Oris Visas Alberta creates new immigration program for tech workers

Express Entry candidates who work in tech may be eligible for Alberta's new expedited immigration program.

Alberta is introducing a new fast-track immigration program for tech workers.


Alberta’s immigration minister, Tyler Shandro, announced the Accelerated Tech Pathway on January 13. The province had already began accepting applications to the new program in December.

In order to be eligible, tech professionals need to have a profile in the federal government’s Express Entry system and be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

“Under this new pathway, tech professionals from across Canada and overseas can become permanent residents in as little as six months if they have a job offer in an in-demand tech industry occupation,” Shandro said, although Express Entry processing averaged nine months in 2020.

“Along with priority application processing, tech professionals will also receive a letter of support from the Government of Alberta if they require a work permit.”

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

There are more than 3,000 technology companies in Alberta, according to the Alberta Enterprise Corporation. Alberta’s tech sector has grown 233% since 2012, as per the 2021 Alberta Technology Deal Flow Study. However, tech companies still face challenges accessing workers, especially sales and technical talent.