Are you a foreign skilled worker looking to immigrate to Canada? Are you confused about how to proceed? The first step will be figuring out which immigration programs are available based on your occupation and skill level.
Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list to classify occupations for immigration purposes. Occupations are classified based on the responsibilities and nature of the job.
For immigration purposes, the main occupation groups are classified as Skill Level 0, A, B, C and D. As a foreign skilled worker, to be eligible for economic immigration programs for skilled occupations, your occupation must be classified as NOC Skill Level 0, A or B.
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NOC Skill Level 0 corresponds to management occupations like restaurant managers, mine managers, senior managers, etc.
NOC Skill Level A corresponds to occupations like doctors, dentists, architects, etc. These occupations usually require a degree from an accredited university.
NOC Skill Level B corresponds to occupation or skilled trades that require specific technical training or a college diploma like chefs, electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.
If you wish to immigrate to Canada as a foreign skilled worker, there are several federal and provincial programs that you can apply for.
The most popular immigration pathway for skilled workers is the federal Express Entry system. The Express Entry system manages applications for 3 federal economic immigration programs:
If you qualify for 1 of the above-mentioned programs, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Express Entry system.
Canadian provinces and territories offer their immigration streams for foreign skilled workers through their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Out of 13 Canadian provinces and territories, 11 offer their PNPs with special immigration streams for foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate.
Eligibility criteria are determined based on each PNP. However, your occupation must be classified as NOC Skill level 0, A or B.
The following PNP programs offer immigration streams for foreign skilled workers:
The OINP offers 2 immigration streams for foreign skilled workers:
The OINP also offer an immigration category aligned with the Express Entry system that offers 3 substreams:
The BC PNP offers the Skilled Immigration stream for foreign skilled workers in occupations classified as NOC Skill level 0, A or B and a valid job offer.
The BC PNP also offers the Skilled Worker stream aligned with the Federal Express Entry for qualified applicants.
The AINP offers the Alberta Express Entry stream for foreign skilled workers eligible for the federal Express Entry system.
The SINP offers the International Skilled Worker - Employment Offer and Occupations In-Demand for foreign skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria.
The Saskatchewan Experience Category offers 3 subcategories for foreign skilled workers:
The SINP also offers the International Skilled Worker - Express Entry for foreign workers eligible for the federal Express Entry.
The MPNP offers 2 immigration categories aimed at skilled workers:
Skilled Worker Immigration Stream (MPNP): This stream has 2 substreams:
International Education Stream (MPNP): This stream is for international graduates who wish to be employed in a skilled occupation or establish a business. For foreign workers, there are 2 substreams:
The NBPNP offers 2 major immigration categories for foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate:
The NSNP offers immigration streams for foreign workers under 4 different categories:
The NLPNP offers the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream for foreign skilled workers in occupations classified as NOC Skill level 0, A or B.
The PEI PNP offers the Skilled Worker stream and the PEI PNP Express Entry for foreign skilled workers.
The YNP offers 2 immigration streams for foreign workers:
The NTNP offers the following immigration streams aimed at foreign workers:
Foreign skilled workers can also try immigration options like the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP).
The AIPP encourages economic immigration to the Atlantic provinces of Canada. The Atlantic Provinces include New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The AIPP offers the Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP) for foreign skilled workers who wish to immigrate. To qualify for this program, you require a valid job offer from a designated employer in the chosen province.
We hope that you found this resource topic informative, interesting and useful.
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