The land of Maple Leafs is one of the best countries to live and work in due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and efficient healthcare. Meanwhile, the shortage of IT workforce in Canada has afforded a fantastic opportunity to tech professionals like web developers seeking lucrative jobs abroad. Great news for tech professionals, Canada is looking for web developers!
According to the Job Bank, there will be over 44,000 new job opportunities for software engineers and web developers in the next decade. This implies that Canada is looking for web developers to fill its tech professionals shortage gap. Furthermore, over 48,000 graduates, immigrants, and individuals interested in new job opportunities are expected to take up these roles.
The shortage of workers in recent years is expected to continue until 2030. Since Canada is looking for web developers, keep reading as we take you through the steps to immigrate as one. Also, we’ll discuss the skills and tasks of a Web developer in Canada. Now, let’s begin!
Steps To Immigrate To Canada As A Web Developer
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin the process of immigrating, you must first check your eligibility to relocate to Canada as a web developer. Canada’s immigration system is managed through the Express Entry system. Meanwhile, it is used to assess candidates’ profiles based on their age, education, work experience, and other factors.
Since Canada is looking for web developers, we have compiled below the eligibility criteria to immigrate to Canada as one. Let’s dive in!
- Age: You will be awarded points based on your age. However, younger applicants often receive more points.
- Education: If you possess a higher education degree in a relevant field like computer science, you’ll also earn more points. Meanwhile, you must get your foreign education credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Work Experience: Furthermore, if you have acquired several years of work experience in a skilled occupation like web development, you’ll qualify for more points.
- Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your proficiency in English and/or French language. This is done by enrolling for a language test (such as IELTS for English or TEF for French) to prove your language skills.
- Employment Offer: In addition, if you’ve secured a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you will earn extra points. However, the job offer must be supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Adaptability: If you have a close relative in Canada, previous work or study experience in Canada, or have a job offer in Canada, you’ll earn additional points for Express Entry.
2. Prove Your Language Skills
With the shortage of tech professionals, Canada is looking for web developers. As such immigrating to Canada as a web developer will be easier if you show your proficiency in English or French language. Furthermore, you must take the IELTS test for English or TEF for French. Your target must be for a higher score that aligns with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
3. Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Done For Express Entry
To relocate to Canada as a web developer, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer programming, web development, or software engineering. Otherwise, completion of a college program in computer science or a related course is essential.
Remember to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done. This would help to verify the equivalence of your foreign educational qualifications with Canadian standards. You must also ensure to pick a designated organization for ECA recognized by Canadian immigration authorities.
4. Create An Express Entry Profile
Now, you’ll create an online profile under the Express Entry system with relevant information about your education, work experience, skills, and language proficiency. Then, the CRS will be used to assess your profile and assign it a CRS score. The higher your score the better chance you have at getting an ITA.
5. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) For Tech Professionals
If you can get the provincial nomination, it will further boost your CRS score significantly. As such, it will increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Numerous PNPs are customized to tech professionals and some provinces also have dedicated streams for skilled workers in the tech sector. Some of these streams include the BC PNP Tech Pilot, The Ontario Tech Pilot, and The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway.
6. Start Searching For Jobs And Secure An Offer
Although it’s not compulsory to secure a valid job offer from an employer in Canada. If you can, it will be beneficial in increasing your score for an invitation. So we recommend that you start looking for job opportunities through online platforms like LinkedIn or Job Bank.
You should also consider networking with professionals in your field in the Canadian tech industry. You never can tell, you may get a job offer with additional points.
7. Gather Your Documents
By now, you should start gathering all the documents you will need to apply for a Canada PR Visa. These documents will include your language test results, previous employer’s reference letters, education transcripts, and others listed in the immigration application.
8. Submit The PR Application
Once your application is completed and you’ve gathered all required documents, you will submit them to the immigration authorities. Your profile will be reviewed, your documents will also be verified. If your application is successful, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
9. Submit A Medical Exam And Obtain Police Clearance
The last step on the list is to take the medical exam and obtain police clearance certificates. These documents are very essential to demonstrate your good health and character. Furthermore, after you have gotten your approval, you should prepare to immigrate to Canada as a web developer.
Remember to bring all necessary documents, including your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You should also familiarize yourself with opening a bank account, obtaining a social insurance number (SIN), and exploring housing options.
Conclusion
With the recent shortage of tech professionals, Canada is looking for web developers. After obtaining your approval, you should plan your trip. It’s not news that planning your journey to Canada as a web developer isn’t easy, but with dedication, meticulous planning, and a clear understanding of the immigration process, you’ll achieve your Canadian dream. Good luck!