How to Immigrate to Canada as an Software Engineer

By Ella Bergquist May 18, 2020 (Updated January 3, 2024) 2 min. read
Software Engineer Immigration

Canada is consistently looking for qualified technology workers to help the Canadian economy. One of those technology occupations is software engineers. Qualified software engineers are being hired through the many new start-up companies in Canada.

Due to Software Engineers being in high demand, if you have qualified experience there are several programs that could fast-track your immigration process to Canada!

What is the NOC Code for Software Engineers?

The NOC Code for Software Engineers is 2173.

NOC codeJob descriptionNOC Class
2173Software engineers and designersA

Immigrate Through Express Entry

Thousands of foreign workers immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program. Express Entry invites foreign workers who are in-demand in Canada. Software Engineers are considered an in-demand job so those who have software engineer experience and knowledge may qualify for Express Entry.

You will be assessed on your Age, Qualifications, English ability, French ability, Spouse’s skills, Work Experience.

Find out if you qualify to immigrate as a Software Engineer through Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Software Engineering

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is part of the Express Entry that allows individual province or territories of Canada to invite foreigners to become permanent residents of that province. Thankfully, Software Engineers are typically on the in-demand occupation for many provinces! There are some provinces that are always looking to attract foreign software engineers to come work in their province. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are just some examples of provinces looking for software engineers.

Software Engineer Jobs in Canada

There are huge technology companies throughout Canada that are almost always hiring Software Engineers. The best way to search for jobs while you’re not physically in Canada is online! There are many websites that allow job searching in Canada such as Indeed.com, LinkedIn.com, Glassdoor.com. These sites will allow you to research the job description, company, and apply for that position online.

Some of the tech companies throughout Canada that many software engineers apply to include:

How Much Do Software Engineers Make in Canada?

Depending on where in Canada you are located the yearly salary for software engineers can vary. According to PayScale the average software engineer salary in the entire country is $74,428 CAD. Throughout Canada it can vary depending on which city you are in.

Toronto: $86,852 CAD

Vancouver: $85,000 CAD

Ottawa: $80,000 CAD

Calgary: $76,000 CAD

Montreal: $74,000 CAD

How to Qualify to Immigrate for Software Engineering

Software Engineers are defined as “design, develop and test software products for various uses”. Typically a software engineer perform the following duties:

Most software engineers require a four-year degree and for more advanced positions will require a master’s degree in software engineering. To prove you have the required educational degree you will have to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). An ECA is used to verify that your foreign diploma or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.