Explore three seamless pathways to work permits for IT professionals.

Having a strong technology sector is really important for Canada’s economy and growth. The tech industry helps Canada be innovative and develop as a country. Because of this, there’s a big need for tech talent from around the world in Canada. This need is shown by the special draws for skilled workers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions in the Express Entry system.

To help meet the need for tech workers in the country, there are different work permits for those in Information Technology (IT). Some examples are the Global Talent Stream (GTS), CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) for Professionals, and Intra-Company Transfers (ICT).

GLOBAL TALENT STREAM.

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a special way for Canadian companies to quickly hire foreign tech workers. Employers using the GTS can speed up the process, allowing foreign skilled workers to start their jobs in about two weeks after applying.

This is possible because the GTS fast-tracks the approval for work permits and temporary resident visas. This program is especially helpful for foreigners interested in working in Canada’s tech industry. Jobs like software engineers, designers, computer programmers, and information system analysts qualify for the GTS.

CUSMA PROFESSIONALS.

Under CUSMA, people from the U.S. and Mexico can get Canadian work permits for IT jobs without needing an LMIA. This means qualified individuals from these countries can start working in Canada faster.

Around 60 professionals, including many in the IT sector, can get a CUSMA Professional Work Permit. Jobs like computer systems analysts, graphic designers, technical publications writers, and computer engineers are examples of positions that qualify under CUSMA.

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER.

Intra-company transfers (ICT) are foreign workers who can get a Canadian work permit without needing an LMIA. This is if they’ve worked with a foreign company for at least one year and are coming to Canada to work for the Canadian branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of that company.

One of the categories for an ICT work permit is for individuals with “specialized and proprietary knowledge of the company or its products.” This category is often used by IT professionals to qualify for an ICT work permit.