Maple News reports that Canada continues to strengthen its appeal to tech professionals worldwide by offering a growing number of immigration pathways tailored to the technology sector. As the United States moves forward with a proposed $100,000 USD fee increase for H-1B visa applications, Canada’s government is signaling its intent to become a more attractive destination for highly-skilled foreign talent.
Although the precise details of Canada’s new tech-focused immigration “offering”—as recently mentioned by Prime Minister Mark Carney—have yet to be disclosed, the country already offers several well-established pathways for tech workers to enter and settle in Canada, either temporarily or permanently.
For short-term work opportunities, tech professionals can apply under the Global Talent Stream (GTS) within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This route is known for its accelerated processing time of just two weeks and is designed for employers who have been approved to hire international talent in high-demand fields.
Another option is the International Mobility Program, which includes Intra-Company Transfers for multinational firms as well as the Innovation Stream, set to launch this year under the Global Hypergrowth Project. Both streams allow work permit issuance without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), significantly simplifying the hiring process for employers and streamlining entry for qualified professionals.
For those seeking a permanent future in Canada, Express Entry’s category-based draws now include a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) stream, which exclusively targets tech and other specialized professionals. Processing times under Express Entry streams typically take around six months.
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also actively seek tech professionals. Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have dedicated pathways for individuals with job offers or experience in key tech occupations. These PNP streams can lead to permanent residency and usually have processing times ranging from seven to eighteen months depending on the stream and Express Entry alignment.
Permanent residency gives individuals the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely and may be an ideal path for those looking to settle long term. Temporary work permits, on the other hand, are typically issued for one to three years but may be renewed depending on circumstances and employer needs.
With its robust infrastructure for supporting tech talent and a welcoming approach to immigration, Canada is positioning itself as a global hub for innovation. As immigration policy shifts in the U.S., Canada’s proactive stance may lead to a larger influx of international tech professionals seeking opportunity and stability.
Maple News will continue to follow developments on Canada’s forthcoming policy measures tailored toward tech workers affected by international changes, particularly those in the United States.