Canadian Tech Startup Companies: A silver lining for Foreign Tech Workers

The temporary suspension of H-1B visa along with the current elections in the U.S. and a pandemic on top has been a catalyst for people to worry and move base to Canada. Their livelihood and status in case of the U.S., has been left in ambiguity.

As the title suggests, not all is morbid as Canada has been positioning itself as the place to BE. The country foresees the immense potential and an answer for tech companies to boost the economy of the country, so it can sustain and thrive during and after the period. Canada is winning the war for Global Tech Talent and the U.S. is on the short end of the stick. The welcoming nature of the country with a robust ecosystem is an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs and various skilled workers alike.

The Ottawa-based company Shopify has shown considerable growth, especially during the coronavirus crisis, which has affected small and medium businesses alike. It has managed to become Canada’s second biggest stock in April 2020 as its market value exceeded $100 billion. Tobias Lütke, the CEO of Shopify had tweeted inviting foreign workers affected by the U.S. executive order suspending foreign workers, to consider coming to Canada, earlier this year. The Canadian multinational e-commerce company was open to hiring and relocating those affected.

Similarly there have been other companies in Canada that have been following suite and the Canadian Global Talent Stream has been aiding them to acquire foreign skilled workers. Piloted by the Federal Government, it aims to salvage in the global war for talent, which Canada has recognized for its growth in the current climate.

With two week processing times after submission of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by the employer, the recruitment process for skilled workers is as easy as it gets under GTS. Although COVID-19 has affected the processing times, foreign workers and employers, Canada is still encouraging foreign workers to come.

You might be wondering what LMIA is. It’s a document required by the employer to validate the lack of Canadians or permanent residents to fill certain positions.

• Under category A, the foreign worker can get a work permit if the employer has been referred by a GTS designated partner.
• Under category B, if you fit within the 12 in-demand occupations listed in the Global Talent Occupation List and matched with a relevant NOC, you can apply for the work permit. The purpose of this category is to seek out highly skilled workers to fill the spot which is lacking domestic labour supply. Computer engineers, web designers and developers, Mathematicians and statisticians, etc. comprise the occupation list.

Canada’s welcoming immigration policy is just one of the many perks the country has to offer. This is where BEYOND Immigration Services steps in. We can help you immigrate to Canada as we take “Google searches” very seriously.

It is in our nature to ensure your immigration to Canada goes BEYOND those Google searches. Check out our website www.beyondimmigrationservices.com and get an assessment done to see where you stand and contact us today at [email protected] to make it happen.