A tech worker's guide to start a new life in Canada

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 having 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 technological 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.