Canada’s Top Immigration Programs for Tech Companies/Entrepreneurs.

Global Talent Stream (Work Permit Program)

The Global Talent Stream features 2 categories and is intended to help Canadian companies recruit highly qualified international talent. This program features an expedited 2-week Work Permit processing time, and successful applicants become eligible for Permanent Residence after 1 year of Canadian work experience. Companies that choose to recruit through GTS must prepare a Labour Market Benefits Plan that demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of Canadian labour markets.

Category A

This category is for companies that are referred by the Stream’s designated partners and must be hiring an individual with a unique and specialized talent. Companies are limited to transferring 1-2 employees per year and must commit to a salary of at least $80,000. 

Category B

This category is specifically for companies hiring to fill a position on the Global Talent Occupations List (in-demand occupations). They must pay a salary comparable to the prevailing regional wage for these positions.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programs (BC PNP)

British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Programs offer a direct pathway to Permanent Residence in BC. Provincial Nominee Programs are run by the province and require applicants to operate their business and remain in BC.

BC PNP Tech Pilot Program

This program offers an expedited PR pathway for applicants with technological skills. There are 29 in-demand occupations within the technology sector that receive priority processing. Applicants are evaluated based on a points system and invitations are issued on a weekly basis. An employee is eligible if they have a job offer for at least 1 year, with 120 days remaining at the time of their application to this program.

This program also features a guaranteed partnership with and assistance from the BC government to proactively support technology employers and industry stakeholders. Tech employers are given exclusive access to a “concierge service” that provides them with relevant immigration information.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Stream 

This program is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to actively manage a business in BC and have a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, and the ability to make a personal investment of at least $200,000 CAD into their business. Entrepreneurs have the option of establishing a new business, or purchasing and improving an existing business, and must create at least a one-full time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination for Permanent Residence.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Stream – Strategic Projects

A subsect of the BC Entrepreneur stream, the Strategic Projects program focuses on foreign companies that have identified strategic investment opportunities in BC to establish operations that are integral to the growth and expansion of their core business. This allows corporations to permanently transfer up to 5 key staff with corporate knowledge and expertise to actively manage the BC operations. Companies must invest at least $500,000 CAD into the BC operations and create at least 3 new full-time jobs for Canadians for each key staff member that they transfer to the province.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Our Business Immigration Lawyers

Tell us more about yourself and your company and let the Sobirovs Law Firm team find the most suitable Canadian immigration program for you and your tech company. Get in touch with us by completing a simple assessment form here or, if you are ready, book a 1-hour Strategy Meeting with our senior business immigration lawyer!