If you’re considering moving or working in the tech industry, you’re in luck because your skill or profession is more likely to be in demand today than ever. The world has become more digital over the years and many industries depend on technology in one way or another.
Working in the technology industry offers many advantages in addition to job availability, such as the opportunity to work remotely and be in an ever-changing industry so you never really get bored.
Let’s take a look at the best IT jobs in Canada in 2022.
What are the Best IT Jobs in Canada?
Below are the trending tech jobs in Canada right now, along with job specifications and average annual salary.
1. Developer Programmer
As a Developer Programmer, you need to manage and optimize software application code. They are also responsible for testing and writing technical and design documentation. A developer programmer may also have titles such as computer programmer or software developer.
The average annual salary for a programmer in Canada is $80,798.
2. IT Project Manager
In this role, you will be responsible for managing the entire project planning process. This means you need to delegate tasks and make sure the whole team achieves their goals. One of the main advantages of being an IT project manager is that you can work for almost any company that uses computers.
The average annual salary for an IT project manager in Canada is $104,166.
3. Database Administrator
A database administrator plays an important role in any organization as they are responsible for creating and organizing various data that needs to be stored and protected. Often the data relates to customer financial information and shipping records.
The average annual salary for a database administrator in Canada is $80,974.
4. Cloud Architect
The role of a cloud architect would be to manage an organization’s IT and cloud strategy. This includes everything from designing cloud applications to navigating cloud environments, leading a team and keeping all systems up to date.
The average annual salary for a cloud architect in Canada is $103,921.
5. Network Engineer
As a Network Engineer, you are responsible within the organization for creating, building, and organizing new network infrastructure, as well as upgrading and maintaining existing networks. The support you provide is generally directed to employees, customers, consumers and suppliers.
The average annual salary for a network engineer in Canada is $84,250.
6. Security Analyst
This profession is very important for all organizations that want to protect their information from potential hackers. Security analysts must successfully prevent and stop all external attacks on private data.
The average annual salary for a security analyst in Canada is $76,307.
7. QA Analyst
The main job of a QA analyst is to make sure a program is free of bugs and vulnerabilities. This is done by testing and monitoring the program. If an error is found, corrective action is taken to ensure that the program meets standards.
The median annual salary for a QA Analyst in Canada is $81,659.
8. Business Systems Analyst
Ranked as one of the best IT jobs in Canada in 2022, business systems analysts are IT specialists who collect and review data from organization systems to determine where improvements are needed. They must use technology solutions to deliver and initiate factors that affect business processes.
The average annual salary for a Business Systems Analyst in Canada is $89,024.
What are the Most In-Demand Skills in the IT Industry?
There are some skills you might need in the tech industry that could make the difference between getting a job or not. Certain skills can even increase the salary you can receive. We’ve listed a few skills that we think should definitely be on your resume.
- Programming languages
- Networking
- User experience (UX)
- Quality assurance
- Machine learning
- Cloud Computing
- Technical support
- Linux
How Do I Get A Canadian Work Permit?
All foreign citizens require a work permit to legally work in Canada. The type of visa you receive depends on your occupation in Canada. Canada has two main types of work visas that you may qualify for. They are:
- Open work permit; and
- Employer-Specific Work Permit
The main difference between the two visas is that an open work permit allows you to work anywhere in Canada and for any employer, while an employer-specific work permit allows you to have certain restrictions. This includes the position you will be working for and the employer you will be working for.
Canadian Work Permit Programs
You can get an open work visa through programs like Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) allow you to live and work in Canada on an open work visa. This visa is a great way to gain Canadian work experience in your field of study and is not limited to a specific employer or location in Canada.
If you have an open work permit in Canada, you do not need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a document that states that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill a specific role.
Your residence permit is usually valid for eight months to three years, depending on the length of your studies.
Am I Eligible For a PGWP?
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for a PGWP:
- Study full-time in Canada in a study program of at least 8 months;
- The university must be a Designated Learning Institute (DLI);
- Have an official letter from the school stating that you have met all the criteria for the program of study; and
- Hold or had a valid study permit.
Please note that you must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of obtaining your qualification.
A major advantage for you of working in Canada through the PGWP is that it will open many doors for you when it comes to immigrating to Canada. If you gain Canadian work experience as part of your PGWP, you may be eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
Canadian Programs for Employer-Specific Approval
To obtain an employer-specific visa, you can apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Canadian government created the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to allow employers to hire qualified foreign workers for a variety of jobs. The most important factor that employers need to ensure is that they apply for an LMIA before hiring you for the position.
Several streams fall under the TFWP, including the Homecare Provider Stream, the Global Talent Stream (GTS), and the Farmworker stream.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a way to integrate highly skilled foreign workers into the Canadian workforce. Before a Canadian employer can hire necessary professionals like you, they must provide an LMIA to show that Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents cannot complete it.
There are two categories in which the employer can hire foreigners. They are:
Category A – For employers referred to the GTS by nominated partner organizations; Yes
Category B: For employers who need to hire foreign professionals who appear on the Global Talent List.
Examples of occupations on the global talent list are computer and information systems managers, computer engineers, and information systems analysts.
Working as an Immigrant in Canada
Canada is a great place to work and many people around the world choose Canada as their destination to live and work. The country is extremely diverse, with a high standard of living and a growing economy in general. This means that there are always jobs and career opportunities.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you are also entitled to free universal health care and your children can attend public school for free. This is in addition to the paid vacation and healthy work-life balance you will experience.
Now that you know the best IT jobs in Canada in 2022, the next thing to check is if you qualify for a Canadian work visa!
