Global Talent Stream, Federal Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada has a rapidly growing and evolving tech sector; it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. As a result, more and more tech workers are immigrating to Canada.
Many of our clients are tech workers and there are a number of programs available that will allow them to work in Canada in the tech industry and help them become eligible for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Option 1: Global Talent Stream LMIA
The Global Talent Stream is a Temporary Foreign Worker program designed to bring specialized workers to Canada. There are two categories (A and B) to apply through. Category B is designed for tech workers.
To be eligible for the Global Talent Steam Category B LMIA, you must work in one of the occupations listed on the Global Talent List.
Jobs on the Global Talent List:
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 2147)
Mathematicians and statisticians (NOC 2161)
Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
Computer network technicians (NOC 2281)
Information systems testing technicians (NOC 2283)
Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager - visual effects and video game (NOC 5131)
Digital media designers (NOC 5241)
Global Talent Stream Processing Times: Eligible applicants can receive 10-day processing and employers can bypass the 4-week recruitment process required for most LMIA applications.
After coming to Canada through this program, you can gain Canadian work experience and time spent living in Canada which will allow you to become eligible for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class
Option 2: Federal Express Entry
The Federal Express Entry system is another popular choice for IT workers. It’s a points-based system, which means applicants will have to acquire a certain number of points, based on factors such as qualifications, age, language skills, etc.
This system manages applications for 3 programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires applicants to have 1 year of Canadian or foreign experience in NOC 0, A, or B. The Federal Skilled Trades Program requires applicants to have 2 years of Canadian or foreign experience in NOC B. Many of the positions classified under NOC B are tech-based jobs, such as:
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
Computer Network Technicians
Information systems testing technicians
Broadcast technicians
If you have the eligible work experience, you could apply to one of these programs, which would allow you to come to Canada to live and work on a permanent basis
Option 3: Express Entry - Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program is another option for those who don’t qualify for the Federal Express Entry program.
Certain provinces can select your Express Entry profile and extend a nomination to apply for Permanent Residency. A provincial nomination will reward applicants with an extra 600 Express Entry points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply for PR.
Some of Canada’s PNPs are geared towards tech workers. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, for example, targeted tech workers in May this year by issuing Provincial Nominations to those with work experience in the following NOC codes:
0213 Computer and information systems managers
2147 Computer engineers
2172 Database analysts and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
2175 Web designers and developers
Each province’s program is different and targets different types of workers. It’s also important to note that you must have an intention to live in the province that issues you a Provincial Nomination as this program is designed to bring foreign workers to fill in-demand positions in that province.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
