20 Most High in Demand Jobs Under Canada’s Skilled Immigration Category
Authors: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you are looking to try something new, take on new challenges, and are curious about the world. Between both Phan Immigration founders, we have immigrated to four nations and have worked in seven countries. We can tell you that immigrating to a new country has been one of the most exciting and enriching moments in our lives, and we highly encourage you to consider doing the same.
Learning how to work with different nationalities, adapting to new cultural norms, and perhaps learning a new language while living abroad opens up a world to opportunities that one cannot even imagine until they are experienced.
A couple of thoughts that have most likely come to mind when thinking of working abroad might be, “Am I qualified enough to work overseas? How do I find out?” Or perhaps, “Which country would provide the best opportunities for my plans and aspirations?”. Finally, and most importantly,” What is the process of applying and working in a foreign country?”
Navigating this information can be overwhelming, especially if you’re considering immigrating to Canada under the skilled workers category. Not only that but knowing what types of jobs are available and high in demand in Canada for foreign skilled workers.
Before getting into Canada’s high in-demand jobs for foreign skilled workers, let us answer our top 3 most common immigration questions we receive about immigrating to Canada under the skilled workers category.
Top 3 FAQs About Immigrating to Canada Under the Skilled Workers Category
1.0 What Are the Conditions to Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker?
Often, applicants looking to immigrate to Canada under the skilled category are unsure whether they meet specific qualifications. The Federal Government of Canada looks at three critical minimum requirements to determine eligibility. Threshold requirements look at the following:
The comprehensive selection factors are based on a 100-point system used to determine if you qualify under the Federal Skilled Workers Program. Points are attributed based on the applicant’s information and credentials, following these 6 factors:
- Age
- Education level
- Years of work experience
- If the applicant has arranged employment
- English and/or French language level
- Adaptability
Applicants without Arranged Employment must prove that they have enough settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents in Canada for the first six months. On average, the government of Canada recognizes that most immigrants will take this long to settle in Canada, find a job and start earning money. Therefore, the requirement for settlement funds must be met before submitting the application and must be maintained throughout the process.
The current passing score for the skilled workers category requires a minimum of 67 points.
If you intend to immigrate to Canada under the Quebec Skilled Workers category, you will need to meet a different set of conditions.
To determine if you qualify to immigrate to Canada under the skilled workers category, our registered Canadian CICC consultant can provide a more accurate assessment of whether you are eligible for this program through our Free Self-Assessment.
2.0 How Do I Know if Canada is the Right Option for me?
Immigrating to Canada under the skilled workers category has several benefits to help you ignite your dreams. As a world leader in technology, science, and innovation, Canada is amongst one of the most competitive G7 economies globally. In addition, the country offers a high quality of living, free & universal healthcare, world-class multicultural cities, and a top education system.
Not only is Canada one of the world’s largest economies, but Canada also embraces diversity and multiculturalism. In 2020 alone, Canada welcomed over 284,000 immigrants. Immigration to Canada under the skilled workers category accounted for almost 60% of the yearly immigration target. As you can see, many skilled workers come to Canada to achieve their dreams.
If you are still unsure if Canada is the right option, read our blog on Life in Canada to learn more about Canadian culture, provinces, lifestyle, and more.
3.0 What is the Process to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa?
3.1 About the Process
As a foreign national, you must meet the conditions to work in Canada. To do so, you must obtain a work permit before starting work in Canada. In Canada, there are 2 types of work permits.
- Employer-specific work permits with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Open Work Permits
3.1.1 Employer-Specific Work Permits
Applying for a work visa for Canada under the employer-specific work permit grants the applicant to work in Canada with a set of conditions that are set within the work permit. The conditions include the following:
- The name of the specified employer the applicant can work for
- The duration of work
- The province of residence
You must secure employment before applying for a work visa for Canada. Your employer must complete and submit an application for an LMIA to ensure that the employment offer cannot be fulfilled with a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Once the LMIA is granted, your employer will provide you with a copy of the official employment offer along with the LMIA to be included with your application.
3.1.2 Open Work Permits
There are many types of open work permits for Canada; however, not everyone can apply for them. An open work permit may be granted based on two sections of the Canadian immigration regulations (R) :
- R204: International agreements or arrangements
- R205: Canadian interests
International agreements are bilateral programs that allow more simplified immigration mobility. An example of such an agreement for Vietnam: the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This agreement aims at helping investors, intra-company transferees, and other professionals to gain status in Canada.
Canadian interests are defined as individuals that intend on performing work that would create and maintain significant benefit for Canada (economic, cultural, etc.), support reciprocal agreement with other countries (an academic/professional research or exchange program), or by means of public policies. For example, an accompanying spouse of a work permit holder is granted an open work permit and access to the labor market to maintain the competitiveness of Canada’s academic institutions or economy.
3.2 After You Apply for Your Work Visa in Canada
If you reside outside of Canada when you have applied for your Canadian work visa, it is essential to know how the application process works.
Once all your necessary documents have been submitted, a Canadian visa officer will assess the following:
- To ensure the employer has complied with all the conditions regarding your working conditions to hire you and is not in default of previous work permit compliance;
- You have met all the conditions to work in Canada, that you are not criminally inadmissible to Canada, or have had previous immigration-related offenses.
Applying for a work permit may not be easy due to the technical requirements that must be met. Collaborating with a registered immigration consultant can help you and your employer navigate the process and ensure that you meet and comply with the program requirements. Applicants have the burden to meet all of the documentary evidence when applying for a work permit. If not, the application may be refused. In very rare cases does visa officers request more information or even conduct the applicant to an interview.
As part of your work permit application, you will be required to take a medical examination. Medical examinations are usually very straightforward but may be delayed if further tests are needed, or a medical condition requiring attention is detected; therefore, we recommend that you complete your medical examination before submitting the application and include proof of the medical exam in your documents. This is called ‘upfront medical examination.’This helps accelerate the process of your work permit.
If Your Canadian work permit is approved
Suppose your application for a work visa for Canada has been approved. In that case, you will be asked to provide your passport to affix a visa counterfoil, and you will receive a ‘Port of Entry Letter,’ commonly known in the industry as a POE Letter. This document will state that you have been approved for a Canadian work permit. This is not your actual work permit. The permit will be issued upon your arrival in Canada by an officer of the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA).
Now that we have answered the frequently asked questions about work permits and immigrating to Canada under the skilled workers category, let’s get into Canada’s high-demand job market!
20 High Demand Careers perfect for Canada’s Skilled Workers Category
1. Software Developers
Throughout Canada, software developers are and will continue to be in high demand for any size business or corporation. As a result, those who apply for a work visa for Canada in any technology development profession have a much higher acceptance rate from many career paths listed.
There is a significant shortage of software engineers, especially in major cities like Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto. Moreover, the Department of Labour in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, projects that by the year 2028, filling these tech roles will be challenging to meet the ever-rising needs that the Canadian economy requires.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $56,200 – $131,300
2. Registered Nurse
Canada is well-known globally for its universal healthcare system. Canada recognizes the importance of providing universal health care accessible to all, making it one of the highest in-demand jobs throughout the country. Nurses who wish to immigrate to Canada under the skilled workers category and who have arranged employment will be attributed more selection points.
To be a registered nurse in Canada, skilled workers are required to have an educational degree in nursing. Your degree must then be recognized through an Educational Credential Assessment and be registered by the regulatory authority of the province of destination.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $52,700 – $90,500
3. Financial Advisors
Skilled workers with a financial background have an abundance of job opportunities in the financial center of Canada, Toronto. Having certification such as ACCA & CPA, CGA will heighten your chances in competing in the labor market of these highly sought out locations.
If you’re interested in smaller cities, we recommend looking for jobs in Halifax to experience Canada’s unique East-coast lifestyle. However, suppose you are still set on big city life. In that case, the capital of Canada, Ottawa, is much more affordable than Toronto and has equal work opportunities as it is known as the ‘northern silicon valley.’
Annual Salary Range: CAD $59,000 – $65,000
4.Teachers
Year on year, Canada is ranked one of the top countries in the world for the best quality of life. In addition, Canada’s internationally recognized education and high enrollment rates for international students who study in Canada make it an excellent option for experienced and qualified teachers.
To become an elementary school teacher, skilled workers must have a bachelor’s degree in education within a specific subject specialization. Each province in Canada has its own set of regulations and rules to immigrate to Canada under the skilled workers category. Teachers who apply to work in Canada make valuable contributions to the Canadian education system.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $36,500 – $75,100
-
Welders
Welding is the only high-demand job on our list that does not require a college or university education to qualify as a skilled worker in Canada. However, conditions to work in Canada as a welder require the applicant to have undergone vocational training and an apprenticeship.
Welding is amongst one of the top jobs in Canada that have a diminishing number of workers. To increase your chances of being employed, mastering the skill of underwater welding will quickly raise your chances when applying for a work visa in Canada. If you’re intrigued about going this route, make sure you are a great swimmer!
Annual Salary Range: CAD $37,000 – $56,300
6. Project Manager
Project management jobs are available across all industries in Canada. In addition, many start-ups settle down in Canada within the major cities that bring many available jobs in engineering, marketing, and sales.
Due to the rising tech scene throughout the country, experienced project managers have a pool of start-ups to choose from. Holding a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification would significantly improve your chances of finding your dream job as a project manager in Canada.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $62,500 – $120,000
7. Wind Turbine Technicians
Canada ranks 21st in the world in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the country plans to increase its ranking in renewable energy projects by investing CAD $960,000,000 by the end of 2021.
With the sharp increase in demand for renewable energy, immigrating to Canada under the skilled workers category with arranged employment as a wind turbine specialist is a great option that will continue to grow. The best part? It only requires a college education to step into this field of work.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $35,000 – $58,700
8. Business Development Manager
Canada’s thriving tech-scene in the major cities like Montréal, Toronto, Waterloo, and Vancouver offer exciting opportunities for experienced business development managers. As well, settling down in one of Canada’s start-up cities has plenty of networking events that are sure to help you quickly meet new people.
Canada has some of the largest and well-known startups, including Shopify, Slack, Freshbooks, and Hootsuite. Canada’s startup market boom is an exciting place for business development managers looking for a challenge and honing their skills in a truly multicultural country.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $47,500 – $103,200
9. University Professors and Lecturers
If academia is your calling, Canada is a highly educated country and is globally recognized for its higher education institutions. Therefore, professors and lecturers who hold a Ph.D. can apply for a work visa in Canada to work at some of the most prestigious Canadian universities such as McGill University, University of Toronto, and British Columbia. Also, as we previously discussed, these professions may fall under the Canadian interests work permits that will not require an LMIA.
Fun fact, the capital of Canada, Ottawa, is the most highly educated city in the country. Over 40% of the residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $83,900 – $142,500
10.Administrative Assistants
It is of no surprise that administrative assistants are in high demand in the capital of Canada. In addition, due to many public services within the Canadian Government, administrative assistants with a background in accounting or financial bookkeeping can increase their chances of finding arranged employment that would grant more points in the selection process to immigrate to Canada under the Skilled Workers Category.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $31,000- $50,000
11.Accountant
If overseeing budgets, keeping records of expenses and revenues is your expertise, there is a high demand for work in Canada. Having a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification under your belt and specializing in auditing, payrolls or taxation will quickly boost skilled workers’ competitiveness to secure a job offer and apply for a work permit for Canada.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $43,000 – $75,000
12.Human Resource and Recruitment
With the ever-fast growing tech start-ups throughout Canada, human resources and recruitment careers will quickly provide great first-hand experience working in a multicultural environment.
If you have a love for working with people and multiple nationalities, settling down in one of Canada’s start-up cities as a human resources and recruitment professional is sure to expand your knowledge and help you quickly grow further in your career.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $ 42,600 – $87,800
13.Water and Waste Plant Operators
While this might not be the best smelling job, it qualifies as work experience for does fall under Canada’s skilled workers category to immigrate. However, one of the big perks to this career path is that it is employed by the municipal government, which provides excellent job security. Also, That means as a permanent resident, you will be eligible for many of Canada’s benefits, including being eligible to apply for the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP).
The salary for a water and waste plant operator has a more significant compensation gap based on the applicant’s educational background.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $36,800 – $101,200
14.Account Manager
If you’re a natural at relationship building and have a crucial eye for detail, the demand for account managers in Canada is heavily sought out. On the other hand, if you consider yourself a sales guru specializing in SaaS or CRM sales, account managers can quickly earn a comfortable lifestyle with base salaries and commissions.
Choosing to settle down in one of Canada’s start-up cities will provide endless networking opportunities. Montréal hosts an annual Startupfest to help startups, entrepreneurs, and corporate companies connect, educate and provide a unique and thriving start-up ecosystem.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $39,000 – $118,000
15.Advertising and Marketing Managers
Major cities in Canada are always on the lookout for marketing and advertising experts. To apply for a work visa for Canada within the advertising and marketing space, you will need to have an educational background in marketing.
If you have a passion for films and movies, Toronto has a prominent film industry that is always looking for highly skilled marketing creatives to help bring their movies to the top box offices. You won’t want to miss out on Toronto’s annual International Film Festival!
Annual Salary Range: CAD $48,000 – $94,000
16.IT, Gaming and Digital Media
Halifax, Canada, recruits IT, gaming, and digital media professionals year-round. This East-coast city is world-renowned for research centers and its fast-growing start-up scene.
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, the city is home to many ocean clean-tech startups. So if you want to experience Canadian Atlantic life, settling down in Canada’s coastal start-up city is the right option for you.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $42,000 – $84,800
17.Forestry Professionals
Canada’s large landmass covers 20 major ecosystems and is estimated to have upwards of 338 billion trees across Canada. With this amount of trees, forestry professionals are in high demand in Canada. In fact, the University of British Columbia has a forest degree program solely dedicated to forestry.
Condition to work in Canada as a forestry professional requires a relevant degree to contribute to preserving and managing the natural outdoor wonders Canada offers. Work experience in forestry positions may qualify you for the skilled workers category.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $70,000 – $100,000
18.Data Scientist
If you have work experience and have a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences or math, a data scientist career will qualify you to apply for a work visa for Canada. Big multinational Canadian e-commerce companies like Shopify, which has headquarters in the capital of Canada, scouts yearly for data scientists to collect and analyze large amounts of information to better support algorithms.
If analyzing numbers is your forté, many career opportunities are waiting for you in Canada.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $55,000 – $104,000
19.Logistics and Supply Chain Manager
Both the East and West coast cities, Vancouver and Halifax, have many opportunities to support Canada’s domestic and global supply chains. Both cities boast a high standard of living and are home to Vietnamese communities.
Skilled workers that have a solid background in procurement, logistics, customs brokerage and management can use this experience to qualify to immigrate under the Skilled Workers category.
20. ESG Analysts and Consultants
One of the highest-demand jobs in Canada and around the world today is an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) analyst or consultant. Major cities and large firms throughout Canada need ESG professionals to help collect and analyze organizations’ performance and environmental, social, and governance reports.
Should you have technical background and education in business and sustainability, large firms like Deloitte, KPMG, EY are recruiting heavily for these roles that classify under the skilled workers’ category immigration program.
Annual Salary Range: CAD $65,000 – $112,000
Whether you dream of gaining international work experience by obtaining a temporary work permit or settling down permanently in Canada, there are many programs available to you. In this article, we talked heavily about immigrating under the skilled workers category, but did you know that there are other programs for skilled professionals?
Check out our blog section and learn more about these programs compatible with Canada’s Express Entry system.
Make Canada your new home. Ignite your dreams; go further!
