Report
Tech Migration Report: Global Hotspots and Visa Demand for Skilled Workers in Tech
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Key takeaways
- Immigration strategy is important to attract skilled global talent.
- Spain, Great Britain, and Canada were the top countries for hiring skilled migrants in 2023.
- The US remains a sought-after destination for entrepreneurs and tech talent.
Who will benefit from this report?
- Companies of all sizes looking to hire skilled tech migrants
- Professionals interested in making a global move
- Anyone curious about the latest tech scene trends in migration
Report overview
In an effort to attract top talent, countries have long leveraged immigration. As we head into 2024, it’s no surprise that the most competitive talent on the planet is centered around software engineering, data, and product development, which are all essential components of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. This has resulted in a significant number of skilled migrants and workers who possess technical and entrepreneurial skill sets being globally mobile.
Deel, the global HR and payroll company, has a workforce spanning hundreds of thousands of people from over 120 countries. In 2023, 27% of newly hired full-time employees on Deel’s platform were expats, meaning their citizenship differed from the country where they were employed, a slight increase from 25% in 2022.
Here are the headlines from Deel’s data pool, as well as the incoming requests for immigration support across 30+ countries:
- Spain, Great Britain, and Canada were the top countries for hiring skilled migrants in 2023
- The majority of skilled migrants were from India, the United States, and Great Britain, according to the workers who were employed abroad
- Skilled workers prioritize countries and visas that offer economic mobility, preferential tax treatment, better quality of life, lower cost of living, and family/community reunification when seeking visas
- Despite the United States having the toughest immigration barriers, domestic turmoil, and layoffs, the country remains a coveted destination for entrepreneurs and the tech elite
What's included
- Data on the movement of skilled workers in tech across geographies through the analysis of 2023 visa trends and employment contracts
- Insights into individuals who are moving, their preferred destinations, and the reasons behind their relocation
- A spotlight on the United States, the world’s most coveted destination for tech elites around the world
FAQs
How do you define skilled migrants or expats?
Skilled migrants or expats are individuals who move to another country to work, bringing specialized knowledge, qualifications, or professional experience in high-demand sectors.
Why is tech talent the focus of this report?
The rapidly expanding tech industry is at the heart of economic growth and innovation worldwide. With tech hubs like Silicon Valley now burgeoning globally, tech companies, from established tech giants to emerging fintech startups and unicorns, are in a constant search for tech professionals to sustain growth, innovation, and venture capital to drive advancements in software development, web development, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies.
The growth of the tech sector and tech startup hubs have led to an increase in skilled tech workers migrating to tech cities worldwide. Deel’s report provides valuable insights into these trends. Businesses can leverage this information to tap into a broader talent pool of skilled professionals. At the same time, workers can seek new tech job opportunities aligning with their career goals and personal preferences.
Where does Deel source its data?
Deel is a comprehensive global HR and compliance platform. By leveraging Deel, businesses can easily and seamlessly hire, pay, manage, and provide visa support and sponsorship for their international employees located all around the world.
In the year 2023, Deel facilitated the creation of tens of thousands of new employee contracts. 27% of these contracts were for employees located in countries that were different from their country of citizenship. Deel’s global reach is extensive, with more than 100 global professionals in each country represented.
Why is skilled migrant data different from visa request data?
Visa request data comes from parties interested in immigration support. Their interest doesn’t necessarily convert to issued visas, so this data represents interest from skilled migrants versus actual moves.
Does the report provide insights into different countries’ visa and immigration systems?
Yes. The report offers comprehensive insights into the diverse visa and immigration systems of countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), North America, and Asia.
It includes detailed analyses of visa delays, evolving visa routes and government initiatives, and legislative changes impacting immigration in the European region, with a focus on countries like Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
In North America, it examines the Canadian immigration system’s responsiveness to remote working and the creation of new visa pathways.
Asian countries like Japan are also highlighted for their innovative visa initiatives aimed at becoming attractive destinations for remote work.
What are my best options for immigration into the USA as a skilled tech worker?
The top American visas requested by skilled migrants this year include the O-1A (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement), EB-1A (Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1A), EB-2 NIW (Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 NIW) and H1-B (Specialty Occupations). The report includes more on standards for acceptance and issuance rate of all four.
How can I get more help as a skilled worker looking for visa and immigration support?
Deel Immigration can help with immigration needs to 30+ countries. You can schedule time with the team here.
