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June 20, 2024

Weekly Blogs - Global Tech Talent in High Demand in Canada

Canada's burgeoning tech sector is increasingly on the lookout for skilled professionals from around the globe. Recognizing the pivotal role that the tech industry plays in the nation's economic landscape, the Canadian government has instituted several streamlined work permit options specifically tailored for IT experts. This article outlines the primary pathways for IT professionals seeking to work in Canada, highlighting the expedited processes designed to attract global talent.

Global Talent Stream

One of the most prominent pathways is the Global Talent Stream (GTS). This program allows Canadian employers to expedite the hiring process for certain IT professionals through a facilitated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Key occupations that qualify for this stream include Software Engineers and Designers, Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers, Information Systems Analysts and Consultants, and Computer and Information Systems Managers.

The GTS offers significant advantages:

  • Expedited LMIA Processing: Employers can benefit from a fast-tracked, two-week LMIA processing time.

This rapid processing helps Canadian companies quickly fill critical tech roles, maintaining their competitive edge in the global market.

CUSMA Professionals

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), there exists a facilitated work permit process for professionals from the U.S. and Mexico. Approximately 60 occupations are eligible for the CUSMA Professional work permit, including key IT roles such as computer systems analysts, graphic designers, technical publications writers, and computer engineers.

The key benefits of the CUSMA Professional work permit include:

  • No LMIA Requirement: Canadian employers are not required to obtain an LMIA, simplifying the process significantly.

  • Quicker Turnaround: Without the need for an LMIA, the time required to bring a foreign worker to Canada is substantially reduced.

This streamlined approach allows companies to swiftly integrate skilled IT professionals into their teams, fostering innovation and growth.

Intra-Company Transferees

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit is another advantageous option, particularly for multinational companies. This permit facilitates the transfer of employees who have been with the company abroad for at least one year and have a qualifying relationship between the international and Canadian entities (subsidiary, affiliate, parent, or branch).

Key points of the ICT work permit include:

  • No LMIA Requirement: Similar to the CUSMA Professional work permit, no LMIA is needed.

  • Specialized Knowledge: While managerial positions are generally the primary beneficiaries, IT professionals with “specialized and proprietary knowledge of the company or its products” can qualify under this category.

This is particularly useful for tech roles where employees possess unique skills or deep understanding of the company’s proprietary systems, such as Programmers and Developers who have designed company software, or Computer Engineers with specialized expertise.

Conclusion

Canada’s array of work permit options for IT professionals underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a robust tech sector. Whether through the Global Talent Stream, CUSMA Professionals, or Intra-Company Transfers, the Canadian government provides multiple avenues to attract and retain top tech talent from around the world. These programs not only expedite the immigration process but also ensure that Canadian companies can remain at the forefront of technological innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.

Contact R&R Law LLP for Assistance

If you see yourself fitting into one of these programs or you are a tech talent, R&R Law LLP firm can help in making Canada your new home. Please contact us to schedule a consultation call with one of our lawyers. Also, To stay updated on the latest Canadian immigration news, we recommend following our LinkedIn page.

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Regards,

Rema and Rebecca

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