Immigration for Tech Workers: Express Entry, PNPs & Work Permits

In the first part of this article, we talked about how Canada welcomes skilled tech workers and how different immigration and work permit programs are available right now. Some of those programs have been discussed in part one of this post. 

Now, in continuation, your trusted Canadian immigration consultants will tell you all about the other programs available for tech workers:

British Columbia

The Tech Pilot program in British Columbia was launched in May 2017. Unlike others, the BC PNP Tech Pilot is not actually a program in itself but rather a system that helps expedite applications to existing streams, given that they also meet the requirements of the Pilot. 

In a way, you can liken it to the federal Express Entry system, but the difference is that this particular system only processes tech workers. In contrast, the larger Express Entry processes all applications for Federal Skilled Immigration.

Presently, 29 specific tech-related occupations qualify for the BC Tech Pilot Program. Invitations are sent every week to eligible applicants. Then, the candidate must be qualified for one of the five existing streams and have a job offer in one of the 29 approved positions. The job offer should last for at least a year and with at least 120 days left at the time of the processing of the application. 

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan may not have a tech worker immigration stream, but it can still restrict a round of invitations for the application for provincial nomination to a specific occupation or group. They had already done this, too, when they issued 621 invitations to apply to skilled workers who used the Express Entry or the Occupations-in-Demand stream under the province’s International Skilled Worker category. They also limited their invitation to applicants with experience in at least three tech occupations.

Manitoba

In 2019, the MBPNP or Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program held a Tech Talent Recruitment Mission in Buenos Aires. This lasted for three days and was a very good example of multiple organizations working together to acquire tech talent for the country. Present during the mission were YES! Winnipeg and Bold Commerce. 

Ontario

Ontario has its own tech talent recruitment system that works together with the existing streams. The OINP or Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has determined that work experience in certain tech occupations is a requirement for eligibility for periodic tech-only draws. Those who are selected in those tech draws enjoy fast treatment and a heightened level of service. Just last year, Ontario sent no less than 4.385 invitations via this program. 

Quebec

As you should know, the province’s tech industry is already thriving. But recently, Quebec surprised everybody with their unique tech worker pathways. The province announced that it would have a new immigration pathway specifically for workers in the AI, IT, and visual effect industries. Furthermore, its set annual intake for this pilot is at 550 applicants for now. 

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigration to Canada

Conclusion

As you can see, workers from the tech industry won’t exactly run out of options to try if they want to work in Canada. And as technology only grows bigger every year and ever moves forward, you can expect that the country’s means of determining, choosing, and integrating tech workers from all over the world will continue to evolve simultaneously. This is evident in the huge developments that were seen in the last few years!

So, if you are wondering, yes, being in the tech industry may still be one of the best ways to immigrate to Canada!

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

How to Immigrate to Canada from the UAE: A Quick Guide

Thousands living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) apply to immigrate to Canada every year. In fact, UAE was the fifth most popular country of residence of successful Express Entry candidates in 2020. It can be due to the various privileges, like access to universal healthcare, high-quality education, career opportunities, and beautiful sceneries filled with natural beauty. Whatever the motivation may be, it is recommended that you know the application process. 

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada from the UAE, feel free to use this article as your guide.

What Are the Programs I Can Apply for to Immigrate to Canada from the UAE?

If you are planning to apply for Canada permanent residence from the UAE, you should assess which programs you qualify for and give you the best chance of success. Here are some you can consider:

  • Business Immigration (including the Start-Up Visa Program)
  • Family Class Sponsorship
  • Federal Economic Class
  • Provincial Economic Class
  • Quebec Immigration
  • Temporary Residence (eventually transitioning to Permanent)

What Is the Federal Economic Class?

The country accepts the largest number of immigrants under the economic class. It also has various class programs, including Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canada Experience Class. Within the Federal Economic Class, the largest group is the Federal High Skilled category.

The federal economic class immigration system is operated using Express Entry, and most provinces also follow it.

What Is The Express Entry Process?

Express Entry can be a fast way to immigrate to Canada as long as you meet the requirements. It has target processing times of six months once the complete application is received. 

This process requires you to submit your profile and enter the Express Entry Pool. You are given 60 days to submit a full application. If you meet the minimum points requirement, you will then receive an invitation to apply. 

You are scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System, and it points for core factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. The highest-scoring profiles will be issued an invitation to apply to one of the immigration programs. 

In addition, a provincial nomination is worth 600 points. If you achieved that score, you would effectively guarantee an invitation to apply. Take note that the target processing time is six months, and you will eventually be informed about the results. If successful, you can move to Canada. 

What Are Canada’s Provincial Programs?

Each of the country’s provinces runs its own immigration programs that target the specific demands of local labour markets. Here are some of them:

  • Ontario Immigration
  • Quebec Immigration
  • Alberta Immigration
  • British Columbia Immigration
  • Manitoba Immigration
  • New Brunswick Immigration
  • Newfoundland Immigration
  • Nova Scotia Immigration
  • Saskatchewan Immigration
  • Prince Edward Island Immigration

The entire process can be overwhelming or confusing at first, especially during your first time. However, you can reach out to experienced immigration experts for assistance. 

Canadian Visa Application
Immigrate to Canada

Conclusion

Completing your requirements and processing all paperwork when immigrating to Canada from the UAE can be difficult. The good news is you now have a better idea of what to prepare and which programs you can qualify for and learn more about. Meanwhile, you can partner with our immigration agency to ensure a hassle-free application process.

Don’t hesitate to seek top-notch immigration services in Toronto from Bright Immigration. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.