How To Migrate To Canada As an ICT Worker

As an ICT worker looking to migrate to Canada, there are many pathways available to you. Whether you wish to move to Canada on a permanent or temporary basis, there are many key options you can explore. Canada offers many permanent and temporary pathways to support your ambition. These include general programs for skilled workers, and specific programs dedicated for tech talents like you. This article will show you how to migrate to Canada as an ICT worker.

Express Entry

The most popular pathway to becoming a permanent resident is the Express Entry route.  Most people including ICT workers move to Canada through this route. As a skilled worker who has not lived in Canada before, your best bet of being eligible for Express Entry is through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). This accounts for nearly half of all individuals who obtain an Invitation To Apply (iTA).

Before creating your account to get into the Express Entry pool of candidates, check that you meet the eligibility criteria. This include your age, education, language skills, and work experience. You can read our guide on how to migrate to Canada via Express Entry route.

READ ALSO: LICENSING BODIES FOR REGULATED PROFESSIONS IN CANADA

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you don’t meet the express entry route, the “Provincial Nominee Program” (PNP) is another great route to Canadian permanent residence if you are applying from outside Canada. Some provinces have their program and can “nominate” you if you meet their labour market needs. Once you are nominated, the federal government then goes ahead and processes your permanent residence application.

For most provinces, ICT is a significant area of need. So, some provinces operate ICT or tech worker streams especially Ontario and British Columbia.

1. The Ontario Tech Pilot is for workers who have experience in one of six tech occupations. To be considered, you need to have an Express Entry profile and be in one of the six occupations listed below:
   1. Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
   2. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
   3. Computer engineers (NOC 2147)
   4. Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
   5. Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
   6. Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)
2. The BC Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot offers an expedited immigration pathway for people with tech skills applying to be permanent Canadian residents who will contribute to B.C.’s shared prosperity.. BC Tech Pilot issues weekly invitations to qualified registrants who have valid job offers in the 29 key technology occupations.

READ ALSO: HOW AN AFRICAN MIGRATED TO CANADA

Startup Visa Program

One other way to migrate to Canada as an ICT worker is through the Startup Visa program. This program exists to attract innovative entrepreneurs who are looking to operate a business in Canada. To be eligible for the program, applicants need to be endorsed by a designated organization. This can be

1. an angel investor,
2. venture capital firm, or
3. a business incubator.

To get more information about the program, read how to migrate to Canada via the Startup Visa program.

Global Talent Stream

If you are looking for a temporary resident pathway, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) may be for you. The GTS is an immigration program that allows Canadian employers to expedite the hiring of foreign workers to fill specialized occupations. You can consider this route if you do not plan to settle in Canada permanently, or want a quicker pathway into the country before submitting a permanent residence application.

GTS is one component of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy and has facilitated the arrival of over 40,000 tech workers to the country since 2017. The GTS is an excellent option for Canadian employers who need to fill specialized positions quickly and for foreign nationals with highly-skilled work experience, especially in engineering and tech-related fields.

In Summary

In conclusion, no matter your situation, you can find an immigration path that works for you. Canada remains open to global ICT talent who are looking for ways to call this country their new home. So, start the process and make your dream a reality.

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