15,000 Plus Indian Tech Workers immigrated to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023. This has been revealed by the latest report by CTN – Canada’s Tech Network and TECNA – Technology Councils of North America.
During this period a total of 32,000 plus tech workers moved to Canada and India is the top source nation for tech professionals. The figures are projected to only increase for the period April 2023 to March 2024. It means more and more Indian tech workers are successful in obtaining jobs in Canada from India.
Canada has thus emerged as the hub for Indian tech workers who can get a job offer and Work Permit for Canada. Even Indian tech workers in the US are moving to Canada as they are being offered an Open Work Permit in Canada. A large number of Indian tech workers in the US with H1-B Visas are likely to be the maximum beneficiaries of the Open Work Permit.
The two cities in Canada that have been successful in maximum leveraging of this tech talent pool are Montreal and Mississauga. The tech ecosystem in Montreal has expanded by roughly 31% during the period 2015 to 2020. Meanwhile, Mississauga has almost 1,000 Tech firms and 300,000 plus tech professionals.
The Report titled “The Immigration of Tech Workers and Tech Occupations Post-Pandemic: Trends in Tech Workforce” highlights the latest industry trends. It says that the immigration of tech workers in large numbers caters to the demand for skilled workers even as there is a constant global shortage of talent. This augurs well for a thriving future for the tech occupation workforce in Canada, the report adds.
Canada also targets US-based Indians
The CTN-TECNA Report states that the 3 top sources of overall global immigration of tech talent are India, Nigeria, and Brazil. Meanwhile, Canada is also alluring US talents inclusive of Indians from chief cities in the US like Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C, and Philadelphia.
Canada is offering Open Work Permits to professionals with H1-B Visas in the US and aims to allure top tech talents to the nation. The report adds that Indians account for almost 75% of the H1-B Visa holders in the US. They are likely to be the major beneficiaries of the Open Work Permits policy, it adds.
New Tech Talent Strategy of Canada
Canada has launched a new strategy to attract increased numbers of tech workers globally and it comprises various initiatives such as:
Open Work Permit for H-1B Visa holders
Overseas workers in the US having the H1-B Visas will be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada. They will also be able to file Study Permit or Work Permit applications for their family members. The policy has been effective from July 2023 for 1 year or receipt of 10,000 applications whichever occurs first.
International Mobility Program’s New Innovation Stream
Work Permits specific to employers having a validity of 5 years have been launched by Canada for workers employed under specific companies approved by the government. 5-years Work Permit has also been made available for highly skilled workers in specific occupations in demand. The Innovation Stream will be operational from 2023 end.
14 days Work Permit processing resumed for Global Talent Stream
The Global Skills Strategy of Canada consists of 4 policies that aim to support employers in Canada seeking to quickly hire highly skilled talents from across the world. Employment and Social Development Canada – ESDC is now processing the Labor Market Impact Assessments – LMIA for employers under GTS within 14 days. Even IRCC is processing the Work Permit applications under GTS within 14 days after a delayed processing time owing to the backlog created by the pandemic.
Open to Tech nomads
Tech professionals working remotely can work for 6 months in Canada through the same application process as for a Canada Visitor Visa.
STEM-specific Express Entry draws
IRCC has begun offering invitations to apply for PR Visa under targeted draws aimed at specific categories inclusive of STEM occupations.
The Start-up Visa Program Improved
The allocation for the Start-up Visa has been increased for 2023 and further allocation is planned for 2024 and 2025. Applicants will now qualify for a 3-year Open Work Permit in place of 1 year. They will also be able to work for other employers instead of only their own Start-up.
The 3-year Open Work Permit is available for all the entrepreneurial team members instead of only those who are needed urgently in Canada.
Further, IRCC is offering priority to applications having the backing of Business Incubators, Angel Investor Groups, and Venture Capital with committed capital. It is along with applicants who have the backing of Business Incubators who are members of Tech Network in Canada.
Strategic Goals for Tech Immigration
Sean Fraser the Immigration Minister of Canada has said that the ambitious goals set by the Government of Canada are strategic and not just figures. He added enthusiastically that this is the first time that Canada has developed an exclusive strategy for tech worker immigration. We aim to attract immigrants who can help position Canada as a global leader in diverse new-age and cutting technologies, explained Fraser.
Diverse immigration programs exist for tech professionals seeking to immigrate to Canada.
Overseas nationals seeking to work in Canada require a Work Permit for lawful employment. A few of these Work Permits are exclusively aimed at tech professionals. They can also obtain a PR Visa directly without having ever worked in Canada.
However, it has been revealed by labor market studies that immigrants with past work experience in Canada have better outcomes. They have more chances of higher salaries and are more likely to get a job within the first year of immigration to Canada.
If you wish to move to Canada as a Tech worker but are unable to choose the right immigration pathway from the 20-plus programs, connect with Immigration Experts at Best Visa Consultants in Mumbai Nationwide Visas.
