#GoNorth

Due to a recent increase in applications from jobseekers south of the border, we wanted to share what it’s like to work in tech while living in Canada

TL;DR?

EASIER TO RELOCATE: It’s going to be easier than ever to immigrate to Canada starting early 2017
OPPORTUNITY: Many open positions at BVGames, a leader in HTML5 and social free-to-play games
GREAT PAY, CHEAPER LIVING: Salaries competitive with US tech and lower cost of living
HUGE TECH INDUSTRY: Over 71,000 tech companies, and growing like crazy
WELCOMING: A diverse, inclusive and beautiful place to live

Welcoming

Canada has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and our government has just made it easier for tech professionals to come to Canada. In 2014, there were more than 94,000 temporary foreign workers in Canada, and the country granted 260,000 people permanent residency status. In 2017, Canada will admit 300,000 more immigrants, and BVG can help you be one of them.

Big in Tech

The Canadian tech and gaming sectors are growing rapidly thanks to the collaboration and support of our national, provincial, and municipal governments, all of which are dedicated to fostering digital innovation. The Big Viking Games studio is located the heart of one of Canada’s largest hubs for tech and gaming.

Canada’s 71,000 tech companies are responsible for over 7% of Canada’s economic output and 5.6% of Canada’s total employment—which is even more than the US (read more about the Canadian tech sector).

Standard of Living

Canada’s standard of living is more or less equivalent to that of the US (and even better in some respects).

Equal and Open

Canadians see diversity as a source of tremendous strength, and our studio is located in one of the most ethnically diverse and tolerant cities in the world. Also, same same-sex marriage is legal in Canada, and has been an unchallenged right for over a decade.

…And Free Health Care

Universal health care is free for all Canadians, and has been for 50 years. Within three months of arriving in Canada with a work permit, you will receive the same coverage as any other Canadian citizen. Break your arm? That’s free. Catch a bad flu? Free. Need to be hospitalized? Also free.

Why Big Viking Games?

A Profitable Studio with Steady Growth & Award-Winning Culture

Big Viking Games is the largest independent game studio in Canada with a focus on HTML5 mobile instant games built for messengers (and other platforms), as well as Facebook desktop games. We’ve had five years of steady, profitable growth—as recognized by Deloitte on both it’s Canadian Technology Fast 50 and North American Technology Fast 500 lists. We’ve also received numerous awards for our progressive studio culture, including being officially recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute.

Having recently secured a significant funding round, we are actively recruiting talented Vikings to bolster our horde.

Applying to Work in Canada

Our HR Team is here to help with work permits

It has just gotten easier for tech professionals to come to Canada, and if you are a Software Developer, an Artist, or Senior Manager, we may be able to bring you to Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The application takes 1 – 2 weeks to process, and once approved you’ll receive your permit and enter Canada. To learn more, consult this site.

If you don’t fall into one of these three categories, we may still be able to get you a work permit, but the process can take 2-3 months. Learn more on this page.

Life in Toronto

Diverse, Delicious, Connected, and Clean

Big Viking Games is located in Toronto: Canada’s biggest metropolis. In 2016 it was recognized as the fourth most liveable city in the world, and the single most ethnically diverse city, with 51% of its population being made up of individuals born outside of Canada. Toronto’s rich multicultural diversity can be seen in its residents identifying more than 200 distinct ethnic origins.

All those nationalities have lead to a vibrant culinary scene, allowing you to sample delicious cuisine from all over the world without ever leaving the city.

Toronto offers all the urban amenities you’d expect, like reliable transit, urban parks, and an active arts community. It is also a short drive from natural escapes like Algonquin Park and the Muskoka Lakes.

The city features a major international airport, with direct flights to Asia, Europe, and a regional airport right downtown with hourly flights to New York City and other destinations.