The work permit process is a crucial step for Mexican tech professionals seeking opportunities in Canada. A North American country renowned for its welcoming stance towards immigrants. Canada has become an increasingly attractive destination for Mexicans looking to enhance their career prospects and quality of life.
According to the 2021 Census, 55,380 Canadians reported full or partial Mexican ancestry, representing 0.42% of the country’s population. While this figure is modest, it positions Canada as having the third-largest Mexican population globally. Canada comes after the United States and Mexico itself.
For tech professionals considering this significant life change, the Canada Engineering Launchpad program offers a unique opportunity. This initiative lets you move to Canada while maintaining your current employment with your existing employer. BorderlessHR facilitates this transition through its Employer of Record (EOR) services. They manage the relocation process under their Canadian entity to guarantee a smooth transition.
Moving to a new country is indeed a life decision that requires careful consideration and financial planning. In this blog post, we’ll give you essential information about the work permit process. We’ll also discuss how the Canada Engineering Launchpad program benefits you as a remote tech talent from Mexico.
Understanding the Canada Engineering Launchpad Program
The work permit process is streamlined through the Canada Engineering Launchpad program, which operates under Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS). This initiative is for engineering and remote tech talents, enabling your current employer to facilitate your relocation to Canada.
Through this program, you have the opportunity to move to Canada along with your family. You’ll be granted a work visa that’s valid for 12 months. It can be renewed annually. This provides continuity as long as you and your employer maintain your working relationship. It’s important to note that the visa issued under this program is a closed work permit. This means that while in Canada, you are authorized to work for the employer specified on your permit.
Eligibility Requirements for the Canada Work Permit (the CEL program)
To qualify for a work permit under the Canada Engineering Launchpad program, you must meet these criteria:
- You must be employed in one of the following roles:
- Software engineer
- Data scientist
- QA engineer
- Product Manager
- UI/UX designer
2. You should currently be working remotely from outside Canada.
3. Your annual gross salary from a single employer must meet 60,000 USD.
Benefits of The Canada Engineering Launchpad Program
Work Permit and Visa Assistance: The program provides work permits for you and your family. The visa is valid for two years, allowing you to work and live in Canada.
Seamless Relocation: You can relocate to Canada without disrupting your current job. BorderlessHR hires you into our Canadian entity. They handle the work visa process on your behalf.
Financial Support: While there are financial considerations such as a visa application fee and a monthly payroll administration fee. You’ll benefit from administrative support and unemployment insurance coverage in Canada.
Professional Development: By participating in the program, you can continue working on your current projects, maintaining your professional flow, and focusing on delivering exceptional work without interruptions.
Your Responsibilities
The fees and costs of the work permit application vary depending on your family size. Here is a breakdown of the fees involved:
Visa Application Costs
Biometric fees
Single CAD 85
Family CAD 170
Permit fees
CAD 155 main application
CAD 255 spouse permit
$150 study permit (for kids over five years old)
Child visitor visa $ 100 (for kids below five years old)
If you are traveling with a pet, there will be requirements such as vaccinations and other costs.
Relocation Costs
Other relocation costs, such as housing, flight tickets, and so on, are your responsibility. If you need support from your employer, you can discuss it with them directly.
The Responsibilities of Your Employer
As part of the program, employers must fulfill specific requirements for their employees by providing required documents and paying the necessary fees as broken down below:
Financial Requirements of Your Employer
These are three financial requirements you need to fulfill as an employer.
Monthly Payroll Administration Costs: A monthly 1.8% fee of the employee’s gross annual pay is required. This fee covers payroll, admin, unemployment insurance, and other government costs and employee benefits.
Visa Processing Fee: A one-time visa processing fee of $1000. It covers the processing of work permits for the employee being relocated to Canada under the program.
Refundable Salary Advance: A one-month refundable salary advance to the employee is required as part of the application process. This advance ensures that employees have financial support upon their arrival in Canada. It helps them cover initial expenses before receiving their regular salary. For whatever reason, this advance payment will be refunded once the contract ends.
Document Checklist for the Work Permit Application (CEL Program)
Identification Documents: Valid identification documents including a passport or other government-issued ID for verification purposes.
Proof of Eligibility: You must provide documentation demonstrating your unique and specialized skills. These skills must align with the position being requested by the employer.
Employment Contract: A detailed employment contract outlines the terms of the position, salary, benefits, and responsibilities. It is required for the application process.
Educational Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, or diplomas to verify your qualifications for the specialized position.
What Changes for You As An Employee
You will continue working with your employer as you already do, and there will be no changes to your responsibilities. Nevertheless, a few things will change.
Here are some changes to expect:
You will be hired as a BorderlessHR employee in Canada (only on paper), as you will still work for your employer.
Your monthly salaries will be paid to BorderlessHR; we will then pay them to you.
The 1.8% monthly fee your employer pays us will be used to pay taxes, benefits, unemployment insurance, and other government fees.
The Program Duration and Extensions
Your work visa under this program will be valid for 12 months and can be extended indefinitely. You can also apply for permanent residency after one year of participation in the program.
Your employer and you should be prepared for a relocation period of 3-5 months, depending on your location. You can continue working remotely with your employer during this transition period. We will handle most of the processes involved.
When to Consider Relocating
Moving to a new country is not only a huge life decision but also requires a substantial financial commitment. Before deciding to relocate to Canada, assess whether moving to Canada will provide better opportunities for advancing your tech career. Ensure you have enough savings to cover initial relocation costs and other expenses. Evaluate whether relocating to Canada fits into your long-term personal and professional plans. Consider your readiness to adapt to a new culture and different work environment.
Life in Canada – What to Expect
The cost of living in Canada varies significantly depending on the city you choose. For example:
In Ottawa, single expats spend an average of $1,249 on accommodation, while families spend around $2,058.
Montreal is slightly more affordable, with singles paying about $1,051 and families $1,882.
Vancouver is the most expensive of these cities. Singles spend around USD 1,935 on housing. Families spend USD 3,309 on housing.
It’s important to note that since 2017, the cost of living has increased. This is particularly due to rising interest rates affecting housing and rent prices. A family income of $100,000 a year is not sufficient in some areas. This is especially true if you’re looking to buy a home.
Canada is known for its multiculturalism, with immigrants from over 180 countries. While many cities in Canada offer great opportunities for tech professionals, some of the most popular include: Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver. These cities boast vibrant expat communities and offer a balance of career opportunities and quality of life. Many cities also offer events and programs to help newcomers integrate. Joining expat communities help you connect with fellow Mexicans and other international residents.
Finding Housing and Settling in Canada
Upon arrival, arrange temporary accommodation while you search for a permanent home. Rent can be expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000/month, with extra utility costs of $500 or more.
When looking for housing, consider these factors; proximity to amenities, neighborhood security, and access to public transportation. It’s advisable to avoid settling in areas known for higher crime rates, even if the rent is more affordable.
Challenges and Considerations for Remote Tech Talent Moving to Canada
- Language: While your job may be in English, improving your language skills will be crucial for daily life. This could be in either English or French, depending on the province.
- Weather: Canadian winters can be challenging for those from warmer climates. Consider visiting during the colder months to experience it firsthand.
- Cultural Adjustment: Some expats find Canada to be more reserved compared to Mexico’s lively social culture. It takes time to build a social network.
- Financial Setup: Create a credit history, open bank accounts, and understand the Canadian tax system.
- Healthcare: While Canada offers universal healthcare, there are waiting periods before you’re eligible. Plan properly.
- Education: If you have children, research the education system in your chosen province. It can vary across the country.
- Professional Certification: Some professions need recertification or extra qualifications in Canada.
Wrapping Up
Moving to Canada as a remote tech professional offers exciting opportunities for career growth and a high quality of life. Still, it requires careful planning, financial preparation, and an open mind to adapt to a new culture and climate. Understand what to expect. Prepare properly. You can make your transition to life in Canada smoother and more enjoyable.
To learn more about starting this exciting journey, don’t hesitate to contact us here directly.
