The need for tech workers in Canada is on the rise and so are immigration pathways. With the commencement of Category-based Express Entry draw – STEM occupations being one of the targeted industries- it has come to attention that there are other ways of immigration to Canada for U.S. tech workers too. Let’s talk about these pathways below.
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Express Entry
Express Entry is the most popular immigration pathway to Canada for not just U.S. workers but also skilled workers globally. It is the federal immigration system of Canada that uses different immigration programs to manage applications. The main immigration programs under Express Entry are: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Express Entry conducts draws regularly to invite eligible and high ranking applicants from the Express Entry pool for Canada PR. If a tech worker from U.S. is looking to settle in Canada, they may apply for PR through Express Entry. In case the tech worker didn’t receive an invitation in Express Entry draws, they could wait for the Category-based draws to be conducted for STEM occupations.
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Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) stream
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) stream or category is a category CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement). CUSMA is a trade-based agreement formed between the three countries of North America.
For tech workers in the U.S. they may apply through ICT and get a work permit to work in Canada. This way they will gain valuable Canadian work experience and later on could even apply for permanent residence in Canada. One of the main requirements of ICT is that the employee from the U.S must come to Canada to work for the Canadian branch, subsidiary or some affiliate of their own employer.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) help skilled, semi-skilled, and entry level workers receive nominations by certain provinces and territories on lower CRS scores or points. PNPs aim to help local economies boost up.
Provinces and territories of Canada (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) regularly conduct PNP draws to call for workers in high demand occupations. For workers in the tech sector, they can immigrate to Canada using streams of PNPs that specifically cater to them.
Start-Up Visa (SUV) program
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs or persons with potential business ideas to build their business in Canada but lack in funding. If the individual is able to convince business investors to fund their start-up ideas, and fulfill the requirements, they could get Canada PR and then set up their business in Canada.
The aim of promoting entrepreneurship in Canada is to create more job opportunities for Canadians, and help drive the economy.
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