How to Move to Canada as a Software Engineer?

Sanjay Yadav
[Published 18 Nov, 2023 | 12:09 PM]
About Author - 7 min read
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Canada is a land of opportunities, and its tech industry is booming!

Software Engineers in Canada have always contributed significantly to the country's thriving tech sector. Drawn by high-paying job opportunities and a multicultural society, Software Engineers from across the world bring diverse skills and expertise to the country’s labour market. According to statistics, new job openings for Software Engineers and Designers, over the period 2022-2031, are expected to total 44,300, while 48,800 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them.

How Much Do Software Engineers Earn In Canada?

British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec rank among Canada's top-paying provinces for Software Engineers. Here’s how much Software Engineers earn in Canada:

Are you looking to immigrate to Canada as a Software Engineer? Let’s get started with some -

Quick Tips Before You Make The Move

Stay up-to-date with the latest programming languages and technologies. Employers in Canada appreciate candidates who are adaptable and can contribute to innovative projects. Take online courses, attend workshops, and build a strong portfolio showcasing your diverse skill set.

Participate in local and virtual tech events, seminars, and meetups. Networking is crucial in Canada, and connecting with professionals in the industry can open doors to land in-demand occupations in Canada. Use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network and stay informed about job openings.

This is a no-brainer. Your resume is your first impression. Tailor it to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Emphasize any international experience, projects, or collaborations that demonstrate your ability to work in diverse environments. Keep it concise and easy to read.

Familiarize yourself with the renowned tech companies in Canada. Many tech hubs, like Toronto and Vancouver, host global players such as Shopify, CGI Inc., Slack, and OpenText. Research their work culture, projects, and values. Showcasing your knowledge about potential employers during interviews can set you apart.

Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences and problem-solving skills. Showcase how your skills align with the company's needs. Additionally, be prepared for behavioral questions that assess your compatibility with the company culture.

Being an immigrant, adaptability is key. Canadian work culture values teamwork, effective communication, and a positive attitude. You need to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively - along with your openness to learning. Understanding and integrating into the local work culture makes you a desirable candidate. Do your homework.

Now, what are your - 

Best Options To Move To Canada As A Software Engineer

The demand for tech workers in Canada is high, leading to an increase in Canadian immigration for tech professionals - and Software Engineers (NOC 21231) are no exceptions. To make it easier, Canada provides special pilot programs for them. Here are some popular options  for Software Engineers to move to Canada: 

Option 1: Work Permit

Apply for a work permit through a Canadian employer who offers you a job. The employer must provide a job offer and a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving they couldn't find a Canadian to fill the position.

Option 2: Express Entry

Express Entry System is a popular option for tech workers who want to settle permanently in Canada. It manages three primary economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Applying under Express Entry requires one to submit an online profile that is scored under Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off are invited to apply for permanent residence.

While the Express Entry system does not currently consider occupation when determining a candidate’s CRS score, the recently announced category-based Express Entry draws may change the trend. This new strategy would allow the federal government to select candidates based on specific labour market needs.

Read More: Canada Announces New Selection Categories For Express Entry

Option 3: Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are becoming quite popular for Software Engineers. Different provinces offer nominee programs for tech industry experts. Some programs even invite candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool under its Express Entry-linked PNP streams. Currently, the best PNP streams to immigrate to Canada as a Software Engineer include Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, British Columbia PNP Tech, and Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway.

Option 4: Study and Work

Consider studying in Canada and working as a Software Engineer after graduation. Get a study permit and then a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing you to work in Canada for a set period after finishing your studies. Once you have gained Canadian work experience, you can apply for permanent residency under Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Keep in mind that work permits are temporary, and transitioning to permanent residence should be the final goal.

As the Great White North pivots itself towards “A Tech Hub”, the rise in Software Engineers' jobs in Canada has never been greater. With efficiency being the key goal, Software Engineers are in high demand in Canada.

Canada needs Software Engineers. You could be one of them!

Read More:- How can I immigrate to Canada as a software engineer?