Interested in starting a new life in Canada as a tech worker? Finding a place to live and the documents you need will make your move successful.
The Canadian government has made significant technological investments in recent years, investing billions of dollars in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing and artificial intelligence. In addition, the country has been promoting the growth of tech hubs nationwide, which has led to the emergence of world-class technology companies and the attention of major tech giants like Amazon and Google. With a thriving, expanding, and diverse technical workforce, Canada has become a tech haven that needs to be sustained for the country’s economy to prosper.
With many tech workers from the United States has already moved to Canada and more considering the move, Canada has become an increasingly popular choice for tech workers worldwide. H-1B tech workers seeking a more straightforward immigration process leading to permanent residency may be among those with dual American/Canadian citizenship who wish to maintain their US employment while living in Canada. Tech workers have questions about Canada, despite its apparent advantages. How does Canada’s tech industry compare to others? Which immigration procedures are difficult, and how long do they take? And lastly, what can Canadian tech workers expect? In this post, we shall go into these inquiries.
Canada’s technology industry is flourishing and expanding
Investing in research and business at all levels has resulted in significant growth in the Canadian technology industry. To establish Canada as a world leader, the Canadian government has made considerable investments in quantum physics research and development. Quantum computers are able to tackle complicated problems more quickly and effectively than conventional computers in the fields of healthcare, finance, materials design, military, and clean technologies. Canada’s advanced national quantum technology plan won $23 billion in funding in January 2022. The industry is expected to reach $86 billion by 2040, with an expected $4 billion in sales.
A large number of technology-focused hubs have emerged across Canada as a result of the expansion of the tech sector.
A diverse and extensive talent pool and investments from multiple sources will contribute significantly to Canada’s tech sector’s growth in the coming years. A $533 million investment and 1,100 new jobs are expected to be generated by the Canadian government’s quantum research and development by 2025. Venture capital deals in Canada’s start-up ecosystem have increased by double in 2021, with over $15 billion invested into 753 companies, double what was invested in 2019. The growth of a number of technical hubs has also been driven by investors’ interest in artificial intelligence, clean energy, and environmental sustainability.
The Canadian government, local institutions, and the government of Toronto have all combined to make Toronto the third-largest technology cluster in North America. The University of Toronto is constructing a $100 million high-tech innovation center, while the University of Waterloo, which is located in Ontario, has been named one of the top ten universities in the world. Nova Scotia, where the information technology industry is expanding quickly, is another hotspot for technology. Over 26,000 people work in the $2.5 billion tech sector in the area, and four nearby schools have received $16.8 million in support from the Nova Scotian government to establish computer science programs. Global real estate company CBRE reports that over the past five years, Halifax has seen a 24% increase in the number of technology professionals.
Living in Canada is affordable and of high quality
For tech professionals looking to advance their careers, Canada is an attractive destination, and its high standard of living makes it an all-around great place to live. By increasing its population by immigration, Canada demonstrates its welcoming attitude toward immigrants. Its goal is to add 400,000 immigrants each year, and its Century Initiative aims to reach 100 million residents by 2036, with half of the population being foreign-born or having an immigrant parent. Moreover, Canada offers slightly lower prices than its southern neighbor.
A Canadian’s average income is similar to that of one in the US, and the cost of living differs slightly from one in the US. Canadians, however, enjoy greater social benefits. In comparison to private US universities, Canadian universities charge 16% to 38% less for tuition. It is worth noting that Canada has a universal healthcare system, which is funded by taxes and does not require most healthcare services to be paid for. The average cost of healthcare in Canada each year is $7,068, whereas in the US it is approximately $10,739. Additionally, Canada has an array of different landscapes, from mountains to glaciers and rainforests. As a result, it presents several options for pursuits including snowboarding, surfing, and hiking. In addition, Canada offers well-defined immigration routes for ICT employees.
Immigrate to Canada as tech workers
Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an ideal skilled worker program for those seeking new employment opportunities in the country. The initiative was designed to attract top talent from abroad and to empower Canadian businesses to hire foreign specialists.
As low as two weeks are required for the Global Talent Stream of the Skilled Worker Program to process an application for authorization to work in Canada. A Canadian employer must offer a position on the Global Talent Occupations List in order for individuals to qualify. The program has become popular because of its rapid processing, even though eligibility requirements can be strict. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an alternative immigration system established by provinces and territories to overcome labor shortages. While the PNP application process typically takes between two weeks to nine months to be approved by the respective province, it remains a viable option for skilled workers looking to settle in Canada.
After accepting or nominating an applicant for a Canadian work visa, the application goes through the federal approval process, which can take up to six months. However, the CCI – (Council of Canadian Innovators) is advocating for the adoption of a fresh idea known as the High Potential Tech Visa. Under this proposed visa, high-skilled computer graduates might acquire permanent residence in Canada without a work offer. Some high-skilled tech workers believe that having to have a valid job offer before applying for a work visa is an unnecessary obstacle for them to establish a career and life in Canada.
Potential employees would have greater freedom with the High Potential Tech Visa because it would allow them to work, change careers, or move employers. Although it is still under review, this visa proposal reflects the development of Canada’s technology industry and the country’s desire to draw in new talent. Because of Canada’s vibrant innovation community and open immigration regulations, American tech companies and experts are increasingly looking there.
If you’re looking for ways to work in Canada, the GTS – (Global Talent Stream) and PNP – (Provincial Nominee Programs) are well-known options. However, if you’re currently employed in a US tech job that you enjoy and want to relocate to Canada, the Express Entry draw could be a suitable solution for you. Through this scheme, qualified people can apply for permanent residence in Canada even if they don’t yet have a job offer.
