LMIA FinderCan Software Engineers And Designers from Philippines Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for software engineers and designers from Philippines looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Philippines
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Philippines. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 24 days |
| Study Permits | 6 weeks |
| Work Permits | 9 weeks |
| Super Visa | 109 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | 11 months |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | 17 months |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Philippines Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Philippines 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 Philippines through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Philippines Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a software engineers and designers 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 Philippines 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 212 active software engineers and designers 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
Software Engineers And Designers 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 Software Engineers And Designers
Express Entry (FSW)
High 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.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
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.
Software Engineers And Designers Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for software engineers and designers — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Philippines. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $54.50/hr | $33.53 | $85.10 |
| Alberta | $48.17/hr | $32.09 | $76.02 |
| British Columbia | $56.20/hr | $36.07 | $87.70 |
| Manitoba | $46.19/hr | $27.72 | $67.79 |
| New Brunswick | $46.61/hr | $31.94 | $70.53 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $47.70/hr | $31.83 | $69.89 |
| Northwest Territories | — | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $48.22/hr | $31.41 | $79.82 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $53.38/hr | $35.26 | $83.31 |
| Prince Edward Island | $41.54/hr | $25.28 | $58.14 |
| Quebec | $52.69/hr | $35.45 | $80.45 |
| Saskatchewan | $48.40/hr | $32.89 | $71.08 |
Top Provinces Hiring Software Engineers And Designers
Current Software Engineers And Designers Openings
Web Designer
$36.95 hourlyDs Consultancy and Services · Barrie, Ontario
Graphic Designer - Multimedia
$47.50 hourly500px Inc. · Hamilton, Ontario
Graphic Designer
$36.00 hourlyAngus T - Central Kitchen · Vancouver, British Columbia
Web Designer
$36.92 to $39.92 hourly (to be negotiated)Mcewan · North York, Ontario
Embedded Software Designer
$100,000.00 to $110,000.00 annually (to be negotiated)Scalian · Various Locations
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