully support you towards your Canadian job search and application.

Our team of employment experts can guide you through your job interviews and transform your current CV to Canadian standards, for higher chances of getting hired.

The highest paid jobs in Canada in 2021 are:

  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Dentist
  • Utilities Manager
  • Power Systems
  • Electrician
  • Mining and Quarrying Supervisor
  • Pipefitting Supervisor
  • Engineering Manager
  • Scientific Research Manager
  • Public Administration Director
  • Construction Manager

Canada Work Permit Application Requirements

Whether you decide to apply for a work permit during a short visit in Canada or from your home country, you will need to learn the proper steps on how to successfully attain one in order to work in Canada:

Applying for a Work Permit

Applying for a work permit is done in a two-step process. 
Do take note that most candidates will need a Canadian job offer before they can apply for a work permit.

Step 1: 
Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) along with proof that your employer is taking domestic recruitment efforts due to the lack of Canadian permanent residents or citizens qualified for this specific position.

Step 2: 
Once the positive LMIA has been issued, the candidate can then apply for a Canadian work permit.

You Must 
1. Prove to an immigration officer that you have definite plans of leaving Canada once your work permit expires.
2. Provide your proof of funds, enough to take care of yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada and return to your home country.
3. Obey all laws in Canada and provide a police clearance certificate
4. Provide a medical exam
5. Prove that you will not be working for an employer who is categorized as “ineligible” (ex. Working for an employer who on a regular basis, offers erotic dances, escort services, erotic massages etc.)

Popular Immigration Programs in Canada for Foreigners

Are you a foreign IT entrepreneur who wishes to start an IT business in Canada?

Before taking off on your journey to becoming a Canadian employer,

you must prepare yourself by taking note of these essential tips you’ll need to apply throughout the process before opening a business in Canada.

Tech Tip

Click for more info.

Apply to come to Canada as a business immigrant. You may do this by choosing from two business immigration programs: The Start-Up Visa Program or The Self-Employed Persons Program.

Immigration Programs for Tech Entrepreneurs 

If you decide to apply through the start-up visa program, you must have:

  • A legitimate and qualified business
  • A letter of support from your chosen organization (ex. Venture capital groups, angel investors, or business incubators)
  • Pass the language requirement test (in English or French)
  • Proof of funds to settle and live in Canada before you establish income from your own business.

If you decide to choose the Canadian self-employed route you must have:

  • Experience in cultural activities or athletics, with plans to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life in Canada.
  • Other factors you’ll need to consider is your educational background, age, adaptability, and the ability to speak and write in English or French.

The Best Cities to Launch a Tech Startup

All cities listed below are reported by itbusiness.ca:

  • Kitchener-Waterloo
  • Cambridge
  • Toronto
  • Montreal
  • Ottawa
  • Vancouver
  • Gatineau
  • Mississauga
  • Hamilton
  • Halifax
  • Guelph
IT Entrepreneur working on laptop in Canada
Tech entreps can come to Canada as a business immigrant!

IT Education Options in Canada for Immigrants

Canada is known as one of the leading countries in technological discoveries. It is absolutely possible to further your education in IT while working in Canada!

Some of the advantages of graduating with an IT course or diploma provides higher chances of being hired by a Canadian IT company at a faster rate, landing a high-paid IT position, and additional employee benefits!
If you wish study in Canada, here are some of the top universities in the country for future tech talent according to culture trip:

1. University of British Columbia
2. University of Ontario Institute of Technology
3. Dalhousie University
4. Simon Fraser University
5. Western University
6. Ryerson University
7. University of Toronto
8. University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
9. British Columbia Institute of Technology

Canadian Immigration Pathways for Tech Professionals

As for IT professionals who just generally wish to work in Canada and have no plans of opening a tech start-up, we’ve provided two main ways you can apply for work in Canada’s tech industry.

IT Professionals can come to Canada in two main ways: 

Option 1: Apply Directly for Permanent Residency 
As an IT professional, you are considered as a skilled worker.
Skilled workers can apply directly for PR mainly through Express Entry.
Express Entry provides several streams to choose from such as:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canada Experience Class

Before coming to Canada through any of these programs, you will need to register a profile in the Express Entry pool. 

 

Option 2: Apply as a Temporary Resident on a Work Permit 
Another way could be to enter Canada as a temporary resident on a work permit, then transitioning to become a permanent resident.
In recent years, this has become a popular option for IT professionals.
You may first apply through the Global Talent Stream.
This stream specifically targets technology occupations.
Once tech candidates enter Canada for work, they can apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.

IT woman working at desk.
IT Professionals can come to Canada in two main ways!

The Best Place to Work in Canada for IT Workers

Not quite sure which city you should immigrate to? 
No problem, we’re here to help!
Here are the top 3 cities to consider when it comes to finding worthy jobs for IT candidates:

Toronto 

  • The best city among Canadian cities based on the quality of labor, tech industry concentration 8.3%, and a 54% increase in the technology workforce.
  • Best weather in Canada
  • Salaries are among the highest in Canada
  • Known as the “Silicon Valley” of Canada.
  • Toronto houses notable tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon Etsy, Shopify, LG.

Kitchener/Waterloo

  • Considered as one of the best cities in Ontario to work in
  • The CBRE ranks this city in 4th place in a list of tech cities, with 20,400 tech workers and a 40% growth rate in the technology sector in just the last 5 years. 
  • Expert Market reports it as 8th with a 2nd best in rent and 6th in average salary within the entire country.

     

Montreal

  • Ranked 5th in Canada with the 2nd most tech workers at over 130,000 
  • Montreal has a charming French culture that seems to attract many French tech candidates.
  • The city is ranked 3rd place in rent and wage growth by Expert Market.
  • The city has an amazing nightlife that’s hard to beat.
  • Tech talents seem to perform better than those in Vancouver. 
  • The city is home to Ubisoft, a primary gaming industry leader within the country.

Employee Benefits in Canada

Not only do you get employee benefits working for any industry in Canada if you decide to work for a Canadian employer, tech companies offer some of the best benefits among all the industries!

Some benefits (but not limited to) are:

  • Sabbatical leave
  • Career development
  • Flexible and a modern workplace
  • Some companies also have a flexible or unlimited paid vacation policy, which further supports work-life balance
  • Wellness support such as gym membership, prenatal classes or other health care programs
  • Entertainment such as mix-and-mingle events or lunch events
  • Childcare benefits
  • Life coaching and Mental Health counseling

And the benefits don’t stop there!
A career as an IT professional in Canada holds endless possibilities.
It’s not a surprise that most immigrants are currently choosing Canada over its neighboring countries.

By choosing to work in Canada’s IT Industry, you’re giving yourself the chance to excel in your career and provide a brighter future for you and your family!

Two IT workers working together
Tech companies offer some of the best benefits among all the industries!

Learn more about jobs in Canada: