Canada offers dozens of immigration programs for professionals from a wide range of industries. These programs are designed for people of different professions and qualifications, and there are no age restrictions. The same applies to English language skills: some programs have minimal English requirements at a school level. And if you speak French at an intermediate level, many opportunities open up for immigration to the province of Quebec. In most cases, having a job offer from a Canadian employer is a required condition — but there are pathways where this is not necessary.
Here’s a general immigration strategy for Canada that applies to most people:
- Option 1. Assess your chances of obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada either on your own or with the help of an immigration specialist — without a job offer. If you meet the requirements of the program, you will receive an invitation to apply online for PR from Canada’s Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship.
- Option 2. Try to find a job while still outside of Canada. To be honest, this is extremely challenging, though possible with the right strategy. If you succeed and get a job offer, our immigration specialists will be happy to help you process a work visa for the main applicant, a partner’s work visa, and student visas for children. Children of parents on a work visa have the right to free education in Canadian schools. Below, you’ll find a link to materials on how to look for suitable employers.
- Option 3. To slightly improve your chances of employment, you can come to Canada on a tourist visa and search for a job while in the country. This also gives you a chance to improve your English — a tourist visa allows you to study in language courses for up to 24 weeks. If you manage to find a job, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa (Work Permit). Language courses typically cost between 300–400 CAD per week. Also, plan for living expenses from 400 to 1,000 CAD per week depending on the city.
- Option 4. To further increase your chances of success, you can complete a 1.5–2 year vocational program in your desired field. During your studies, you can continue looking for a job and even work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). After graduation, you may be eligible for a post-graduate work visa, which significantly simplifies further employment. There are also options to bring your family, with your partner receiving a work visa. Vocational education typically costs between 20,000–30,000 CAD per year. In addition, you’ll need to show proof of funds for living expenses, around 20,000 CAD per year, to obtain a visa.
If you’re ready to develop a personalized strategy tailored to your specific situation, book a consultation with our professional team.
If you’re not yet sure about booking a consultation, feel free to start by reading more detailed articles on our website: How to Immigrate to Canada, Immigration Through Education, How to Find a Job in Canada