How Gaining Canadian Work Experience Opens Doors for Immigrants
Numerous studies have shown that immigrants who initially enter Canada as temporary foreign workers and later transition to permanent residents often achieve superior economic outcomes in the long run. Recent statistics reinforce this pattern, highlighting that those initially on work permits have a higher likelihood of landing skilled jobs once they become permanent residents.
It’s quite understandable why Canadian employers prioritize candidates with local work experience. Newcomers typically start with lower-skilled positions and gradually progress in their chosen fields, even if it means taking a temporary initial step backward.
Moreover, individuals who immigrate through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program within the Express Entry system report greater success in securing professional and managerial positions. On the other hand, immigrants arriving via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) under Express Entry tend to have broader representation across various skill levels, except for unskilled labor roles. This is expected, given the PNP’s focus on streams catering to lower-skilled positions.
Opportunities for Temporary Residents in Semi-Skilled Professions
Many individuals working in semi-skilled jobs, particularly in sectors like construction and trades, are often either native-born Canadians or have temporary resident status.
Although Statistics Canada hasn’t explored this issue extensively, it is plausible that the challenge of advancing from semi-skilled positions to permanent residency through the Express Entry program plays a role. This situation may have contributed to Canada’s recent decision to introduce a new pathway dedicated to semi-skilled workers, anticipated to be launched soon.
Lower-Skilled Employment Among Family and Refugee Immigrants in Canada
In recent years, a noticeable trend has surfaced within Canada’s immigration landscape: a large proportion of immigrants arriving via the family class and refugee pathways are finding employment in lower-skilled jobs rather than securing roles in professional or managerial fields. Data indicates that merely 11% of refugees and 24.9% of family class immigrants succeed in entering the professional or management job market. Conversely, these groups constitute nearly half of the recent immigrants working in full-time laboring occupations.
Family class immigrants, in particular, are increasingly filling roles in occupations that are both lower-skilled and in high demand across various sectors in Canada. Among these roles are opportunities in transportation, such as drivers of certain types of transport trucks, and positions in healthcare support, including nurse aides.
Interestingly, individuals immigrating through the family class and refugee streams have a more substantial presence in lower-skilled employment sectors than the spouses and dependents of economic immigrants. While specific reasons for this pattern are not detailed in the statistics, one plausible explanation might be the typically higher education levels of economic immigrants’ partners and their established professional networks, which can lead to better employment prospects.
Connections often prove crucial in navigating the Canadian job market. Personal networks can significantly impact one’s job opportunities, highlighting the importance of not just academic or professional qualifications but also of knowing the right people who can open doors to higher-skilled job opportunities.
Leveraging Temporary Employment in Canada for Permanent Residency
At PL Immigration, we believe that securing a temporary work position in Canada can serve as a strategic stepping stone toward achieving permanent residency. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, it’s a valuable option to consider as part of your comprehensive immigration plan. Although many skilled professionals bypass this two-step journey, delving into this option could prove advantageous.
Some of the usual routes to obtaining a temporary work permit involve securing a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), though currently, these are more restricted due to the higher unemployment rates in the country. However, there are LMIA-exempt pathways available, such as the International Experience Canada program and opportunities available through study permits.
Advancing Careers with Canadian Education
Statistics highlight that those entering Canada through economic programs often secure higher-skilled positions. However, the combination of education and practical work experience substantially influences one’s success in the Canadian job market more than the specific immigration program chosen.
Your ability to adapt and develop professionally also plays a critical role. By enhancing your skills and acquiring relevant work experience, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in Canada’s competitive job environment. Consider your immigration pathway as a tool to achieve your ultimate goal of working and integrating into Canadian society.
Choosing Between Canada or the US for Enhanced Career Opportunities
Research indicates that individuals, whether Canadian natives, immigrants, or temporary residents, who have pursued their education in either Canada or the United States, often find themselves with greater opportunities in securing professional and managerial roles within Canada. Interestingly, Canadian employers tend to favor candidates with educational backgrounds from the US, suggesting that having studied in the United States is particularly esteemed in the Canadian job market.
Moreover, professionals who have attained their highest educational qualifications from countries like India, Northern and Western European nations, along with other advanced English-speaking regions, also tend to have an edge when it comes to landing managerial and professional positions in Canada.
If you’re considering moving to Canada for better career prospects, understanding where to study is crucial. Education from reputable institutions in these regions appears to significantly enhance job marketability in Canada.
