As a Ukrainian tech professional, considering new opportunities abroad. The Canada Engineering Launchpad program offers a unique pathway to obtain a Canadian work permit. This guide will give you comprehensive information about this program. It will also explain the process of relocating to Canada as a remote tech professional.
Understanding the Canada Engineering Launchpad Program
The Canada Engineering Launchpad program operates under Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS). It allows your current employer to move you to Canada while retaining your services.
You can relocate to Canada with your family on a work visa valid for 12 months, renewable annually. The Canada visa granted is a closed work permit, meaning you can only work for your employer while in Canada. BorderlessHR facilitates the move through our Employer of Record (EOR) services, handling the relocation process under our Canadian entity.
Eligibility Requirements for the Canada Work Permit (CEL Program)
To qualify for the Canada Engineering Launchpad program. Your profession must fall within Software Engineering, Data Science, QA Engineering, Product Management, UI/UX Design, or a similar tech role. You are presently employed remotely by a company/employer from outside Canada. Your annual gross salary is at least 60,000 USD from a single employer.
Document Checklist and Costs for the Canada Work Permit Application
Make sure you have a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Also, have a detailed employment contract. Gather evidence of your technical skills and work experience. Include educational qualifications. Also, give proof of eligibility demonstrating your skills.
Costs linked to the application include:
Visa Application Costs:
- Biometric fees: CAD 85 (single) or CAD 170 (family)
- Permit fees: CAD 155 (main application), CAD 255 (spouse permit)
- Study permit: CAD 150 (for children over five years old)
- Child visitor visa: CAD 100 (for children below five years old).
Note that relocation costs including housing and flight tickets are your responsibility.
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer must fulfill specific requirements:
1. Pay a one-time visa processing fee of $1000.
2. Give a one-month refundable salary advance.
3. Pay a monthly 1.8% fee of your gross annual pay for payroll administration, unemployment insurance, and other costs.
What Changes for You As An Employee
Under this program:
- You will be hired as a BorderlessHR employee in Canada (on paper only).
- Your monthly salaries will be paid to BorderlessHR, who will then pay you.
- The 1.8% monthly fee covers taxes, benefits, unemployment insurance, and other government fees.
Program Duration and Extensions
- Your initial work visa will be valid for 12 months and can be extended indefinitely.
- You can apply for permanent residency after one year of participation in the program.
- The relocation period takes 3-5 months, during which you can continue working remotely.
Life in Canada – What to Expect
Cost of Living and Housing in Canada
Living expenses in Canada vary by region. Toronto and Vancouver are known for their high cost of living. The national average rent reached $2,149 in September 2023, up 11% year-over-year. In Toronto, the average rent was $2,614, nearly equivalent to a full-time basic wage pre-tax income.
Calgary and Edmonton are becoming more expensive but stay more affordable than Vancouver. A 1700 sq ft house in Langley (Greater Vancouver) costs around $1.7 million. Prairie cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan) are more affordable than Vancouver and Toronto. Utilities and car insurance in Alberta cities are becoming more expensive.
It’s ideal to research thoroughly and consider more affordable cities beyond the most expensive urban centers. Very cheap housing ($5-10k) is available in small, remote villages. Still, these options do not meet typical standards or expectations.
Ukrainian Diaspora and Immigration
Saskatchewan has a large Ukrainian diaspora from early to mid-20th-century immigrants from Western Ukraine. The older diaspora is English-speaking and several generations removed from Ukraine.
Recent Ukrainian immigrants are Russian-speaking or Surzhyk-speaking, with cultural differences from the older diaspora. For new Ukrainian immigrants, the modern Ukrainian communities in Toronto or Montreal are more relatable.
Regional Considerations
When choosing where to settle, consider Prairie cities offering a balance of affordability and opportunities. Winnipeg has strong support for Ukrainians, including setting up childcare in hotels. While major cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer vibrant tech scenes, consider the trade-off with higher living costs.
Finding Housing and Settling in Canada
Start your search early using reputable websites like Realtor.ca or Kijiji. Consider short-term rentals upon arrival to allow time for exploring different neighborhoods. Connect with local Ukrainian-Canadian community groups for support and advice. Be prepared for potential cultural differences, even within Ukrainian-Canadian communities. Negotiate rent prices, as this is common in Canada. Consider cities beyond the most expensive markets for better affordability.
Challenges and Considerations for Remote Tech Talent Moving to Canada
Canadian work culture differs from what you’re accustomed to. Be open to learning and adapting. Canadian winters can be severe. Invest in appropriate cold-weather attire.
Building a new social network takes time. Consider joining local tech meetups and community groups to connect with peers. Some qualifications need recertification in Canada. Research the professional requirements in your field. Depending on your location, you need to improve your English or French skills. Given the high cost of living in some areas, careful budgeting is essential.
Benefits of The Canada Engineering Launchpad Program
The CEL program presents several advantages for eligible tech professionals:
Relocation Assistance: BorderlessHR manages the complex aspects of the immigration process, allowing you to focus on your relocation preparations.
Visa Facilitation: The program assists you in obtaining necessary work permits and appropriate visas for accompanying family members.
Financial and Administrative Support: The program offers; Assistance with Canadian payroll and tax compliance, access to Canadian employment benefits, including Employment Insurance, and support for integration into the Canadian work environment
Job Continuity: The CEL program lets you keep your current roles and projects. This ensures career stability while you move to Canada.
Quality of Life: Canada consistently ranks among the top countries regarding quality of life. The 2021 Best Countries Report by U.S. News & World Report ranked Canada as the best country for quality of life.
Strong Tech Scene: Major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have robust tech sectors. According to CBRE’s 2021 Scoring Tech Talent report, Toronto ranks 4th in North America for tech talent.
Multicultural Environment: Statistics Canada reports that over 20% of Canada’s population is foreign-born, fostering a diverse and inclusive society. Experience working in Canada’s multicultural professional environment, enhancing your cross-cultural communication skills; a valuable asset in the global tech industry.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After one year in the program, you can apply for permanent residency.
Wrapping Up
The Canada Engineering Launchpad program offers a unique opportunity to work in Canada while maintaining your current employment. While you’ll officially be a BorderlessHR employee in Canada, you’ll continue working on your current company projects.
To continue review the eligibility requirements thoroughly. Compile all necessary documents. Discuss the program with your current employer. Start the application process through BorderlessHR.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your Canadian journey, we invite you to contact us. We offer more detailed information about getting started. Our team is here to help you in navigating this transition. We support you from the first application process to your arrival in Canada.
