Similar to the United States, Canada’s technology is continuously growing and offers plenty of occupational opportunities to those tech workers looking to settle there. Canada is more open to bright and talented individuals looking to launch their careers or start-up businesses in the tech field. In 2019, the tech employment increasing by nearly 60,000 positions and now in total has 1.72 million workers in the tech industry.
Learn more about Canada tech industry jobs in 2020!
Why Is The US Losing Its Tech Workers to Canada?
Currently, most immigrants are able to work in the US by acquiring an H-1B visa which is currently suspended for the rest of the year, with just 65,000 of these being issued on an annual basis. This type of visa requires employer sponsorship, so self-employed entrepreneurs and start-ups are out of the question.
Founder of Columbus Consulting Group, Isabelle Marcus, said:
“The US has adopted a restrictive approach towards visas. It’s quite detrimental to US businesses who are looking to hire young, talented people with skills that are needed in the US.”
However, there are plenty ready to advocate immigration reform. And they are currently seeking to introduce a start-up visa allowing people like Madhuri to legally live and work in the US. A version of this reform was passed in The Senate in 2013 but has since stalled in the House.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program, which launched in April last year, has been welcoming entrepreneurs where the US has failed. Much of the tech talent understandably chose to move up north.
Take Madhuri Eunni, featured by CNN Money for example. Madhuri originally hails from Hyderabad, India, and has spent almost a decade in the US tech industry. Despite this, neither firm she worked for were able to sponsor her for a green card.
Bright spark Madhuri has a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. Yet as an Indian citizen she could have been waiting up to five years for an EB2 green card because of the backlog.
Canada’s Approach
In stark contrast to the US, the Canadian start-up visa does not mandate employer sponsorship. However, applicants do require an investment of at least $75,000 from a Canadian ‘angel’ investor. Or $200,000 via a specific Canadian venture capital fund. Other requirements include language proficiency are also to be taken on-board. But as long as these are fulfilled, the Canadian start-up visa paves the way to full-residency, and those suitable can apply for citizenship after three years.
Annually, there are only 2,750 Canadian start-up visas available. But that’s still 2,750 opportunities for people who are looking to start a challenging career. The first two applicants to be accepted were Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
US regulations are currently making it very difficult for entrepreneurs to legally stay in the country, which is in turn costing the US jobs and revenue. A recent study showed H-1B denials in 2007/2008 led to the US losing out on 231,224 tech jobs. That’s earnings of about $3 billion.
Top Canadian Cities to Settle for Tech Workers
Tech worker opportunities are available in many cities in Canada, but here are some of the top cities to start your search:
Looking to Immigrate to Canada as a Tech Worker?
If you find yourself interested in immigrating to Canada, Contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
