Working in Canada can be a life-changing experience, offering a chance to build a career in a dynamic economy while enjoying a high quality of life. Canada is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly culture, and relaxed lifestyle. Its major cities consistently rank high in livability surveys, and regional areas offer a slower pace of life and stunning natural beauty.
Canada’s work culture is known for balancing professional achievement and personal life well. Canadians tend to value their time outside of work, and employers generally respect that. Working in Canada as an immigrant can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Many workplaces also offer flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or part-time hours, which can further contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
WORKING IN CANADA: VISA REQUIREMENTS
To work in Canada, you’ll need a visa that aligns with the type of work you intend to do. Various visa options are available, such as skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, and working holiday visas.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa in Canada designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory. It’s a great option for professionals looking to live, work, and settle in Canada permanently.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points about the Subclass 189 visa:
Eligibility:
- Skilled occupation: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) [Canadan Government Department of Home Affairs], which identifies professions needed by the Canadan economy.
- Points test: You need to achieve a minimum of 65 points on a point test that assesses your age, English language proficiency, work experience, education qualifications, and other skills.
Application Process:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): You first register your interest in migrating through SkillSelect, an online skills assessment and invitation system.
- Invitation to Apply: If your EOI meets the criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
- Visa Application: Once invited, you submit a formal visa application with supporting documents.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa in Canada for skilled workers who are nominated by a specific Canadan state or territory government. It’s a popular pathway for immigration as it offers an advantage over the Skills Independent visa (Subclass 189) in terms of points required.
3. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), also sometimes referred to as the TSS visa, is a temporary visa option in Canada for skilled workers to fill job positions where there’s a lack of qualified Canadan candidates. It’s sponsored by an approved employer who acts as your nominator throughout the process.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa, also known as the ENS visa, is a permanent residency pathway in Canada for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer. It allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely, offering a clear path to citizenship.
Advertisements
5. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is a fantastic option for young adults who want to experience the wonders of Canada while working and earning travel funds. It’s a popular choice for backpacking adventures and can be a great way to test the waters before potentially committing to a longer-term stay in Canada.
There are quite several other visa options available for those looking to work in Canada.
Remember that each visa has specific requirements, and it’s essential to consult official government sources or seek advice from registered migration agents to ensure you choose the right pathway for your skills and goals.
Working in Canada: Procedures
There are different types of Canada VISAs and each of these visas may have a different procedure to which you can follow. However, If you’re considering working in Canada, here are the general procedures to follow:
-
Eligibility Assessment:
- Determine the most suitable work visa based on your skills, work experience, and other criteria.
- Consider factors such as your occupation, qualifications, and language proficiency.
-
Document Preparation:
- Gather essential documents:
- Qualifications: Ensure you have relevant educational qualifications.
- Work Experience: Provide evidence of your work history.
- Language Proficiency: Prove your English language skills (if required).
- Health and Character Checks: You’ll need to undergo health examinations and obtain police clearances.
- Other Supporting Documents: Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be necessary.
-
Choose the Right Visa:
- Canada offers various work visas, including:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires state or territory nomination.
- Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457): For sponsored employment.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): Allows young people to work and travel.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS): For regional areas.
- Research each visa type to find the one that aligns with your goals and circumstances.
-
Apply for the Chosen Visa:
- Submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Pay the relevant application fees.
- Provide accurate information and complete all required forms.
-
Health and Character Checks:
Attend health examinations to ensure you meet health requirements.
Obtain police clearances from countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 months.
-
Wait for Processing:
-
Visa processing times vary based on the type of visa and individual circumstances.
- Keep track of your application status through the ImmiAccount portal.
-
Visa Grant:
- Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notice.
- Review the conditions and validity period of your visa.
-
Arrival in Canada:
- Book your flight and plan your arrival.
- Familiarize yourself with Canada customs and quarantine regulations.
-
Start Working:
- Upon arrival, activate your visa by entering Canada.
- Begin your employment journey!
As earlier mentioned, each visa category has specific requirements and processes. It’s advisable to seek professional advice or consult registered migration agents to ensure a smooth application process.
Working in Canada can be a positive experience, offering a good work-life balance, strong worker protections, and opportunities for professional growth. We hope that with the requirements and procedures we’ve shared with you here, you can get started with your journey to working in Canada.
VISA SPONSORSHIP AND JOB APPLICATION FORM