Top Canadian PNP & Immigration Paths for Tech Workers 2024

Immigration to Canada for Tech Workers: Top Pathways in 2024–2025

Canada’s tech sector is booming — and it’s welcoming skilled workers from around the world with open arms. If you’re a tech professional looking to build a future in Canada, 2024 and 2025 offer more opportunities than ever to make that dream a reality.

Whether you’re eyeing a temporary work permit or hoping to become a permanent resident, there are a variety of immigration pathways tailored specifically for tech talent. Let’s explore the most popular programs and what makes them appealing for tech workers seeking a new life in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Fast-track work permits: The Global Talent Stream offers two-week processing times for key tech roles.
• Permanent residency options: Tech workers are prioritized in Express Entry’s STEM category and through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
• Employer-based pathways: Programs like the Innovation Stream and Intra-Company Transfers support employer-specific work permits without an LMIA.
• Multiple provinces are hiring: Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan all have tech-focused immigration streams.
• U.S. H-1B alternatives: Canada is making it easier for tech workers impacted by the U.S.’s rising H-1B visa costs to move north.

Why Canada Is a Top Destination for Tech Talent

There’s no question that Canada has become one of the most attractive countries for global tech professionals. With a growing tech industry, supportive immigration policies, and a high quality of life, it’s no wonder so many skilled workers are choosing to make the move.

Recently, the U.S. announced a proposed US$100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions, which could make staying or moving to the U.S. more expensive for tech employers and workers. In response, Canada has signalled its intention to offer a “clear alternative” — although the details are still to come, many options are already available to help skilled workers immigrate.

Top Canadian Immigration Pathways for Tech Workers

Let’s break down the most popular work permit and permanent residency options available to tech professionals:

Temporary Work Permit Options

1. Global Talent Stream (GTS)

If you’ve got a job offer in a high-demand tech role, the Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program could be your best bet. The main perk? Processing in as little as two weeks.

The GTS is split into two categories:

• Category A: For workers with unique or specialized skills, hired by a Canadian company referred by a designated partner.
• Category B: For roles listed on Canada’s Global Talent Occupations List — think software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.

To qualify, you’ll need a job offer with a competitive salary and either a relevant degree or 5+ years of specialized experience.

2. Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

Already working for a multinational company? If they have a Canadian office, you may be eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer. This lets your employer move you to Canada without an LMIA — which speeds up the process.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• At least one year of full-time work with the company in the past three years
• Employment in a managerial or specialized knowledge position

3. Innovation Stream

The Innovation Stream is one of Canada’s newest options for tech professionals. It targets skilled workers with job offers from select, fast-growing companies under the Global Hypergrowth Project.

Eligible employers include Clio, Lightspeed, and AlayaCare, among others. If you land a job with one of these top players, you could qualify for a two-week work permit — no LMIA needed!

Permanent Residency Options

1. Express Entry – STEM Category-Based Draws

Canada’s Express Entry system is the most popular pathway to permanent residency. And for tech workers, it just got even better.

Under new category-based draws, candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in eligible STEM occupations can be invited to apply with lower CRS scores.

Eligible occupations include:

• Cybersecurity specialists
• Software engineers & developers
• Electrical and electronics engineers
• Data scientists
• Mechanical engineers

As a bonus, if you’re already in Canada on a work permit, you’ll likely get extra CRS points for Canadian work experience — giving you a leg up in the pool.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s provinces are also stepping up to recruit tech talent. Here are three PNPs tech professionals should know:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Tech Draws

Ontario holds targeted tech draws through its Human Capital Priorities stream of Express Entry. Candidates with experience in select occupations — like software developers and computer engineers — can receive a Notification of Interest (NOI).

Once nominated, you’ll get an extra 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an invitation in the next Express Entry draw.

Alberta’s Accelerated Tech Pathway

This pathway is part of the Alberta Express Entry stream and is designed for candidates working in Alberta’s tech sector, or those with job offers in qualifying occupations. Alberta regularly invites these candidates to apply for nomination.

To learn more about Alberta’s points system, check out our handy MPNP Points Calculator.

Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway

Saskatchewan has a tech-specific stream that welcomes foreign workers with job offers in qualifying occupations. To apply, your employer needs to have SINP approval and you’ll need to meet language, education, and experience requirements.

Work Permit vs. Permanent Residency: What’s the Best Route?

It’s a common question: should you apply for a work permit first, or aim straight for permanent residency?

Here’s the thing — many newcomers start with a work permit and then transition to PR. Work permits are often faster to obtain, and once you’re in Canada with Canadian work experience, your chances of getting permanent residence improve significantly.

Final Thoughts

Canada is truly rolling out the red carpet for