Jobs in Canada for foreigners are known for their diversity, stability, and opportunities across various sectors. As one of the world's largest and most developed economies, Canada offers a wide range of employment prospects for both skilled professionals and entry-level workers.
Jobs in Canada for foreigners highly value education and skills, particularly in technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Therefore, we will delve deeper into the top ten employment opportunities and explore how the IELTS exam can help you stay in the country.
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Overview of jobs in Canada for foreigners
Canada's commitment to immigration and multiculturalism contributes to a rich and diverse workforce. The job market is influenced by both the public and private sectors, with the government playing a significant role in shaping employment policies. Provinces and territories may have their unique labour market dynamics, providing additional opportunities.
Job seekers in Canada benefit from a relatively low unemployment rate (5,8 in December 2023) and a comprehensive social welfare system. However, competition for certain positions can be intense, and familiarity with the country's job search process and cultural norms is essential for success.
Overall, jobs in Canada for foreigners are characterised by their inclusivity, stability, and opportunities for individuals seeking a fulfilling career in a welcoming and diverse environment.
Top ten employment opportunities in jobs in Canada for foreigners
Now that you know the general overview, let’s see the top ten jobs in high demand for foreigners.
1. Technology and IT
The tech industry in Canada has been growing rapidly, creating job opportunities for software development, IT services, artificial intelligence, cloud architects, systems engineers, data scientists, devOps engineers, IoT specialists, and other related fields.
The average annual salary goes from $70,000 to $150,000 approximately, depending on the position.
2. Finance and banking
Canada has major financial hubs, and there are opportunities in banking and finance, such as financial analysts, controllers, directors of financial planning and analysis, accountants, etc. The annual salary goes from $115,000 to $210,000, according to the position that you are aspiring to, the experience, and the company size.
3. Healthcare
Demand for healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists, surgeons, psychiatrists, pharmacists, and orthodontists, among others, has been consistently high. The average annual salary may vary from $55,000 to $390,000.
You should note that due to the nature of the job, the requirements are more rigorous than other professions.
4. Marketing and digital media
As businesses increasingly focus on online presence, there are opportunities in marketing, digital media, and communications. The salary range is between $40,000 and $200,000. You should consider that cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, which are some of the main ones, pay more.
5. Welder
Welding is a skilled trade that continues to be in demand in jobs in Canada for foreigners, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
For example, they are essential for the fabrication and assembly of structural components, bridges, and buildings. The energy sector, including oil and gas, often requires welders for pipeline construction, maintenance, and repairs. The salary is about $18 to $41 per hour.
6. Electrician
Electricians are highly sought after in various industries and play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of electrical systems. They can find opportunities in:
- Construction industry
- Residential services
- Commercial and industrial facilities
- Renewable energy sector
- Mining, oil, and gas industries
- Power generation
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturing sector
- Agriculture
- Maintenance and repair services
The average annual salary is over $77,000.
7. Mechanical and electric engineers
Mechanical engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy, designing and optimising mechanical systems and processes. According to your experience, the annual salary goes from $60,000 to $120,000.
On the other hand, electrical engineering is another field full of opportunities. Professionals are involved in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems, including power generation, distribution, and electronics. The average annual salary goes from $80,000 to $115,000.
8. Administrative assistant
Administrative assistants are crucial in providing support to organisations and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. Here are some sectors and industries where this role is prevalent in jobs in Canada for foreigners:
- Corporate offices
- Healthcare administration
- Education institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- Legal firms
- Financial institutions
- Real estate
- Retail and hospitality
- Technology companies
- Manufacturing and logistics
- Consulting firms
According to your experience and skills, your yearly income would be between $35,000 and $99,000.
9. Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in managing the human capital within organisations. In this sense, they align the resources with institutional values and goals. The average annual salary goes from $50,000 to $80,000.
10. Project manager
Project managers are essential in leading and overseeing various initiatives to ensure successful completion within scope, budget, and timeline. The salary range is between $87,000 and $120,000.
How can the IELTS exam help you to stay in Canada?
After gaining insight into jobs in Canada for foreigners, you may want to take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Let’s look at the doors that the IELTS exam can open for you to stay in this country and work:
- This language test is accepted by the Canadian Government to get your PR (permanent residency).
- It is valid for several migration processes monitored by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Canada's Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system that considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The IELTS scores play a crucial role in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Higher language proficiency scores can result in more points, increasing your overall CRS score.
- Many Canadian provinces have their immigration programmes, and some of them may require language proficiency as part of their eligibility criteria. A good IELTS score can enhance your chances of being nominated by a specific province through their PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), leading to an increased chance of obtaining permanent residency.
- Some immigration streams or programmes may have specific language requirements. For instance, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Express Entry has language proficiency requirements, and IELTS is a widely accepted test for this purpose.
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