Canada is a unique country that offers many opportunities for migrants. Applying to live in the Great White North can take time, so if you want to expedite the process, you must provide a reason for the government to fast-track your move.
One of the best ways to qualify to move to Canada is by filling a skill shortage occupation. You can find an occupation in demand through the eligible skilled worker occupations list.
Understanding Canada’s Skill Shortage
The Canadian government has a duty to uphold the country’s economy. One of the pillars of the national economy is a functioning workforce. Let’s look at what a skill shortage is and how this issue is addressed.
What is a Skill Shortage?
Although many Canadian workers are eager to occupy high-demand positions, employment gaps often exist that must be filled by skilled workers from other countries. This is the definition of a skill shortage. Some skills are in high demand in Canada because they require unique skill sets, and the local labor force cannot fulfill them. The government has created numerous initiatives to address these employment gaps, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Types of Skill Shortage Lists
The National Occupational Classification system assesses different jobs, the qualifications required for them, and the skills migrants need to get them. If you want to find these occupations to expedite your visa application and work in Canada, you can search for them on several lists. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is the primary tool that lists eligible occupations for express entry. Provincial Nominee Programs list immigration jobs based on location in various provinces. You can also look through industry-specific lists if searching for sectors like technology, healthcare, trades, and related occupations.
Occupations in Demand in Canada
Though there are millions of professional occupations across Canada that migrants could apply to, not all are considered skill shortages. Here are some high-demand roles that could speed up your move to this country as a foreign worker.
Healthcare
Healthcare is always a significant sector in every country’s economy. Many jobs are in high demand in this industry, and migrants are required to fill open positions. Physicians, surgeons, specialists, registered psychiatric nurses, practical nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists must maintain a strong healthcare network in Canada. Those who work in social and community services can also find jobs to support the public’s health.
Technology
One of the fastest-growing industries in the business world is technology. Software development and program administration are significant needs in the tech sector, so software engineers and designers can find plenty of work. There is a place for experienced researchers, consultants, and program officers as well. Data administrators and analysts are also needed in many companies. If you have IT project management experience, then you will likely find many openings nationwide that you could fill.
Skilled Trades
Some of Canada’s greatest needs are construction trades. Installers, repairers, plumbers, welders, fabricators, metalworkers, electricians, pipefitters, and other construction trades play an essential role in the country’s infrastructure, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. If you have the skills for these technical occupations, your services will be significantly desired and can expedite your entry to Canada.
Engineering
Engineers are highly coveted in the Great White North, and the local workforce is insufficient to meet demand. Electronics engineering technologists and technicians can help maintain electrical systems and infrastructure throughout the country. At the same time, mechanical engineers are needed to design, develop, and test mechanical systems for household and business equipment. Civil engineers are necessary to design and construct buildings and infrastructure, so qualified migrants will play a crucial professional role.
Education
Workers are needed to help educate young people nationwide. Teachers with experience in elementary and secondary education are critical for childhood development. There is also a significant need for post-secondary education professionals like professors and instructors.
Benefits of Working in a Canada Skill Shortage Occupation
Professional occupations included on skill shortage lists are ideal tools for aspiring workers from other countries. Here are some benefits of using these lists to expedite your move to Canada.
Immigration Pathways
These in-demand professions and related occupations offer opportunities for immigrants to enter and stay in the country. The Express Entry System is designed to facilitate the faster processing of skilled workers. Provincial Nominee Programs ensure economies in various provinces have steady workforces with supplemental professionals from other countries. The Global Talent Stream is a resource for bringing highly talented tech workers such as applied science policy researchers, program officers, and interactive media developers to the country.
Employment Opportunities
High-quality and technical occupations are valuable for both businesses and workers. When local companies cannot find enough professionals, they will seek outside help. These lists contain abundant job openings in very in-demand fields. Numerous career options are available, from truck and bus mechanics to motion picture broadcasting positions. By applying for these programs, you can find professional occupations that may not be available in your home country.
Salary Potential
Since these positions are in high demand and employers need help to fill them, they often come with high salaries. Heavy equipment operator crews, railway transport operations, retail and wholesale, physical sciences, and business management are areas that can offer high salary potential along with the usual suspects like healthcare positions.
Career Advancement
Starting a new job is one thing, but turning that first position into a developing career may be part of your professional aspirations. If you join the Express Entry pool or one of the other programs, you will have a head start on a long and successful career path in Canada. Opportunities for advancement are everywhere, whether your field is industrial mechanics, recreation sports and fitness, personal services, or public and environmental health.
Navigating the Skill Shortage Lists in Canada
Skill shortage lists in Canada are valuable tools for overseas workers, but only if you know how to use them. Here are some tips for navigating and using these lists to initiate your application to work in this country.
Job Bank
Job Bank is the official government website that lets people search for available jobs. You can also research local labor market information to determine what professions are in high demand and what industries are prevalent in specific locations. This tool can be a great place to start your job search, though you must verify if your chosen position is considered eligible for federal skilled workers.
Provincial Websites
The Federal Skilled Worker Program and Job Bank allow you to find careers for foreigners throughout Canada. However, you can search for province-specific positions through the Provincial Nomination Programs. In some cases, you could qualify under these programs even if you are not eligible for the federal program. You can navigate to various provincial resources from the Canadian immigration website.
Professional Associations
Many professions fall under the umbrella of an association. These resources help workers in specific disciplines find openings, whether they are residents of Canada or foreigners. For example, aspiring investment dealers may be interested in the Investment Funds Institute of Canada or the Canadian Bankers Association. Researching these associations could help you find industry-specific disciplines and networks.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Your educational background must translate to the academic equivalent in Canada to qualify for most jobs. An educational credential assessment is a process of evaluating your degree or diploma to determine its local equivalent. This process is an effective way to determine what careers you may qualify for as a migrant worker.
Career opportunities abound in Canada for foreign professionals. The local workforce cannot cover many occupations, so employers must turn to other countries to find skilled workers. With many industries and eligible occupations, you can move to Canada and find a job that suits your talents.
Engineering technologists and technicians help build and maintain the country’s infrastructure. Natural resources production is essential to energy futures, so specialists in this industry are highly coveted. Many technical occupations are available, including machining and tooling inspectors, line and cable workers, petroleum gas and chemical specialists, and medical technologists. There are also openings for management roles like farm supervisors, regulatory officers, and other related occupations. Use the Canadian skill shortage lists at your disposal to find a suitable career opportunity and contribute to the economy of this great nation.