…How skilled workers can relocate in 2025
By David Akinmola
As global competition for digital talent intensifies, Canada is positioning itself as the world’s most attractive destination for technology professionals — offering faster processing, clearer residency pathways, and a friendlier policy environment than its southern neighbour, the United States.
The development comes amid growing concern over America’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee, which threatens to make the U.S. less accessible to international tech talent. In contrast, Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, recently announced plans to introduce a “clear offering” for skilled foreign workers affected by the U.S. proposal — reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a magnet for global innovation.
While the details of Carney’s new policy are still being finalized, Canada already operates one of the world’s most efficient immigration systems for digital professionals — offering multiple pathways for both temporary work and permanent residency (PR).
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), category-based draws under the Express Entry system now target professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, forming a cornerstone of the country’s new tech immigration drive.
A Global Magnet for Tech Workers
At the heart of Canada’s attraction is its streamlined Global Talent Stream (GTS) — part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program — which allows employers to recruit top-tier tech talent within just two weeks. This program covers high-demand roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and IT analysts, with minimal red tape.
Under Category A, Canadian firms can fast-track applications for specialized global experts earning at least C$80,000 annually, while Category B focuses on pre-approved occupations in the country’s national tech occupations list.
In 2024 alone, more than 17,000 international tech workers secured Canadian work permits through this channel, according to government data — a figure projected to rise by 30% in 2025 as global mobility programs expand.
A Pathway from Work to Residency
For those seeking a permanent move, the Express Entry system remains the most reliable route. Candidates are scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) — factoring in education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Tech professionals enjoy a competitive advantage through STEM-targeted draws, where even mid-range CRS scores have been sufficient to secure permanent residency invitations. Occupations prioritized in 2025 include software developers, AI engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and systems architects.
Processing times average six months, and successful candidates gain access to one of the world’s strongest tech ecosystems, including innovation hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montréal.
Provincial Tech Pathways Gain Traction
Beyond federal routes, Canada’s provinces have developed tailored programs to attract high-skilled digital talent:
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Ontario’s Tech Draws under the Human Capital Priorities stream select experienced professionals in occupations like cloud computing, IT project management, and UX design — awarding 600 additional CRS points to successful nominees.
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Alberta’s Accelerated Tech Pathway targets Express Entry candidates with Alberta-based job offers in over 30 digital occupations, including blockchain development and network security.
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Saskatchewan’s Tech Talent Pathway provides opportunities for tech professionals with valid provincial job offers — with applications processed in as little as seven months.
These programs align with Canada’s broader goal to address its national digital skills shortage, which currently stands at over 200,000 unfilled tech jobs, according to the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).
A Competitive Edge Over the U.S.
Analysts say Canada’s approach offers predictability and inclusiveness lacking in the U.S. system. While the H-1B visa faces lottery-based uncertainty and rising costs, Canada’s model provides transparent selection, faster approvals, and a direct PR route for qualified applicants.
“Canada’s tech immigration system is designed for stability — not bureaucracy,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, a Toronto-based immigration consultant. “Global tech talent wants a country that values their skills without endless waiting or unpredictable lotteries. That’s Canada’s advantage right now.”
What Lies Ahead
With the Global Hypergrowth Project and the Innovation Stream already fast-tracking permits for employees of major tech firms like Lightspeed Commerce, Clio, and Ada, Canada is not just filling vacancies — it is building an innovation pipeline.
Under the Innovation Stream, workers with job offers from approved employers can obtain LMIA-exempt permits within two weeks, enabling companies to scale operations swiftly.
As the global talent race accelerates, experts say Canada’s combination of open immigration policy, digital-first governance, and pro-innovation regulation could make it the leading hub for international tech migration by 2030.
“The future of tech is borderless — and Canada is writing the playbook,” said immigration policy analyst Rahul Singh.
