Canada’s Best-Paying Technology and IT Jobs With Visa Sponsorship for Skilled Workers

A complete authority guide for foreign workers seeking employer-sponsored work permits, PR pathways, and settlement support in Canada’s booming tech economy.

Why Canada’s Tech Sector Is Hiring Internationally

Canada is not simply open to foreign IT professionals. It is actively pursuing them.

The country’s digital economy has been growing faster than its domestic education system can supply qualified graduates, and that gap is now wide enough to shape national immigration policy.

According to the Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Guide, nearly all IT departments across the country (98 percent) are planning major digital transformation initiatives over the next two years.

A third of technology managers rate finding skilled talent as their single most urgent priority this year. That pressure falls hardest on roles in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development.

Canada’s tech workforce stood at an estimated 1.45 million people in 2024 and has grown by roughly 290,000 net jobs since 2019.

Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary have developed into full-service tech ecosystems, hosting global companies, publicly funded research institutes, and a dense layer of high-growth startups.

The government supports this growth through immigration frameworks specifically designed for foreign tech talent, most notably the Global Talent Stream, which can bring a sponsored worker to Canada in as little as 3 weeks.

Key fact for applicants:

Nearly one in four workers in Canada today was born outside the country. For IT specifically, international hiring is not an exception. It is standard practice across the public and private sectors.

For a foreign worker, the practical equation is straightforward. Canada has a shortage of the exact skills you may already possess.

Employers in that market have a legal mechanism to sponsor you directly. And once you accumulate Canadian work experience, several well-established pathways lead from a temporary work permit to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Types of IT Jobs Available With Visa Sponsorship

Employer-sponsored positions in Canada’s tech sector span everything from entry-level support to senior leadership in AI and cloud architecture.

The following are the most commonly associated categories for LMIA approval and work permit sponsorship in 2026.

Job Category	Common Titles	Demand Level	Key Skills
Software Development	Backend Developer, Full-Stack Engineer, Mobile Developer	Very High	Python, Java, JavaScript, React, Node.js
Cloud Engineering	Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer	Very High	AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Terraform
Cybersecurity	Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, CISO, Security Architect	Very High	CISSP, CEH, SIEM, incident response
Data Science & Analytics	Data Scientist, Data Analyst, BI Developer, Data Engineer	High	Python, SQL, Power BI, Databricks, ML
AI & Machine Learning	ML Engineer, AI Architect, NLP Engineer, AI Researcher	Very High	TensorFlow, PyTorch, LLMs, computer vision
IT Operations & Infrastructure	Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, IT Manager	Moderate	Linux, CCNP, Active Directory, ITIL
Project & Product Management	IT Project Manager, Product Manager, Scrum Master	High	PMP, Agile, Jira, stakeholder management
Database Administration	DBA, Data Architect, Database Developer	Moderate	Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQL Server
ERP & Business Systems	SAP Consultant, ERP Project Manager, Business Systems Analyst	High	SAP, Oracle ERP, Salesforce, integration
QA & Test Engineering	QA Engineer, Automation Tester, Test Lead	Moderate	Selenium, Cypress, Pytest, CI/CD pipelines

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes most relevant to tech workers seeking Canadian employment include NOC 21211 (Data scientists), NOC 21232 (Software engineers and designers), NOC 21220 (Cybersecurity specialists), and NOC 21310 (Electrical and electronics engineers).

Ensuring your application references the correct NOC is a step that influences both your Express Entry CRS score and your LMIA eligibility.

Salary Ranges by Role and City (2026)

Canadian IT salaries vary substantially by role, seniority, and location. The figures below reflect 2026 benchmarks drawn from Robert Half Canada, Kovasys, and Glassdoor data.

All figures are in Canadian dollars and represent base salary only. Total compensation, including bonuses, benefits, and equity, typically adds 10 to 30 percent to base pay.

National salary overview

AI Architect: CAD $104,250 to $164,500 (approximately $134,000 average)

Cloud Engineer or Architect: CAD $94,000 to $175,000 (approximately $130,000 average)

Cybersecurity Specialist: CAD $70,000 to $165,000 (approximately $117,000 average)

Senior Software Developer: CAD $130,000 to $175,000 (approximately $150,000 average)

DevOps Engineer (senior): CAD $125,000 to $175,000 (approximately $148,000 average)

Data Scientist (senior): CAD $115,000 to $175,000 (approximately $142,000 average)

Data Analyst: CAD $74,250 to $111,750 (approximately $89,000 average)

IT Project Manager: CAD $80,000 to $165,000 (approximately $107,000 average)

Entry-level IT Support: CAD $55,000 to $80,000 (approximately $65,000 average)

City comparison

City	Tech Job Volume	Senior Dev Salary	Notes
Toronto, ON	Highest nationally	$130K – $195K	Google, Microsoft, Shopify, Vector Institute; highest cost of living
Vancouver, BC	Very high	$120K – $175K	Gaming, cloud, digital media; Amazon, Apple, Electronic Arts
Montreal, QC	High	$105K – $160K	AI research (Mila), gaming (Ubisoft); bilingual premium for French
Ottawa, ON	Strong	$100K – $155K	Government IT, federal cybersecurity, defence tech
Calgary, AB	Growing	$95K – $150K	Energy-sector tech, lower cost of living, no provincial income tax

Certification premium: AWS and Azure certifications deliver a 10–20% salary increase. CISSP and CEH push cybersecurity salaries up by 15–20%. PMP and Agile credentials substantially raise IT project manager compensation. If you hold any of these, feature them prominently in every application.

Visa Types for Technology and IT Workers

Foreign IT workers enter Canada’s labour market through several distinct immigration streams.

Understanding which applies to your situation is the first practical decision of the process.

Primary stream

Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Designed specifically for tech and STEM occupations. LMIA processed in 10 business days; work permit approved within two weeks.

Employer must submit a Labour Market Benefits Plan. Not a permanent residence program, but a common stepping stone to the Canadian Experience Class.

Standard sponsorship

LMIA-Based Work Permit (TFWP)

The employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA confirms no Canadian is available for the role.

Processing takes 10–20 weeks in standard streams. The worker then applies to IRCC for the work permit. $1,000 CAD employer fee per position.

No LMIA required

LMIA-Exempt Pathways

Certain tech workers qualify without an LMIA: intra-company transferees moving to a Canadian branch; professionals under CUSMA (the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, formerly NAFTA); and international agreement workers.

These are employer-specific and require a separate compliance process through IRCC.

Fast direct-to-PR

Express Entry (Federal)

Canada’s flagship points-based immigration system. Tech workers who score well on the Comprehensive Ranking System or receive a provincial nomination can receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in approximately six months.

A job offer is not mandatory but adds 50–200 CRS points depending on your NOC level.

Startup founders

Start-Up Visa Program

Designed for immigrant entrepreneurs with a qualifying business idea supported by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

Leads directly to permanent residency. Requires CLB 5 language proficiency and a letter of support from a designated organisation.

Provincial route

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province and territory runs targeted streams for foreign tech workers. Ontario’s Tech Draws, BC’s Tech Pilot, and Alberta’s Opportunity Stream are particularly active in 2026.

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry Invitation to Apply.

Steps to Get Visa Sponsorship as an IT Worker

The sponsorship process involves parallel tracks: one for the employer, one for you. Understanding both timelines helps you avoid entirely avoidable delays.

1. Identify your target NOC code

Every Canadian job falls under a National Occupational Classification code. Your NOC determines your Express Entry eligibility, your CRS points, and whether your role qualifies for the Global Talent Stream Category B occupation list.

Confirm your NOC on the Government of Canada’s NOC search tool at noc.esdc.gc.ca before applying anywhere.

2. Create or update your Express Entry profile

Even while searching for a specific employer sponsor, submit your Express Entry profile at ircc.canada.ca. A strong profile keeps all pathways open simultaneously.

Include your language test score (IELTS or TEF), educational credential assessment (ECA), and any prior Canadian experience.

3. Search for LMIA-eligible or GTS-eligible employers

Use Canada’s Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), LinkedIn, Indeed Canada, and specialist IT recruitment agencies. Filter results for keywords such as “visa sponsorship,” “LMIA available,” and “work permit support.”

Target tech companies in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary that have prior GTS or LMIA history, as repeat sponsors move faster.

4. Secure a formal job offer

A verbal expression of interest is not sufficient. You need a written job offer letter specifying your title, salary, start date, and the employer’s commitment to pursue LMIA or GTS approval on your behalf. Request this before any immigration paperwork begins.

5. Employer submits the LMIA or GTS application

The employer applies to ESDC through the LMIA Online portal. For GTS positions, processing takes approximately 10 business days.

Standard LMIA streams average 10–20 weeks. The $1,000 CAD fee is the employer’s responsibility and cannot legally be passed on to you.

6. Apply for your work permit through IRCC

With a positive LMIA in hand, you apply online at ircc.canada.ca. Submit your passport, police clearance, medical examination results (where required), the positive LMIA number, and the job offer letter.

GTS work permits are processed in approximately 10 business days; standard permits take longer.

7. Arrive, register, and plan your PR pathway

Upon arrival, obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada office, open a Canadian bank account, arrange accommodation, and register any dependents for provincial health insurance.

From the start of your employment, your Canadian work experience clock begins, and one year of eligible experience qualifies you for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.

Requirements and Documents

Eligibility requirements for tech workers

Meeting the formal requirements before you approach employers saves considerable time and prevents the most common cause of application rejection, a profile that looks promising until the documents arrive.

For most LMIA-sponsored tech roles in 2026, you will need to satisfy the following conditions.

Requirement	Detail	Where It Applies
Job Offer	Written, from a Canadian employer willing to pursue LMIA or GTS	All work permit streams
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)	From WES, ICAS, or another IRCC-designated body. Required for Express Entry; strongly recommended for LMIA	Express Entry; LMIA (recommended)
Language Test Score	IELTS (minimum CLB 7 for most tech NOC-TEER 1 roles) or TEF for French	Express Entry; some PNP streams
Relevant Work Experience	Minimum 1–5 years in the specific role (Category A GTS requires 5+ years in a specialised field)	GTS; Express Entry FSW
Valid Passport	Must be valid for the full duration of the intended work permit	All streams
Medical Examination	Required for stays exceeding six months; must be done by an IRCC-approved physician	Work permits over 6 months
Police Clearance Certificate	From your home country and any country where you lived for 6+ months in the past 10 years	All streams
Professional Certifications	AWS, Azure, CISSP, PMP etc. not legally required but significantly strengthen LMIA justification	GTS Category A & B
Biometrics	Fingerprints and photo collected at a Visa Application Centre or Canadian port of entry	All work permit applicants

Document checklist

Completed work permit application form (IMM 1295 or online equivalent)
Valid passport (bio-data page and all entry/exit stamps)
Positive LMIA or GTS approval letter from ESDC
Employer job offer letter (signed, on company letterhead)
Educational transcripts and ECA report
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Updated CV in Canadian format (no photo, no date of birth)
Police clearance certificate(s)
Medical examination results from an approved physician (if applicable)
Proof of professional certifications (originals and certified translations if not in English or French)
Biometric fee payment receipt ($85 CAD per person)
Work permit application fee ($155 CAD)

Important: Never submit documents without certified English or French translations. Applications with untranslated foreign-language supporting documents are returned or refused without review.

Canadian Companies Offering Visa-Sponsored IT Jobs

The companies listed below have established records of sponsoring foreign tech workers through LMIA, GTS, or LMIA-exempt pathways.

Visa support availability depends on the specific role and whether the company holds a current LMIA approval.

Shopify Inc.

Address:150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1L4

Phone:+1 (613) 241-2828

Website: shopify.com/careers

Visa types: GTS (Category B), LMIA-based, CUSMA

Roles: Software engineers, data scientists, security engineers, DevOps, product managers

Google Canada

Address:111 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2G4

Website: careers.google.com

Visa types: GTS, intra-company transfer (LMIA-exempt), CUSMA

Roles: AI/ML engineers, cloud architects, software engineers, UX researchers

Microsoft Canada

Address:1950 Meadowvale Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 8L9

Phone:+1 (905) 568-0434

Website: careers.microsoft.com

Visa types: GTS, intra-company transfer, CUSMA

Roles: Azure cloud engineers, cybersecurity analysts, software development engineers

TELUS Communications

Address: 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 0M3

Phone:+1 (604) 697-8044

Website: telus.com/careers

Visa types: GTS, LMIA (high-wage stream)

Roles: Network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, IT support managers

CGI Group Inc.

Address:1350 René-Lévesque Blvd West, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1T4

Phone:+1 (514) 841-3200

Website: cgi.com/careers

Visa types: GTS, LMIA, intra-company transfer

Roles: IT consultants, SAP specialists, cybersecurity analysts, government IT project managers

RBC (Royal Bank of Canada): Technology Division

Address: 200 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2J5

Phone:+1 (416) 974-5151

Website: jobs.rbc.com

Visa types: GTS (Category B), LMIA

Roles: Data scientists, ML engineers, DevSecOps, cloud platform engineers, fintech developers

Amazon Canada (AWS & Operations Tech)

Address:120 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A6

Website: amazon.jobs/canada

Visa types: GTS, intra-company transfer (LMIA-exempt)

Roles: Software development engineers, cloud architects, solutions architects, data engineers

Employment Agencies for International IT Recruitment

Specialist recruitment agencies in Canada maintain relationships with employers who regularly pursue LMIA and GTS sponsorship.

Working with an established agency that understands immigration requirements shortens the time between application and placement considerably.

Kovasys IT Recruitment

Specialty: Technology staffing across Canada: software, cloud, cybersecurity, data, QA

Address:1155 René-Lévesque Blvd West, Suite 2500, Montreal, QC, H3B 2K4

Phone:+1 (514) 844-0677

Website: kovasys.com

LMIA support: Yes, advises on GTS eligibility and connects with sponsoring employers

Groom & Associates

Specialty: IT permanent and contract placement in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa

Address:1200 McGill College Ave, Suite 1100, Montreal, QC, H3B 4G7

Phone:+1 (514) 393-9700

Website: groomassocies.com

Robert Half Technology (Canada)

Specialty: National IT recruitment with salary guide data; supports foreign candidates in active search

Address: 181 Bay Street, Suite 820, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T3

Phone:+1 (416) 350-2330

Website: roberthalf.com/ca

Randstad Canada: Technology Division

Specialty: Permanent and contract tech placement; staffing for LMIA-eligible roles

Address: 777 Bay Street, Suite 2000, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C8

Phone: +1 (416) 962-2752

Website: randstad.ca

GGIMS Immigration & Recruitment

Specialty: Dual immigration consulting and IT recruitment for international candidates

Website: ggims.com

LMIA support: Yes, full LMIA and GTS advisory for employers and foreign workers

PR Pathways That Can Lead to Permanent Residence

A work permit in Canada’s tech sector is rarely a final destination.

Most foreign IT workers use it as a bridge to one of the permanent residence programs listed below.

The pathways differ in speed, point requirements, and the degree to which your provincial location matters.

Program	Type	Processing Time	Key Requirement	Website
Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	Federal PR	~6 months	1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)	ircc.canada.ca
Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	Federal PR	~6 months	1+ year foreign skilled work experience; CLB 7+; ECA; 67/100 selection factors	ircc.canada.ca
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Tech Draws	Provincial Nominee	3–6 months (nomination) + 6 months (PR)	Active Express Entry profile; job offer in Ontario tech sector; +600 CRS on nomination	ontario.ca/oinp
BC PNP: Tech Pilot	Provincial Nominee	2–3 months (nomination) + 6 months (PR)	Job offer in BC in one of 29 eligible tech occupations; 2+ years’ experience	welcomebc.ca
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): Opportunity Stream	Provincial Nominee	4–6 months (nomination)	Job offer in Alberta; 6+ months of work experience in role; LMIA-based or exempt	alberta.ca/aaip
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Federal-Provincial	3–6 months	Job offer from designated employer in Atlantic provinces (NB, NS, PEI, NL); CLB 4+	canada.ca/atlantic-immigration
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	Community PR Pilot	Variable by community	Job offer in a participating rural community; intent to reside there; CLB 4–6+ depending on NOC	canada.ca/rnip
Start-Up Visa Program	Federal PR (Entrepreneur)	12–16 months	Support letter from designated VC fund, angel group, or incubator; CLB 5+; viable business concept	canada.ca/startup-visa
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)	Community PR Pilot	Variable	Employer in a participating community; genuine intent to settle; meets NOC and language thresholds	canada.ca/rcip

How GTS Connects to Permanent Residence

The Global Talent Stream itself does not grant permanent residency, but it is one of the most reliable stepping stones toward it.

Workers who enter on a GTS work permit begin accumulating Canadian Experience Class eligibility from their first day of employment.

After 12 months in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, you become eligible to apply under Express Entry, CEC, one of the programs with the fastest processing times in the entire Canadian immigration system.

Provincial Nominee Programs further accelerate this. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry score, making an Invitation to Apply a near certainty regardless of your base CRS.

Tip: Several GTS workers pursue both tracks simultaneously, submitting an Express Entry profile while already employed on a work permit.

This approach maximizes your options and can shorten your total timeline to permanent residency.

How to Apply: Useful Websites and Portals

The Canadian government has centralised most immigration applications through IRCC’s online platform. Additional portals cover the employment side of the process.

Purpose	Portal / Resource	URL
Work permit and PR applications	IRCC Online Portal	ircc.canada.ca
Express Entry profile and draws	IRCC: Express Entry	canada.ca/express-entry
Job search with LMIA-listed positions	Government of Canada Job Bank	jobbank.gc.ca
LMIA applications (employer)	LMIA Online (ESDC)	lmia.esdc.gc.ca
NOC code search and occupational info	NOC Classification Tool	noc.esdc.gc.ca
Educational Credential Assessment	World Education Services (WES)	wes.org/ca
Language testing (IELTS)	IELTS Canada	ielts.org
Language testing (CELPIP)	Paragon Testing: CELPIP	celpip.ca
Biometric appointment booking	Visa Application Centres (VAC)	vfsglobal.com/canada
Check application status	IRCC Application Status Checker	ircc.canada.ca/check-status
Find licensed immigration consultants	College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)	college-ic.ca
Provincial nominees (Ontario)	OINP: Ontario Immigration	ontario.ca/oinp
Provincial nominees (BC)	BC Provincial Nominee Program	welcomebc.ca/pnp

Immigration Errors to Avoid

The following mistakes appear frequently in refused or delayed applications. Many are avoidable with careful preparation.

Paying an employer for LMIA sponsorship. It is illegal under Canadian labour law for an employer or third-party recruiter to charge a foreign worker any fee related to LMIA processing or recruitment.

If an employer or agent demands payment for “securing” your sponsorship, the arrangement is fraudulent. The $1,000 CAD LMIA fee belongs entirely to the employer.

Applying under the wrong NOC code. The wrong code can disqualify you from an LMIA stream, reduce your Express Entry CRS score, or lead to a refused work permit application.

Verify your NOC before submitting anything. A licensed immigration consultant can help if your work history spans multiple classifications.

Submitting an incomplete Express Entry profile. Missing or outdated language scores, an expired ECA, or an unverified job offer all weaken your profile and can lead to profile withdrawal.

Keep all documents current throughout the process, especially language tests, which expire after two years.

Using unregistered immigration consultants. Only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and lawyers admitted to a Canadian bar are authorized to provide immigration advice for a fee.

Unregistered representatives who make errors face no professional consequences — you bear all the consequences.

Failing to disclose prior refusals or criminal history. IRCC cross-references databases. Omissions or misrepresentations, even unintentional ones, can result in a permanent bar from Canada under Section 40 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Working before your work permit is issued. Arriving in Canada and beginning employment before your permit is physically or electronically approved is a serious violation.

Even remote pre-employment preparation that crosses into active work is considered unauthorized employment under IRPA.

Ignoring permit conditions. A GTS work permit is a closed permit; it names a specific employer and location. Working for a different employer or in a different province without a new permit is unauthorized work.

If your employer changes, a new LMIA and work permit application is required before you begin the new role.

Embassy Contacts and Visa Verification

Canadian visa applications are generally submitted online through IRCC’s portal, but some applicants must complete part of the process in person at a Canadian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.

For biometric collection, medical examinations, and certain in-person interviews, you will work through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by VFS Global in your home country.

IRCC Client Support Centre (all applicants)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Phone (Canada):+1 (888) 242-2100 (toll-free within North America)

Phone (International):+1 (613) 944-4000

TTY:+1 (888) 576-8502

Website: ircc.canada.ca

Online portal: Apply online at ircc.canada.ca

Selected Canadian High Commissions / Embassies

Country / Region	Mission	Address	Phone	Accepts Applications
Nigeria	Canadian High Commission, Abuja	15 Bobo Street, Maitama, Abuja	+234 (9) 461-2900	Via VAC (VFS Global)
India	High Commission of Canada, New Delhi	7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021	+91 (11) 4178-2000	Via VAC (VFS Global)
Philippines	Canadian Embassy, Manila	Levels 6–8, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave, Makati City	+63 (2) 8857-9000	Via VAC (VFS Global)
Kenya	Canadian High Commission, Nairobi	Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi	+254 (20) 366-3000	Via VAC (VFS Global)
United Kingdom	Canadian High Commission, London	Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ	+44 (20) 7004-6000	Via VAC (VFS Global)
South Africa	Canadian High Commission, Pretoria	1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028	+27 (12) 422-3000	Via VAC (VFS Global)

Verification reminder: Always confirm whether a Canadian mission in your country accepts applications directly or requires you to submit through a Visa Application Centre.

Most countries now require VAC submission. Check the current list at canada.ca/visa-offices before booking any appointment.

Settlement Benefits for Foreign Tech Workers in Canada

Beyond the salary, Canada offers a suite of settlement supports that most immigration articles understate.

Understanding what is available from your first day in the country helps you plan financially and avoid delays in accessing services your family will need.

Healthcare

Provincial Health Insurance

All provinces cover permanent residents and most work permit holders under public health insurance plans. Most provinces impose a 3-month waiting period after arrival. Purchase private travel insurance to bridge this gap immediately upon landing.

Children

Free Public Education

Children of work permit holders access free public schooling from kindergarten through Grade 12. Settlement support for newcomer children, including English Language Learner programs, is available in most urban school boards.

Spouse

Open Work Permit for Spouse

Spouses of foreign workers in high-skilled positions (NOC TEER 0 or 1) are eligible for an open work permit, meaning they can work for any Canadian employer without a separate LMIA.

Apply at the same time as your own work permit.

Settlement Support

IRCC-Funded Services

Canada funds free settlement services through community organizations, language classes, employment assistance, housing referrals, and cultural orientation.

Find your nearest provider at settlement.org or findhelp.ca.

Financial

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Families with children under 18 may receive the Canada Child Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment.

Eligibility generally applies once you become a permanent resident, though some temporary residents qualify depending on their permit type.

Retirement

Pension Contributions

From your first paycheque, contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) begin. After ten years of contributions, you become eligible for CPP retirement benefits even if you eventually leave Canada.

Some countries have social security totalization agreements with Canada that protect your prior contributions.