If you work in the technology sector, Canada may be one of the best places to build your career and future. Canada is actively looking for skilled tech professionals, and in recent years, it has created many programs that allow workers to come on temporary work permits or to move directly as permanent residents (PR).
With the United States planning a big fee increase for the H-1B visa, Canada’s government has promised a “clear offering” for skilled foreign tech workers. While the details are still not out, Canada already has several strong options for people in tech to live and work here.
Main Pathways for Tech Workers to Move to Canada
Here’s an overview of the most popular programs:
| Program | Pathway/Stream | Status | Details | Processing time (approximately) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | Global Talent Stream | Work Permit | Faster processing of LMIA | Two weeks |
| International Mobility Program | Intra Company Transfers | Work Permit | LMIA-exempt transfers for executives, senior managers, or specialized-knowledge employees of a multinational with a presence in Canada | Two-four months |
| Innovation Stream | Work Permit | LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit for candidates with job offers from Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) employers | Two weeks | |
| Category Based Selection Draws (Express Entry) | STEM category | PR | IRCC runs category-based rounds targeting occupations in demand, including STEM professionals | Six months |
| Provincial Nominee Program | Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program | PR | For those with work experience in select tech occupations | Seven months |
| Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway | PR | For candidates working full-time in Alberta or holding a valid job offer in an eligible tech occupation | Seven months | |
| Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway | PR | For candidates with a job offer and work experience in specific tech occupations in Saskatchewan | Express Entry: Seven months / Non-Express Entry: 18 months |
Work Permits vs Permanent Residence
Work permits are temporary, usually valid for 1–3 years. They let you come to Canada quickly and start working. Many people use work permits as a first step before applying for permanent residence (PR).
Permanent residence, on the other hand, lets you live and work in Canada indefinitely. You can apply for PR directly from outside Canada, but many workers choose to come on a work permit first because it is much faster. Once you’re already working in Canada, your chances of getting PR are usually higher.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there are not enough Canadians for the job. To do this, the employer usually needs to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves they need to hire from abroad.
For tech workers, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a special option under TFWP. It gives faster processing—work permits can be ready in just two weeks.
- Category A: For highly skilled workers with unique expertise, usually hired by innovative companies. Salaries must be at least $80,000 per year (or higher, depending on the job).
- Category B: For jobs listed on Canada’s Global Talent Occupations List (such as software engineers, IT consultants, and electrical engineers).
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The IMP allows some workers to get a permit without an LMIA. For tech workers, the most common options are:
- Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs): For employees of multinational companies moving to a Canadian branch. You must have worked for the company for at least one year in the last three years and hold a senior, managerial, or specialized role.
- Innovation Stream: For those with a job offer from one of Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) companies, such as Lightspeed Commerce, Clio, or Ada.
Express Entry – Category-Based Selection (STEM)
Canada’s Express Entry system is the main way skilled workers apply for permanent residence. To qualify, you must meet the requirements of one of the federal programs (FSWP, CEC, or FSTP), which include language tests, skilled work experience, and education.
Express Entry works on a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Canada regularly invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for PR.
Tech workers often do very well under this system. In 2025, Canada added a STEM-specific draw, which means people with experience in tech fields can be invited with lower CRS scores than general candidates.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Tech Workers
Many provinces in Canada have their own tech-focused immigration programs. Here are three important ones:
- Ontario (OINP Tech Draws): Targets tech occupations through Express Entry. A nomination gives you 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing an invitation.
- Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: For Express Entry candidates working or with job offers in Alberta’s tech sector.
- Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway: For workers with job offers in specific tech occupations. Can be done through Express Entry (faster) or a non-Express Entry pathway (slower).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I move to Canada without a job offer?
Yes, some pathways like Express Entry do not require a job offer, though having one can greatly improve your chances.
2. Is it faster to get a work permit or PR?
A work permit is usually much faster, often taking just weeks or months. PR can take around six months to over a year.
3. What if my goal is permanent residence?
You can apply for PR directly, but many tech workers first come on a work permit. This way, they can start working quickly and later apply for PR with stronger chances.
4. Do tech workers really have an advantage in Canadian immigration?
Yes. Canada’s government sees tech talent as a priority. That’s why programs like the Global Talent Stream and STEM draws under Express Entry exist.
5. Can my family come with me if I get a work permit?
Yes, usually your spouse can apply for an open work permit (to work for any employer), and your children can study in Canada.
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