Workforce shortages have been a long-standing problem in Canada's tech industry and as such many businesses look overseas to get the professional talent they need.
In response to the labour shortages, several Canadian immigration programs were developed to ease the process for companies recruiting foreign workers in tech, and for foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in Canada.
The Ontario Tech Pilot
This pilot is for immigration applicants who have job experience in six tech-related professions. First, the candidates should have a profile in the Express Entry system in Canada. Ontario invited 954 individuals to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent Canadian residency in January of this year.
B.C.'s Tech Pilot
Invites immigrant candidates to apply virtually every week for a provincial nomination. In one of 29 Tech jobs, qualifying applicants must have a job offer. They can be invited under the Skills Immigration stream or the BC Express Entry process.
Candidates who receive nominations through Express Entry-linked Provincial Nominee Programs are guaranteed to be invited in the subsequent express entry draw to apply for permanent residence since 600 additional points will be added to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
