How Tech Workers Can Move to Canada

If you work in the technology sector, Canada offers strong opportunities to live and work here. Over the past few years, the Canadian government has created special work permit programs and permanent residence (PR) pathways to attract skilled professionals in tech.

With the U.S. considering a $100,000 USD fee for H-1B visa petitions, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney recently stated that the country will provide a “clear offering” for foreign tech workers affected by this change. While the details are still to come, Canada already has several established pathways for tech talent.

Options for Tech Workers to Move to Canada

Tech professionals can come to Canada either on a temporary work permit or apply directly for permanent residence (PR).

• Work Permits: Usually valid for 1–3 years, renewable in some cases, and faster to obtain than PR.
• Permanent Residence: Allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely, with many applying after gaining Canadian work experience.
  
  

Work Permit Pathways

1. Global Talent Stream (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
• Fast-track LMIA processing (as little as 2 weeks).
• For highly skilled tech professionals in occupations like IT analysts, software engineers, and civil engineers.
• Two categories:
• Category A: Job offers from innovative Canadian companies requiring specialized talent.
• Category B: Occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupations List.
• Salary and experience requirements apply.
  
  
2. International Mobility Program (IMP)
• LMIA-exempt pathways for specialized roles.
• Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs): For executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge employees transferring to a Canadian branch.
• Innovation Stream: For those with job offers from Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) employers like Ada, Lightspeed Commerce, or Clio.
  
  

Permanent Residence (PR) Pathways

1. Express Entry – STEM Category
• Canada’s Express Entry system manages skilled worker applications.
• Tech professionals often score well under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
• In 2025, STEM workers are prioritized in category-based draws.
• Processing time: about 6 months.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Provinces run their own tech-specific immigration streams. Examples:
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Regular tech draws under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: For tech workers in Alberta or those with Alberta job offers.
• Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway: For candidates with job offers in designated occupations.
• Processing time: 7–18 months depending on the program.
  
  

Why Work Permits May Be the First Step

While many aim for permanent residency, starting with a work permit often makes sense:

• Work permits are processed much faster than PR applications.
• Canadian work experience gained on a work permit strengthens your PR profile.
• Many tech workers transition from temporary status to permanent residence successfully.
  
  

Key Takeaway

Canada is positioning itself as a top destination for global tech talent. Whether through fast-tracked work permits like the Global Talent Stream or permanent residence pathways such as Express Entry and provincial programs, skilled tech professionals have multiple options to make Canada their new home.