SEE ALSO :- Canada Immigrant Assessment Form
How to Immigrate as a Tech Worker
Express Entry
Express Entry is a Federal application portal that foreign tech workers can use to express their interest in permanent residency. If accepted, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The Canadian government uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank eligible applicants. CRS is a points-based system that considers an applicant’s age, education, foreign and Canadian work experience, language skills, and many other facts.
There are three economic streams under the Express Entry system: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). In our experience, the most suitable ones for foreign tech workers are FSW and the CEC.
Provincial Nominee Programs for Foreign Tech Workers
Each Canadian province has a Provincial Nominee Program that foreign tech workers can use to apply for permanent residence. In some cases, provinces directly invite applicants from the Express Entry pool to apply for their PNP program. The below programs allow applicants to avoid the lengthy LMIA process by providing letters of support instead of an LMIA. The applicants can then use these letters of support to apply for a work permit, which then can lead to permanent residence.
Tech jobs that are in high demand in Canada
Information Systems Specialist (NOC 21222)
Average Wage: $42/hour
Example Titles:
- Computer systems analyst
- Information systems quality assurance (QA) analyst
- Management information systems (MIS) analyst
- Systems auditor or consultant
Job Description: Analyze systems requirements, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues.
- Database Analysts & Data Administrators (NOC 21223)
Average Wage: $39/hour
Example Titles:
- Data Processing Specialist
- EDP Analyst
- Data Miner
- Database Designer
Job Description: Although they are slightly different positions, data administrators and database analysts are contained under the same NOC code. Database analysts are expected to design, develop and administer data management solutions using database management software. Data administrators develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models.
Software Engineers & Designers (NOC 21231)
Average Wage: $49/hour
Example Titles:
- Application Architect
- Software Architect
- Software Testing Engineer
- Software Technical Architect
Job Description: Research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. Being a team leader of software engineers also means you fall under this category.
Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developer (NOC 21232)
Average Wage: $49/hour
Example Titles:
- Web Programmer
- Computer Game Developer
- Programmer Analyst
- Systems Programmer
Job Description: This profession is like many other NOC codes in that it covers two professions that are very similar to each other. Computer programmers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for microcomputer and mainframe software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software. Interactive media developers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for internet applications, computer-based training software, computer games, film, video and other interactive media.
Computer Engineers (NOC 21311)
Average Wage: $46/hour
Example Titles:
- Network Test Engineer
- Systems Designer – Hardware
- Computer Telecommunications specialist
- Hardware Technical Architect
Job Description: Computer engineers research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems.
