Maple News reports that Canada’s video game industry has made a strong comeback following pandemic-related shutdowns, positioning itself as an attractive destination for skilled international talent. Alongside film and television production, which also rebounded swiftly in 2021, the gaming sector is now one of the country’s creative powerhouses experiencing high demand for specialized workers such as voice actors, motion capture artists, developers, and designers.
While COVID-19 safety protocols remain in place across studios and sets, the industry has adapted to ensure that physical distancing and health measures are upheld, preventing further disruptions due to outbreaks. This resilience has helped maintain steady growth in video game productions, drawing increasing interest from international professionals looking for work opportunities in Canada.
Foreign workers aiming to enter Canada’s video game sector can apply for a work permit through multiple immigration routes. The most traditional pathway requires a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, who may need to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document confirms there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available for the role.
For positions based in Quebec, workers must also obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), which authorizes temporary work in the province. Once the LMIA and CAQ (if applicable) are secured, applicants can use these documents to apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Upon entry to Canada, the work permit is typically issued at the port of entry.
A faster alternative for highly skilled professionals lies in the Global Talent Stream (GTS), part of Canada’s broader Global Skills Strategy. This stream enables eligible workers to receive a work permit in as little as two weeks after applying. Under Category A, employers must have a referral from a designated partner to hire specialized talent. Under Category B, they can directly hire workers for occupations listed on Canada’s Global Talent Occupations List.
Once a position and stream are determined, the entire process—from LMIA approval to work permit issuance—can take as little as four weeks, significantly expediting the path to working in Canada for qualified applicants.
With the Canadian video game industry on the rise and quick immigration pathways available, the country continues to attract some of the top international talent in digital entertainment and interactive media.