How To Become a Video Game Producer in Canada

The first video game was created just 63 years ago, in October 1958, by no less than a physicist (!) called William Higginbotham. It was a simple tennis game, similar to the classic 1970’s “Pong” game, and it was an instant hit.

Ever since the first video game came out, video game technology has become more complex, creative, and sophisticated. Entire companies were built with the sole purpose of creating innovative games and addictive gaming experiences for people of all ages. In turn, new occupations were introduced to the world, such as game designers, game artists, game animators, game-play testers, and video game producers.

While it may be the last thing to cross your mind, one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada is video game production. As video game popularity soars, so does the need for video game producers to assemble and manage teams of engineers, designers, and artists, to produce more games for the public.

Are you a video game producer looking for a change of scenery? Perhaps even, better pay? Keep on reading to discover how you can become a video game producer in Canada.

Canada Work Visa

Canada is currently strengthening its efforts to invite foreign talent in. Canada always had a high demand for talent in their gaming industries. If you are interested in working abroad, Canada might be your best ticket. The country invests many efforts into providing many immigration options and settlement solutions to help you migrate to Canada.

To work as a video game producer in Canada, you’ll need a Canada work visa. This type of visa certifies that you can work in Canada as an eligible worker in the industry. Getting a Canada work visa can be done in several ways: 

1. A temporary work visa, such as a Working Holiday Visa.

2. A permanent work visa, such as those under the Express Entry Canada or PNP Canada categories.

3. Unique immigration programs such as Global Talent Stream Canada.

Canada is always looking for the next big talent to work in video game productions. With limitless opportunities in the industry of video games and competitive salaries, you can develop your skills and talents to reach greater heights. However, you have to understand how the application process works and what options you actually qualify for.

Use this guide below to understand what lies ahead, and don’t hesitate to contact the Great North Visa immigration team for further assistance. We can assess your eligibility for Canada’s available programs and take the hassle out of the process.

Canada’s Temporary Work Permits

To work in Canada as a video game producer, you don’t have to go “all in”, and migrate to Canada permanently. You can give Canada a “test run” and opt for a temporary work visa, such as the Working Holiday Visa:

Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit that allows you to work for almost any employer, for a period of 12-24 months. The idea of a Working Holiday Visa, as the name suggests, is to allow you to combine work with leisure.

You are not committed to working for any one employer, and your schedule will be quite flexible. This will allow you to get a taste of Canada and what it’s like to work for a gaming company there before fully committing.

You must keep in mind that you can only apply for this visa if you:

• Are 18 – 30 years old (or 35 for certain nationalities)

• Are a citizen of a country that has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada

• Have $2,500 or more to sustain yourself during your stay

• Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay

• Don’t have any dependents

• Don’t have any debilitating health conditions

You can check your eligibility today with an immigration professional from Great North Visa.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) is another great option. This immigration program is operated jointly by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

When this immigration program started, it was only available to caregivers and agricultural workers. Today, the list of in-demand occupations for this program has expanded significantly.

To apply for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you must comply with the following requirements:

• Have a job offer from a Canadian employer

• Not be inadmissible in any way to enter Canada

The time you will spend in Canada will depend on how long the employer needs you. The time will be listed in your Labour Market Impact Assessment, which your employer will provide you.

Settle down in Canada permanently

If you’re not just looking for skillful work experience, and you want to migrate to Canada for good, you can apply for permanent residency in various provinces. Different territories and cities in Canada have career prospects and talent openings for positions in the video game industry.

If your passion and pursuance as a video game producer, led you to the refreshing choice of staying in Canada permanently, you can do so in different ways. As a Canadian permanent resident, you will enjoy many benefits such as:

• Being able to work, live, and travel anywhere in Canada

• Getting access to Canada’s healthcare system – “Medicare”

• Schooling benefits for your children

• Protection under Canadian law

• Visa-free travel to over a dozen countries

• And more.

Below is a breakdown of the available PR immigration programs in Canada:

Express Entry Canada

The Express Entry Canada is a fast-track immigration program for skilled workers. There are several work visas under this category: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canada Experience Class (CEC).

The selection for skilled workers is based on 6 selection factors which you can read about here. You will be ranked according to the information provided. Your score will determine your chances of obtaining a Canada work visa.

Before getting started, you will need to check if your occupation is listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You will then need to check your eligibility for the Express Entry visas by passing a visa eligibility assessment.

Provincial Nominee Program Canada

If you don’t qualify for the Express Entry visas, there is another way to migrate to Canada. This option is called the Provincial Nominee Program Canada (PNP Canada).

Each province and territory in Canada has demographic and economic goals they must fulfill. For this purpose, PNP Canada was developed. This program is designed for each of the territories and provinces, so the eligibility requirements are individual between each one.

For example, in Alberta, there’s no specific job list, and you don’t need a job offer to apply; Saskatchewan has over 200 occupations on their NOC list, and you don’t need a job offer to apply; Ontario has a strong tech industry, and you do need a job offer to apply, etc.

If one of Canada’s territories and provinces nominates you for permanent residency, you can apply for openings in companies as a video game producer. Keep in mind that you might need to commit to working in said province or territory for at least a year before moving elsewhere.

Global Talent Stream Canada

Canada is one of the most progressive countries in the world. As such, it catches the eye of exceptionally talented people and young professionals in various fields. Global Talent Stream Canada is the fastest immigration program in Canada, processing visa applications within 2 weeks!

Global Talent Stream Canada invites skilled workers who are proficient in their line of work to work for different companies. Once you get approved, you will be able to migrate to Canada in just 1 month (if willing).

This program includes two categories:

Category A

Category A is limited to specific in-demand occupations. If eligible, the company will invite you for a job position with a demanded unique and special talent to progress as a company. When they will send you an offer to be their video game producer, you will be able to apply for permanent residency.

Category B

On the other hand, Category B refers to global talent occupations that are in demand. There’s a Global Talent Occupations List for all available job openings that companies need. There are many positions in this category with necessary wage requirements for you. The position as a video game producer falls under one of the occupation pools with a minimum annual payment of $78,000.

No matter what category you apply in, Canada has set workplace requirements for you. This protects all foreign workers. Laws in Canada protect you and make sure there are strict guidelines in terms of work hours (including overtime), compensation, work benefits, and employment termination.

Become a Game Producer in Canada

There is no limit to how you can improve your skills and talent as part of any nation’s video game industry. Canada is open to giving you an opportunity of a lifetime. You can work your dream job and enjoy great benefits as a temporary or permanent worker in the country.

At Great North Visa, we can help you achieve your dream. We can help you secure your Canada Work Visa that makes you eligible for work. All you need to do is prepare personal necessities for your move to Canada. 

We have services for legal assistance, document collection, IELTS course, interview preparation, and many more. We also provide settlement solutions to help you settle in Canada comfortably. We aim to make your move to Canada as easy and as simple as possible. Schedule an appointment with us today for a visa eligibility assessment and consultation.