Canada seeks 1.2 million workers from abroad. See how to become one of them

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – For anyone looking to pursue an international career, the good news is that Canada is on the lookout for professionals to move to the country. According to Cebrusa Northgate Canadian immigration agency, the government expects to accept over 1,233,000 new permanent residents in the coming months.

The agency’s president Daniel Braun points out that Canada has a serious shortage of skilled labor in several positions and levels.

“Anyone thinking that this is underemployment is wrong, the vacancies are open for several positions and levels. The minimum wage is around CA$2,000. An administrative assistant, for instance, will earn between CA$3,000 and CA$3,500,” he says.

With the high demand, the agency intends to help Brazilians understand the steps to live legally in Canada. To help in the process, they have launched an open mentorship program with step-by-step instructions for immigration.

The company’s president answered the 5 most common questions asked by people interested in living abroad and who don’t know where to start.

Which professionals are in greatest demand in Canada?

The country offers over 300 training areas in demand. In April there will be a job fair, for example. These are Canadian companies that, before the pandemic, would come to Brazil to hire professionals, but now, since the situation has not yet changed, there will be an online fair with vacancies in the areas of technology, information technology, machining, manufacturing, some engineering areas, nursing, elderly caregivers, caregivers for children with special needs, administration, business management, finance, marketing, gastronomy, and mechanics.

There is no way to define which professionals are most in demand, but there are over 300 areas in demand today in the country. Enrollment for the fair is not yet available, but it will be released soon.

What kind of visas do Brazilians need to work and study in Canada?

If someone only wants to visit Canada, he/she can’t work, they need a tourist visa or have an American visa and issue the electronic travel authorization. Additionally, if someone is going there to study, they may be entitled to work part-time or full-time during their vacations. If it is a couple, when one is studying, the other may be granted a work visa to work full time. In the case of a work visa, the company pays for the process in this case. Individuals can’t apply for a work visa, but the company that hires them can, which is responsible for the application process and is legally in charge of paying for the procedure.

What are the requirements to be able to work and study in Canada?

The requirements will depend on the province and institution in which applicants will want to study in Canada, but basically they need to have completed high school and be able to prove financial self-sufficiency for studying. In the case of a work visa, individuals do not need to prove financial self-sufficiency, do not need to prove that they speak any language, because everything is handled by the company hiring them. They only need to meet the company’s requirements and the company needs to prove that no Canadian or permanent resident has the technical skills to supply the qualified labor for that vacancy.

How much does it cost to migrate?

This depends on a lot of factors. It may cost nothing, if an individual is migrating on a work visa and that work visa is handled by the company that will have to pay for the whole process. In the case of a study visa, applicants need to prove financial self-sufficiency; for a permanent residence, there is an option to prove financial self-sufficiency and another option is to declare and to sign a document stating that they have enough money to support themselves in the country.

Is speaking English or French required?

Of course the language helps, but people can learn it either in Brazil or in Canada, this is their choice, if they can afford it. In the language case, proficiency is not always required.

Source: Exame