The Indian community in Canada is growing every day, with close to 1.4 million Indians calling the country their home. From 2013 to 2023, the amount of Indians who became permanent residents in Canada increased by a staggering 260 percent. As a result, the great white north has one of the largest Indian diasporas worldwide.
With all this immigration has come a surge of tech skills and expertise, which Canada has welcomed with open arms. This is partly due to Trump's policies surrounding immigration, which aimed to make the H-1B visa program more restrictive.
However, the current Canadian Liberal government understands how much foreign-born talents matter, so they’ve introduced strategies, programs and policies that help bring in skilled workers of India. And as more people choose Canada, the country is making the process of moving there even simpler.
If you’re an Indian tech professional with goals to move to Canada or are thinking of applying for a job in Canada, it’s key to understand how to navigate the process. Let’s get into it.
Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy
To start, let’s get into how Canada is actively working to attract foreign-born tech talent through its Tech Talent Strategy. This program aims to fill in-demand tech jobs and boost Canada's economy by attracting skilled individuals. The strategy includes several key pillars:
Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program
This allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without the need for a labor market impact assessment (LMIA). An upcoming Innovation Stream will focus on bringing in talented workers to drive innovation.
Digital Nomad Attraction:
Canada is exploring policies to attract remote workers who can work from anywhere.
- Streamlined Work Permits for H-1B Visa Holders
H-1B visa holders from the US can apply to work in Canada with open work permits for up to three years.
- Enhancements to Existing Programs
Improvements are being made to the Global Skills Strategy and Start-up Visa Program to provide quicker access to skilled talent.
- Starting Your Journey to Canada from India
Are you interested in gaining insight into the process of immigration to Canada from India? Before you begin, it's important to do some research. Spend time exploring the various paths available for immigration to Canada and the specific requirements for each one. Use this article as a jumping off point to learn the ins and outs of your journey from India to Canada.
You'll find a range of options, including the Express Entry program, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship, and even the newly announced H1-B visa program, which could lead to an open work permit.
Find the Right Route for You
To kickstart your immigration process, familiarize yourself with the different programs available. Each program has its own set of criteria. So, selecting the right program for you is vital.
Let's take a closer look at the Canada Express Entry program, tailored for foreign workers like you. While there are other programs, this one stands out as a preferred choice for skilled workers. So, understanding the ins and outs of this program is a wise move, especially if you're a skilled professional. Let's dive in!
The Express Entry Program
This program is designed to welcome skilled workers to Canada and boost the country's economy. It operates through an online system that encompasses three distinct programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Remember, for each program within Express Entry, you need to meet Canada's eligibility criteria. Additionally, plan to settle outside of Quebec, which has its own provincial program for skilled workers. While there are commonalities between the programs, these two aspects are vital to consider.
Before we get into the program requirements, take a moment to learn about a special opportunity, especially if you're an Indian physician.
New Temporary Public Policy for Physicians
Canada has introduced a temporary policy for foreign national physicians who:
- Received an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry on or after April 25, 2023, and applied.
- Hold a job offer or work experience in providing publicly funded medical services in Canada.
Under this policy, more flexible criteria are used to assess candidates for:
- Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Canadian work experience and arranged employment.
Canadian Experience Class
If you're a skilled worker with Canadian work experience, the Canadian Experience Class program might be the right fit. To be eligible, you need to have gained experience within the past three years before applying, and you must meet the following requirements.
Key Requirements
To be eligible, ensure your language proficiency matches the levels established for the job category (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You should also have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years, acquired while holding temporary resident status and receiving payment for your work.
This experience should align with the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.
- TEER 0: Management Occupations
- TEER 1: Occupations Requiring a University Degree
- TEER 2: Occupations Requiring a College Diploma or Apprenticeship Training
- TEER 3: Occupations Requiring a College Diploma, Apprenticeship Training, or On-the-Job Training
Please note that self-employment, volunteer work, internships, and work experience as a full-time student don't count towards the required work experience. It needs to be paid work, either full-time, part-time or a combination of roles that meet specific criteria.
Education: The Canadian Experience Class does not have a specific education requirement. However, having a Canadian education or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization can boost your Express Entry ranking.
Language Ability: Approved language tests assess your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. Your language proficiency is evaluated based on the job category outlined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs
- Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.
Remember, language test results are valid for two years from the test date and should remain valid when you apply for permanent residency.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker program is geared toward skilled workers with foreign work experience categorized as economic class programs. Applicants also need to meet the following educational and other specific criteria.
Required Work Experience for Skilled Workers
Your work experience should fall within these categories:
- TEER 0
- TEER 1
- TEER 2
- TEER 3
Additionally, you must have completed at least one year of paid work within the last ten years, with a minimum of 30 hours per week or equivalent part-time hours.
If you gained work experience while studying, it could contribute to meeting the minimum requirements under specific conditions:
- You were paid wages or commissions.
- There were no gaps in your employment history.
- The experience meets all other program requirements.
Language Ability: To be eligible, you must attain minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores:
- 5 for speaking and listening
- 4 for reading and writing
Approved English or French language tests assess these skills. Test results are valid for two years.
Education: The Federal Skilled Worker Program doesn't mandate specific education. However, Canadian education (certificate, diploma, or degree) or a Foreign Education Credential Assessment (ECA) equivalent can enhance your Express Entry ranking.
Selection Factors: Eligibility factors include age, education, work experience, job offer, and language skills.
Programs to Consider
Canada is all about welcoming Indian immigrants to Canada. So, there are a number of programs in place to ease the process.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program: For skilled workers in niche occupations to test living in Canada. However, it does not grant permanent resident status.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: Atlantic provinces may invite international graduates from a Canadian school and highly-skilled foreign workers to establish permanent residence in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
- Live-in Caregiver Program: Allows foreign nationals to work as caregivers for Canadians needing constant care.
- Studying in Canada: International students can pursue studies in Canada and bring their families along.
Exploring Canadian Work Permits
If you're an Indian tech professional looking to work in Canada, you'll need a visa and a work permit. Here are the basics, made easy.
Types of Permits
Employer-Specific Permit: You work for a specific employer under set conditions. Your employer gives you a job contract and either a copy of the Labor Market Impact Assessment, which is equivalent to the Labor Condition Application in the US, or an offer of employment number. All offers of intended employment must respect the prevailing wage for similar jobs in the same market.
Open Permit: You can work for any employer in Canada, except specific ineligible ones. This works in certain situations:
- You graduated from a Canadian school and qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
- You're a student in financial trouble.
- You face abuse in your job.
- You're applying for permanent residence.
- You're a dependent family member.
- You're a spouse, partner, or child of a worker or student. Note that other family members may not be eligible to sponsor your work permit.
- You're a refugee or protected person.
- You have a removal order.
- You're a young worker in special programs.
If any of these apply, you may be eligible for an open work permit in Canada. Remember, some jobs may require a medical exam. If you want to avoid medical conditions on your open work permit, get a medical exam from a panel physician. Canada also has options if you’re planning to bring your family. They may be able to work, study, or live with you in Canada while you work.
Simple Steps for Getting a Canadian Visa
India isn't on the list of countries that can visit Canada without a visa. So, you'll need a visa to live and work there Just follow these steps:
How to Apply
Here's what you do:
- Get Your Papers Ready: Collect your documents, like job offers or school letters.
- Apply Online: Go to the Canadian government website, create an account, and upload your papers. There's a fee, usually around $100 CAD.
- Fingerprint and Photo: Pay about $85 CAD for fingerprinting and photos. They'll tell you where to go.
Tips for Fingerprinting
Remember these:
- No henna on your fingers for clear prints.
- If your fingers are hurt, wait for them to heal.
- Wear bright clothes for the photo, but no light colors or headgear covering your face.
Application Review and Approval
Canada checks your application. If anything is missing, they'll send it back. If everything's good, they'll tell you what's next for your visa.
Getting Ready for Your Trip
Once you've got your visa, get your travel stuff ready. If you're not sure what to bring, better to have extra papers just in case. When you land in Canada, show the papers they asked for at the airport. Following these steps will help make your Canada trip much smoother.
Consider Where You Settle
If you're an Indian tech professional eyeing Canada, where you settle can make a big difference in your career prospects. Different cities offer exciting tech scenes, and it's important to explore your options.
Toronto
Toronto is a global tech hotspot with tons of tech companies and jobs. It's grown to be North America's third-largest tech hub, attracting giants like Meta, Twitter, and Amazon. With a diverse culture and many job openings, it's a great choice.
Montreal
Montreal has a strong focus on AI and tech innovation. Big players like Microsoft and Intel are investing here. Plus, it's a hub for gaming and aerospace, offering exciting opportunities.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo is a surprise contender, with a booming startup culture and tech giants like Google setting up shop. It's a great place for tech talent to shine.
Vancouver
Vancouver is also on the rise, with a growing number of tech jobs, especially in gaming and cloud computing. It's becoming a major tech hub.
In the end, where you settle depends on your industry, role, and interests. Think about how you want to contribute to Canada’s burgeoning tech scene. Are you interested in AI? Gaming? Cybersecurity? Canada offers a range of tech hubs with unique advantages, making it a great destination for Indian tech pros looking to grow their careers.
Best of Luck
Remember, your journey isn't just about paperwork and visas. Take the time to explore the nuances of applying for a job in Canada, securing a place to live, and adapting to life there. Understand the work conditions, salary expectations, and how the move will benefit you and your family.
Moving across the world is a big deal, and foresight is key. When it comes to immigration to Canada from India, there will be aspects you can't predict, so do your best to equip yourself as much as possible. To learn about immigrating to Canada, check out our blog.
Disclaimer
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