LMIA FinderCan Data Scientists from Afghanistan Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for data scientists from Afghanistan looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Afghanistan
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Afghanistan. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Study Permits | 3 weeks |
| Visitor Visa | 33 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
| Work Permits | No processing time available |
| Super Visa | No processing time available |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Afghanistan Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Afghanistan can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Afghanistan through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Afghanistan Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a data scientists or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
Education Assessment
You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization like WES, IQAS, or ICAS to verify that your diploma or degree from Afghanistan is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Job Offer
While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 10 active data scientists openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Recent Express Entry Draws
Data Scientists may qualify for STEM category-based Express Entry draws with lower CRS cutoffs.
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Data Scientists
Express Entry (FSW)
Medium MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Data Scientists Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for data scientists — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Afghanistan. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $46.15/hr | $30.00 | $69.74 |
| Alberta | $44.28/hr | $29.18 | $62.48 |
| British Columbia | $48.08/hr | $32.45 | $88.94 |
| Manitoba | $45.00/hr | $29.09 | $60.10 |
| New Brunswick | $41.44/hr | $25.03 | $70.64 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $41.76/hr | $20.00 | $66.67 |
| Northwest Territories | — | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $44.06/hr | $24.09 | $65.75 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $47.69/hr | $30.44 | $68.14 |
| Prince Edward Island | — | — | — |
| Quebec | $45.66/hr | $33.12 | $72.91 |
| Saskatchewan | $42.05/hr | $32.69 | $57.69 |
Top Provinces Hiring Data Scientists
Current Data Scientists Openings
Data Scientist
$71.85 hourlyMaplerecord · Bowmanville, Ontario
Lead Data Scientist
$95,000.00 annuallyAposys Technologies Inc. · Mississauga, Ontario
Data Scientist
$30.00 to $69.74 hourlyCooke Aquaculture Inc. · Saint John, New Brunswick
Senior Data Scientist, Economics & Ai
$111,051.00 annuallyBank of Canada · Ottawa, Ontario
Data Scientist
$26.00 to $78.00 hourlyPcl Construction · Edmonton, Alberta
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