In recent years, the number of software developers migrating to Canada has increased significantly. The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that migration in this group has risen by nearly one-third compared to last year.
Programming immigration to Canada in 2025
According to IRCC data, in January and February of this year, 940 software developers became new permanent residents in Canada. This represents a 29.6% increase compared to 725 who immigrated during the same period last year. If the current trend continues throughout 2023, it is expected that 5,640 IT professionals will become new permanent residents this year, an increase of 65.6% over last year.
After reaching a peak of 5,830 new software developer residents in 2021, this number fell by 41.6% last year to 3,405, aligning more closely with historical levels.
Popular Provinces for Software Developers
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province with a growing tech sector in North America, attracts the majority of software developers. Last year, the province welcomed 1,900 new permanent residents through its Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP), which targets tech talent. Applicants are selected through the Human Capital Priorities stream linked to Express Entry.
Selected candidates receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario and have 45 days to apply for a nomination certificate. Once approved, they gain 600 points in their Express Entry profile.
British Columbia also welcomed 320 software developers last year and, through the BC PNP Tech stream, accelerates immigration for in-demand tech professionals. Candidates with experience in one of 35 eligible tech occupations can receive invitations, provided they have at least a one-year job offer from an employer in the province.
Alberta offers the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway, part of the Express Entry stream under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). This program provides a fast-track immigration route for candidates with job offers in one of 38 tech occupations, including software developers.
Job Codes and Opportunities
According to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), software developers are listed under code 21232. International applicants using the Express Entry system—including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs—must now use the updated NOC 2021 code.
Demand for software developers in Canada remains strong. Companies are seeking professionals who can develop and improve technology solutions, use data analysis to optimise systems, ensure data security, and build cloud computing infrastructure.
According to Randstad, the most in-demand tech jobs in Canada for 2023 are:
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Software developer/programmer (NOC 21232)
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Business system analyst/administrator (NOC 21221)
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Data analyst/scientist (NOC 21223)
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Quality assurance analyst (NOC 21222)
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Security analyst/architect (NOC 21220)
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Cloud architect (NOC 20012)
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IT project manager (NOC 21311)
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Network engineer (NOC 22220)
In April 2023, Indeed.ca listed over 3,000 software developer jobs across Canada, and the federal Jobbank website rated job prospects in this sector as “good to very good” for at least the next three years. Average salaries in 2023 range from $74,000 to $130,600, with a median of $100,100.
Immigration Pathways for Software Developers
Applicants can immigrate to Canada through one of three Express Entry programs and apply online for permanent residency if eligible. Canadian employers can also hire foreign workers via the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The Global Talent Stream (GTS), part of TFWP, can normally lead to the issuance of a Canadian work permit and visa processing within two weeks, providing a fast and efficient pathway for internationally-trained software developers.