If you are interested in IT jobs in Canada, you are in luck. The information technology industry in Canada is strong and continues to grow. Canada is regarded as a leader in technology and its one of the best countries in the world to pursue an IT career. There are many opportunities for different types of IT jobs and IT professionals are paid well in Canada.
The job requirements for many IT occupations usually require a university degree or college diploma along with related employment experience in a specific area of IT expertise. Most information and communications technology occupations are non-regulated in Canada. However, many employers require a professional IT certification. This depends on the type of IT job. For example, to practice as a software engineer (NOC code 21231) or computer engineer (NOC code 21311), you require a license from a provincial or territorial professional engineering association.
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The great thing about working in IT is that Canadian companies are very open to hiring immigrants and newcomers. You just have to follow the proper steps to ensure you’re qualified. Prepare yourself for an IT job in Canada with this helpful overview.
Contents:
- How to Immigrate to Canada as an IT professional
- What to Expect When Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
- Employment Outlook for IT Jobs in Canada
- Start Your Research with the NOC Code for IT Jobs in Canada
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Business Systems Specialists
- Information Systems Specialists
- Information System Specialist Job Requirements
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators
- Software Engineers and Designers
- Computer Engineers
- User Support Technicians
- Requirements to Become an IT Professional in Canada
- Bridging Programs to Help IT Professionals Meet Job Requirements in Canada
- Continuing Your IT Education in Canada
- IT Schools in Canada
- Information Technology Associations in Canada
- How Much Do IT Professionals Make in Canada?
- Best Provinces to Work in IT in Canada Based on Salary & Lifestyle
- Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
- How to Become an IT Professional in Canada
- How to Find Your First Canadian IT Job
How to Immigrate to Canada as an IT professional
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue an IT Career
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The steps you need to complete to work in an IT job in Canada will depend on your career path. It’s important to research the specific requirements for the job you want. For example, if you want to work as an app developer, research the career requirements for software app developers in Canada.
To improve your chances of finding an IT job in Canada, there are general steps that you can take even before you arrive:
- Attend the free Job Search Strategies and Techniques webinar to learn more about the job market in Canada.
- Take an online self-assessment on the Canadian Language Benchmarks website to assess your language skills.
- Improve your English or French language skills (depending on your destination province). You will need to prove your language competency or be tested.
- Take language classes while you’re in your home country and continue them when you arrive in Canada.
- Understand how your IT occupation is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the laws and legislation that govern it in the province where you will settle.
- Know the name of your job in Canada and learn about the specific IT job requirements in Canada for your job title.
- Look into certification requirements and skill development options if you need to upgrade.
- Check our resources available from the Information and Communications Technology Council to develop your job search plan.
- Research Canadian companies and join IT groups on LinkedIn to learn about the industry in Canada.
What to Expect When Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
There are dozens of IT career paths to pursue in Canada. Each one has different qualifications and requirements. You need to have a general overview of how your international qualifications may be viewed in Canada. As well, it’s important to have a general sense of the Canadian labour market and workplace culture. Understanding the current job market and employment outlook will help you set realistic expectations for your job search.
Employment Outlook for IT Jobs in Canada
There is a positive outlook for the information technology industry in Canada. The information and technology (IT) sector is a major employer in Canada and contributes about $150 billion a year to Canada’s economy. There are more than 41,000 IT firms across the country, with 86% having 10 or fewer employees.
According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), forecasts show the tech industry is in a growth phase. It’s predicted to grow by a total of 22.4% in the 2021-24 period.
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BDC has a positive outlook for employment in IT. “Forecasts show that employment growth in the digital economy will continue to outpace that in the general economy. By the end of 2025, employment in the digital economy will reach 2.26 million people, reflecting the addition of 250,000 jobs since 2020.”
Read the full report here.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for IT Jobs in Canada
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals work in a variety of occupations. Some of these occupations are regulated. However, others may require certification or licensing, or a combination of education and work experience, but no certification or licensing.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference for occupations. The NOC code provides standard definitions of the occupation. For job seekers, you can also learn about other titles that are commonly used for your NOC code. This can be helpful when applying for jobs in Canada. The NOC code also outlines the IT job requirements in Canada for specific IT occupations.
The Canadian IT sector includes the following NOC groups:
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Example Job Titles
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Business Systems Manager
- Cloud Architect Manager
- Computer Systems Manager
- Systems Development Manager.
IT Job Requirements
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, commerce, or engineering is usually required. Employers usually require several years of experience in systems analysis, data administration, software engineering, network design, or computer programming, including supervisory experience.
Cybersecurity Specialists
Example Titles
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Informatics Security Analyst
- Informatics Security Consultant
- Systems Security Analyst.
Cybersecurity Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer security, computer systems engineering, or information systems or completion of a college program in information technology, network administration, or other related computer science program. Some employers may require certification or training that is provided by software vendors.
Business Systems Specialists
Example Titles
- Information Systems Business Analyst
- Information Technology (IT) Business Analyst
- Business Systems Analyst
- Business Systems Consultant.
Business Systems Specialist Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, business administration, information systems, or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science. Some employers may require certification or training from software vendors.
Information Systems Specialists
Example Titles
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Informatics Consultant
- Information Systems Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst
- Systems Auditor.
Information System Specialist Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline, or computer science at the college level. Employers usually require computer science experience to meet IT job requirements in Canada. Some employers may require certification such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or another IT designation.
Database Analysts and Data Administrators
Example Titles
- Data Administrator
- Database Analyst
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Technical Architect – Database.
IT Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree or college program in computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics. Employers usually require computer programming and related experience to meet IT job requirements in Canada.
Software Engineers and Designers
Example Titles
- Application Architect
- Cloud Operations Engineer
- Software Designer
- Telecommunication software engineer.
Software Engineer Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, or mathematics, or completion of a college program in computer science. Some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field.
In addition, software engineers belong to a regulated profession in Canada. Therefore, they require a license from a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers to practice as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.). Engineers are to register upon graduating from an accredited engineering program, completing three to four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice exam.
Computer Engineers
Example Titles
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Hardware Development Engineer
- Network Infrastructure Engineer
- Wireless Communications Network Engineer.
Computer Engineer Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics, or computer science. A master’s or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Computer engineers must have a license from a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as Professional Engineers (P. Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration upon graduating from an accredited engineering program, completing three to four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice exam.
User Support Technicians
Example Titles
- Client Support Agent – Technical Support
- Help Desk Technician
- Technical Support Analyst
- User Support Technician.
IT Job Requirements
Completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming, or network administration. College or other courses in computer programming or network administration. Some employers may require certificates or training provided by software vendors to meet IT job requirements in Canada.
Requirements to Become an IT Professional in Canada
In Canada, the requirements to work in information technology will depend on your job type. Companies can request different education, skills, certifications, and experience based on the role. Therefore, you need to research the IT jobs you want to pursue.
Credential Recognition to Meet IT Job Requirements in Canada
Several agencies assess international education credentials to help newcomers to Canada access the education and employment they need. Most IT occupations are non-regulated in Canada. However, if you intend to practice as an engineer, it is important to know that it is provincially regulated. You will need to have proof of your credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency. To avoid wasting valuable time and money, make sure you first contact the relevant regulatory organization to find out which credential assessment agency you should use.
The same rule applies if you are applying to college or university to upgrade your skills. First, contact the school to find out what steps to take, and the credential assessment agency you should use.
Make sure to highlight your international education and skills. Build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding if you need to pursue further education. Use your international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions. You may be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits and benefit from prior learning assessment options. This will allow you to complete your program more quickly, without wasting money and repeating the education you already have.
Credentials Assessment Services
There are several places where you can inquire about the steps to take to have your IT credentials assessed in Canada:
World Education Services (WES) – Ontario
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia
To find more assessment services here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Information Technology Job Requirements
You may need to upgrade your skills, especially your soft skills, to meet IT job requirements in Canada. Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is important for career success. Whether you choose to focus on improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Or you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.
Upgrading Your Language Skills for IT Jobs
There are Job-specific language training programs to teach you professional terminology. And, if you’re in Ontario there is Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).
Canadian employers look for friendly and assertive professionals with strong communication skills. They also look for people who will fit into their workplace culture and will become leaders over time. In the IT field, they expect employees to have a strong understanding of the business in addition to the technical aspects of the job. They encourage employees to upgrade their existing skills and acquire new skills.
Bridging Programs to Help IT Professionals Meet Job Requirements in Canada
Bridging programs are a good way to transition your international experience to the Canadian workplace. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer IT bridging programs, and you may be eligible. Here are some programs to consider:
Ontario
Global Onboarding of Talent (GO Talent)
The GO Talent program helps IEPs immigrating to Canada as permanent residents and are still in their country of origin. IEPs receive assistance to ensure they are job ready when they arrive.
York University – Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
This IT bridging program allows you to complete three university-level courses to ensure your soft skills and IT program skills are top-notch. It also helps IEPs to transition into jobs that match their education, credentials, and experience.
ACCES Employment – IT Connections: Digital Economy Connections
This program helps internationally trained IT professionals pursue their careers in Canada.
Humber College Programs
Humber College Bridging Program .NET Developer
This successful program with 98% of graduates securing jobs in their field within six months of graduating. It is a bridging program for internationally trained computer programmers. This program provides participants with the advanced concepts, skills and knowledge required to work as .NET Solution Developers.
Humber College – IT Infrastructure Bridging Program
This bridging program is for internationally trained immigrants with education and experience in information technology, computer science, or engineering (computer, electronics, or electrical). You’ll learn advanced concepts and gain skills in computer networking, information security, installation, and configuration of servers in a virtual environment with an emphasis on operating systems. Graduates from this program work as Systems Analysts, IT/Network Administrators, Network Analysts, and more.
Humber College – Occupation-Specific Language Training
This free technology training course provides immigrants with the workplace culture and language skills to communicate effectively on the job. All Humber OSLT graduates earn a certificate.
Alberta
Bredin Centre for Learning
Centre for Skilled and Internationally Trained Professionals
A no-cost program that helps internationally educated professionals (IEPs) understand and move through the licensure and credential process in Canada. Those who are not part of a regulated profession will be provided with up-to-date information about their career. Bredin staff will support IEPs through the process and help them find jobs that directly relate to their education.
Continuing Your IT Education in Canada
Some companies provide financial support to employees for professional development. Because IT technology changes so rapidly, you need to upgrade your skills regularly to stay relevant and competitive in your field.
Colleges and universities offer many IT continuing education courses. Taking these courses is a good way to upgrade your skills. And often these courses are offered after business hours which makes them easy to attend after your workday.
If you want to make a career change or enhance your career options, you may be interested in pursuing further education in Canada. Click here for links to Canadian Universities and Colleges.
IT Schools in Canada
There are over 50 schools in Canada offering IT courses, programs, and degrees. They are available at the college, university, and graduate levels.
| World University Ranking for Computer Science 2023 | World University Ranking 2023 | University | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 18 | University of Toronto | Toronto |
| 51 (tie) | 191 | University of Waterloo | Waterloo |
| 56 | 35 | University of British Columbia | Vancouver |
| 74 | 156 (tie) | University of Montreal | Montreal |
| 100 (tie) | 136 (tie) | University of Alberta | Edmonton |
| 111 (tie) | 54 | McGill University | Montreal |
| 166 (tie) | 317 (tie) | Simon Fraser University | Burnaby |
| 285 (tie) | 526 (tie) | Carleton University | Ottawa |
| 298 (tie) | 215 (tie) | University of Ottawa | Ottawa |
| 309 (tie) | 1,338 (tie) | Ecole de Technologie Superieure – Canada | Montreal |
Information Technology Associations in Canada
The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
ICTC – Information and Communications Technology Council: strives to create a strong, aware, prepared, and better-educated Canadian ICT industry and workforce.
CIPS – Canadian Information Processing Society: a non-profit professional association for IT practitioners. It offers networking opportunities, certification (I.S.P. and ITCP), accreditation of IT post-secondary programs, a niche IT job board, and represents Canadian IT professionals in international forums.
CWTA – Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association: is the authority on wireless issues, developments, and trends in Canada. It promotes the industry with a focus on the sector’s growth in Canada.
TECHNATION: is a leading national technology association committed to increasing Canada’s global competitiveness in tech and innovation.
Professional Immigrant Networks
Professional immigrant networks are organized, volunteer-run member-based networks created by and for immigrants to:
- create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities; and
- provide opportunities for their members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.
These networks offer mentoring, information sessions, professional development, workshops, speaker events, and connections to jobs.
For example, there is isans: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. isans helps newcomer professionals integrate economically and socially in Nova Scotia.
Hispanotech.ca brings Hispanics in Canada’s technology markets together, to help them enter the workforce and recognize their contributions to the technology field.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
How Much Do IT Professionals Make in Canada?
IT professionals are well paid. How much you can make depends on your job title, experience, skills, and your location. IT jobs are mainly full-time positions, but they can also be part-time jobs, contract jobs, or project-based jobs.
The average annual salary for an IT professional is just over $70,000 annually. This is about $36 per hour. Salary can range from about $50,000 to over $100,000 per year.
IT Salary in Canada by Region
| Province | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $75,238 |
| British Columbia | $71,686 |
| Manitoba | $75,338 |
| New Brunswick | $44,850 |
| Nova Scotia | $67,928 |
| Ontario | $75,000 |
| Prince Edward Island | $70,000 |
| Quebec | $54,474 |
| Saskatchewan | $70,342 |
| Yukon | $69,981 |
IT Salary in Canada by Job Title
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| IT Manager | $95,000 |
| Project Engineer | $90,000 |
| Systems Engineer | $87,677 |
| Program Manager | $85,498 |
| Engineer | $83,637 |
| Design Engineer | $82,429 |
| Systems Analyst | $77,009 |
| Programmer Analyst | $72,650 |
| Service Technician | $50,233 |
| Field Technician | $50,000 |
Best Provinces to Work in IT in Canada Based on Salary & Lifestyle
You can find IT jobs in most Canadian cities, however, the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa offer the highest concentration of IT jobs. Other cities to consider for IT jobs include, Markham, Kitchener-Waterloo, Montreal, and Vancouver. Montreal is the heart of the gaming industry in Canada and Vancouver has many companies in the commercial/entertainment development sector. Markham is the second-largest tech cluster in Canada.
Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
There are many ways to start an IT career in Canada with the right academic credentials, relevant work experience, and a plan for where you want to work. Below is valuable information to help you pursue an IT career in Canada:
Major Employers for Information technology Jobs in Canada
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, about 45,000 companies operate in the Canadian IT sector. 91% of these companies are in the software and computer services industries, 4% are in the IT wholesaling industries, and 2% are in manufacturing.
Canadian IT companies employ around 555,978 employees and generate about 168 billion dollars. As well, many people work in the information technology departments of Canadian companies that use technology such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and retail.
You can also learn about Canadian companies by visiting Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website. These employers have been recognized for exceptional diversity and inclusiveness programs in the workplace.
Here are some of the top IT companies in Canada:
- Snapcommerce
- Microsoft
- Intuit
- Infosys
- Apple
- Sage
- SAP
- Salesforce
- Ericsson
- Computan
- Cisco
- Intel
- Oracle.
How to Become an IT Professional in Canada
If you are a new immigrant to Canada and have an interest in working in IT, these are important steps to follow:
- Choose an area of interest: What type of IT job would you like to pursue? Do you have an interest in web development, coding, database management, or software development?
- Get an undergraduate degree/diploma: Choose a college or university program to help you get the educational background you need for your chosen IT career.
- Complete post-graduate education: Some professions will require you to complete a post-graduate diploma. Complete this if required.
- Get certified: Complete any certification courses and complete all requirements. This may be ongoing. You can add additional certifications as you progress in your career.
- Search for IT jobs: Start your search for your first job in IT.
How to Find Your First Canadian IT Job
Searching for an IT job in Canada is unique based on your chosen career. The job market can in Canada is competitive for IT careers.
Job Search Techniques for IT Professionals
You may need some help, especially since finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country. Fortunately, there are many settlement services to help you search for jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for job interviews. Click here to find immigrant services in your area.
There are many that you can search for IT jobs in Canada:
- Broaden your search and include other geographical areas, alternative careers, and companies outside the sector, as a lot of them have IT departments or positions.
- Join job-finding or networking groups in the IT sector through settlement agencies.
- Attend career/job fairs, info sessions, and conferences related to the IT sector.
- Do volunteer work to gain Canadian work experience.
- Seek out an IT mentor who could give you valuable advice and introduce you to their professional network.
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Resume Writing Tips for IT Jobs in Canada
It’s best if you write your resume with prospective employers and hiring managers in mind. Your resume should show that you can participate in project planning activities with your team and as a group and be able to peer review your team members to help each other reach the end goal.
Suppose you are a Software Developer, for example. In that case, your resume should show your ability to contribute to the design, development, and release of software updates to a product that’s used by thousands of customers.
Resume Tips:
- Have a portfolio and include samples of your work.
- Highlight your technical skills and your teamwork, leadership, communications, and business experience.
- List specific skills such as database design, Linux, software development, HTML, JavaScript, technical support, etc.
- Ask someone to review your resume and provide feedback.
Below are some examples of common phrases that your resume should include:
- Develop and analyze technical designs and requirements to meet functional specifications.
- Review programming code to ensure development standards are compatible with the software.
- Adapt to changing technology by learning and applying new methods to achieve organizational goals.
- Provide technical support to ensure the stability of networks and applications; diligently respond to user issues.
Interview Techniques for IT Jobs in Canada
IT professionals work in dozens of fields. Therefore, how you prepare for an IT job interview will depend in part on what type of position you are pursuing.
One way you can separate yourself from the pack is by creating a work portfolio. It expresses what you may not be able to put into words. In addition to taking your portfolio to the interview, you can send a link to the interviewer ahead of time. This way, they can review the portfolio and you can discuss it during the interview.
Informational Interviews Can Help You Learn More About IT Job Requirements in Canada
Reach out to people you might know who work in IT companies or other organizations that you’re interested in working for. Ask them if they will be willing to connect you with someone in the company who works in your related field of expertise. Contact the individual and ask to meet with them at their convenience.
Connecting with people will expand your professional network, give you an insight into their company and help you understand IT job requirements in Canada.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether a particular position or employer fits your skills, experience, and interests.
An information interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. In addition to gaining information about the IT industry, you’ll also benefit from learning about their first-hand work experience.
Networking
Networking is a key activity that can help you to find job leads, and gain insights into specific companies and the IT industry n Canada. Often, many job vacancies are not advertised, so, connecting with other IT professionals is a great way to discover jobs in what’s known as the “hidden job market”.
Ideal places to network include conferences, association events, and social mixers where you can meet people, build relationships, and share information.
LinkedIn is another important tool for networking and it’s a great way to reconnect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies and jobs, and get helpful introductions to others in the field. Also, you can join related IT groups and engage in group discussions.
Note that it’s not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any job leads, they’ll likely share that information with you. Your network can be a great source to learn about IT jobs in Canada.
Remember, that you must allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. You need to be patient because these relationships take time to grow.
With a positive outlook for IT jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options.
Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.