Between April 2022 and March 2023, over 32,000 global tech professionals migrated to Canada, driven by the country’s welcoming immigration policies and competitive labor costs. This report, compiled by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN), delves into key aspects of this migration trend and explores Canada’s tech industry landscape.
Understanding the Report
The report attributes the influx of tech workers to Canada to the nation’s immigration-friendly policies and favorable labor cost conditions. It highlights how remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted tech professionals to move away from traditional tech hubs.
Tech Talent Migration to Canada
Global tech talent continues to migrate to Canada, primarily from countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. Additionally, increased investments from U.S.-based tech companies have contributed to Canada’s booming tech sector. In 2022, Canada boasted over 400,000 software developers, with smaller provinces like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador experiencing rapid tech workforce growth, including a 16.3% year-over-year increase.
Smaller rural Canadian cities, such as Windsor, Ontario, have witnessed substantial growth in tech workers due to the rise of remote work.
Key Tech Skills in Demand
The report identifies the most sought-after tech skills in Canada, which include Customer Experience, Microsoft Azure, Analytical Skills, Amazon Web Services, React.js, Jira, Data Science, GitHub, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Relationship Management. This information is valuable for global tech talent considering a move to Canada.
Canada’s Attractive Tech Hubs
The report ranks Mississauga (ON), Montreal (QUE), and Waterloo (ON) as Canada’s top tech hubs.
Mississauga
Mississauga is home to nearly 1,000 IT companies and is part of North America’s second-largest information and communication technology (ICT) cluster. It hosts global IT giants like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, HP, and Cognizant. The city supports tech innovation through initiatives like the Mississauga Innovation and Technology Acceleration Program (MITAP). With a growing population, Mississauga is poised to produce a steady stream of tech talent.
Montreal
Montreal’s tech ecosystem has grown by approximately 31% from 2015 to 2020. It is known for its strong presence in artificial intelligence (AI) and IT, housing global corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, Samsung, and Intel. The city also boasts over 200 game development studios. Montreal offers ample academic support, with nearly 18,000 students enrolled in tech programs.
Waterloo
Waterloo is home to over 1,570 tech-related businesses, including BlackBerry and D2L. It ranks among the world’s top 20 start-up ecosystems and enjoys strong academic influence from local universities. The city attracts venture capital investment and has a high quality of life. It also maintains a high survival rate for ICT start-ups.
Canada’s Efforts to Attract Global Tech Talent
Canada is actively working to attract global tech talent through initiatives like the Tech Talent Strategy and category-based Express Entry draws.
Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy
The Tech Talent Strategy aims to make Canada a leader in global tech talent recruitment. It includes:
- Innovation Stream: Creating an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
- Destination for Digital Nomads: Promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads.
- Streamlined Work Permit: Developing a streamlined work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the U.S.
- Enhanced Programs: Improving existing programs for high-skill tech workers.
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Canada has introduced category-based Express Entry draws for tech occupations. In 2023, one of the selected categories is for candidates with work experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. This aligns with Canada’s goal of attracting more global tech talent.
As of now, one category-based draw has been conducted, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486 to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
