Canadian immigration programs for international workers help skilled foreign candidates move to Canada to work and live. As an international worker, there are many programs that can help you immigrate to Canada from your home country.
The Canadian government provides a variety of services to welcome newcomers to Canada in a way that benefits both local Canadians and expatriates coming from abroad. Immigration has historically been a major part of Canada’s wellbeing and will likely continue to impact Canada’s economic growth and security for the foreseeable future.
See also: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
This article will outline some of the best programs for international workers immigrating to Canada and explain how you can start your own immigration journey.
Why Do International Workers Immigrate to Canada?
With labor shortages being common in many parts of Canada, many Canadian businesses and companies look to international recruitment to help in relieving job vacancies and achieving their business goals. International employees may choose to work for Canadian businesses for a number of reasons, including:
- Lower cost of living (depending on location)
- Employee benefits (free healthcare, education assistance, etc.)
- Improved workplace environment
- Growth opportunities
- Pathway to Canadian citizenship
By supporting Canada’s labor needs, immigrants greatly contribute to the Canadian economy and help it to remain one of the most stable economies in the world. In return, these skilled candidates benefit from the many valuable opportunities that Canada has to offer.
What are the Programs to Immigrate to Canada? (International Workers)
Canadian immigration programs for international workers vary by purpose, province/territory, field of work, etc. To find out which program may fit you best, you can answer a few questions on the IRCC’s website or contact No Limit to Canada via phone or email.
Here are a few program options that may help you to immigrate to Canada as an international worker.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canada’s main immigration program for international workers is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). This program is designed for skilled workers who both have work experience and seek permanent residency in Canada.
The FSWP is one of three programs managed through Express Entry, one of Canada’s online application systems for skilled workers. To become eligible for the Program, skilled workers must meet minimum application requirements and may also be subject to additional selection factors.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), workers can contribute to the economy of a specific Canadian province or territory in which they want to live/permanently reside. Each province/territory has its own immigration requirements and unique program streams, or immigration programs geared towards specific immigrant groups (students, skilled workers, business people, etc.)
Application processes for the Provincial Nominee Program depend on the program stream you are interested in applying to. Express Entry and Non-Express Entry options are available for applicants based on province/territory requirements.
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
International workers who wish to work in Quebec can apply to immigrate to Canada as Quebec-selected skilled workers. Both English and French speakers are invited to apply.
Skilled workers must pass two application stages before they may immigrate to Quebec. First, applicants must obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]) from the Government of Quebec. Second, they must complete and submit a permanent residence application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Francophone Mobility Program
The Francophone Mobility Program provides French speakers around the world with the opportunity to live in and work in Canada. Eligible candidates receive a work permit and live in areas of Canada that need French-speaking workers (due to labor shortages, for example). To apply for the Francophone mobility work permit, international workers must have a job offer from a Canadian company and meet the minimum French language requirements as determined by the Canadian government.
This program also makes it easier for Canadian businesses to hire international workers without the need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Usually, the LMIA shows a business’s need for foreign workers to fill its job vacancies, but the Francophone Mobility Program may waive this requirement.
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) gives skilled refugees and other displaced workers the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. This aligns with the IRCC’s increased focus on Canada’s humanitarian and refugee immigration initiatives.
You can apply for the EMPP through select economic programs (regional EMPP) or directly through the Canadian government (federal EMPP). Both the regional and federal EMPP have specific requirements for candidates based on circumstance, work experience, language skills, and more.
How Can I Immigrate to Canada as an International Worker?
With the help of No Limit to Canada, your immigration journey to Canada can start as soon as today! No Limit to Canada streamlines the Canadian immigration process by saving you money and resources, assisting with necessary immigration documents, and offering valuable advice and support from start to finish.
Give us a call at 888-391-1115 or contact us via email at info@nolimittocanada.com. We are available to answer all your questions on immigration for international workers and help you find the Canadian immigration program that fits best for you.