How to Immigrate to Canada for Work

Are you exploring to immigrate to another country for job opportunities and quality of life? If so, consider Canada. In this post, I will share how to immigrate to Canada for work.

Why Choose Canada?

Canada is ranked third among the top countries for job opportunities in 2020.

Source CEOWorld Magazine

Canada is the top-ranking country in the world for the best quality of life in 2020 (source USA News).

Source USA News

Also, Canada is ranked as the overall second-best country in the world to work and live in 2020 (source USA News).

Source USNews

Canada has the best quality of life in the world. Life is about choices, and the choices we make today determine who we and our next generations become tomorrow. Often we struggle with finding an excellent job in our country and yearn for a better quality of life for us and our family. And not always we are well aware about the opportunities in other countries like Canada and how to start the transition. Since we don’t have all the information, we don’t gather the courage and willingness to take the risk of moving to another country and live our dreams. I aim the post to provide you with all the information you need with links to other resources to help you make this transition.

According to a report by Gilles Pison in World Economic Forum on March 13, 2019, and United Nations data, Canada had 7.6 million foreign-born immigrants in 2019 that is the eighth highest in the world. This is also 21% of Canada’s population, that is the fourth highest in the world.

Source World Economic Forum

So let’s get started. As with most countries, there are a couple of ways to immigrate to Canada for work.

Study

Why the study is the best way to immigrate for work?

The best way to immigrate to Canada for work is to pursue higher education in Canada.

First, it provides an ideal opportunity to learn and master English while still studying for non-English native speakers.

Second, it helps immigrants assimilate into the Canadian way of life and imbibe their culture early on.

Third, with a Canadian university education, it is much easier to apply and find jobs in Canada.

Fourth, it sets the stage for a faster permanent residency in Canada.

According to an article from Times Higher Education on September 2, 2020, the top 5 Best universities in Canada 2021 are:

1. University of Toronto

2. University of British Columbia

3. McGill University

4. McMaster University

5. University of Montreal

Other online resources available to explore universities in Canada are the following:

Study Permit

According to Canada.ca official site, if one is an international student one needs to apply for study permit.

Prior to applying for study permit one needs to apply to schools in Canada or designated learning institutions (DLI). They need the school acceptance to apply for study permit. Click here for DLI list.

One would need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization to travel in and out of Canada, depending on the case one may need to apply once they issued study permit. Click here to register your account and apply.

Work

Temporary Work Permit

According to Canada.ca official site there are 2 types of work permits.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit lets one work in Canada according to the conditions on the work permit, such as:

  • The name of the specific employer one can work for
  • How long one can work
  • The location where one can work (if applicable)

Before one applies for an employer-specific work permit, the employer who wants to hire must complete certain steps and give either a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number to include in the application.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit lets one work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or some specific activities. One can get an open work permit in specific situations.

One would need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization to travel in and out of Canada, depending on the case one may need to apply once they issue the work permit. Click here to register your account and apply.

Permanent Resident

Express Entry

According to Canada.ca official site, immigrate as a skilled worker and live permanently in Canada. Answer a few questions to find out eligibility to apply under Express Entry. They will ask questions about you:

  • Nationality
  • Age
  • Language ability
  • Family members
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Details on any job offer

Check your eligibility.

If one is eligible for Express Entry, the next step is to fill in the online profile form. Based on this profile, you will be in a pool of candidates for immigration and possibly invited to apply to immigrate.

Provincial Nominees

According to Canada.ca, this program is for workers who:

  • Have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory.
  • Want to live in that province, and want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces, and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers.

Express Entry Process

In the online Express Entry process, there are 2 ways to apply: contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination for an Express Entry stream. If the province or territory agrees to nominate one, create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if already have one).

OR

Create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories one is interested in. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to one’s account, contact them directly. One needs to apply to their Express Entry stream. If they nominate you, the province will offer it through one’s account, and one can accept it electronically.

In both cases:

  • One must meet the eligibility requirements of the province or territory. And,
  • One must submit an Express Entry profile and show that one meets the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the immigration programs it covers.
  • If invited to apply, one can submit an electronic application.
Choose a Province or Territory

To be nominated by a province or territory, one must follow the instructions on their website and contact them directly:

Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers

According to Canada.ca official site, the application process for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec.

To immigrate to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, one must apply in the following 2 stages:

  1. Apply to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate [CSQ].
    • The Province of Quebec will assess, using its own rules.
    • The certificate shows that the Province of Quebec has accepted one as an immigrant.
  2. If the Province of Quebec chooses one and gives a CSQ, one must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.

Caregivers

Self-Employed

You may leave your comments and queries in the comments section.

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