Welcome to this comprehensive guide on urgent jobs available in Canada that offer visa sponsorship for foreigners.
With numerous opportunities across various industries, Canada remains an attractive option for skilled migrants globally.
This guide aims to provide you with all key details to make an informed choice on a suitable career path with visa support. Let’s get started!
In-Demand Industries
Several growing industries in Canada face urgent workforce needs and offer sponsorship opportunities. Some top options to consider include:
Healthcare
Canada has an aging population driving high demand for healthcare professionals. Jobs like nurses, nurse aides, physiotherapists, and home support workers are in urgent need across the country. Employers are willing to sponsor for these roles.
Technology
Canada wants to position itself as a global tech hub. Roles in software development, cybersecurity, AI and data science are among the most sought-after.
Major tech companies and startups readily sponsor for positions requiring bachelors or higher in STEM fields.
Construction
Canada has ambitious infrastructure development plans requiring skilled trade workers. Jobs as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders see chronic shortages. Joining a union can help secure sponsorship for these well-paying manual labor careers.
Agriculture
Canada relies heavily on temporary foreign workers to fill seasonal positions on farms and food processing plants.
Permanent opportunities exist too for roles like agricultural equipment operators, food inspectors, and food scientists.
Teaching
There is an ongoing need for qualified teachers, especially in French immersion and STEM subjects. Both K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions sponsor candidates with appropriate teaching credentials and experience.
Required Credentials
The level of education and experience demanded varies by role and industry. However, employers generally look for the following when considering candidates for sponsorship:
- University Degree: Most professional jobs require at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
- Language Skills: English and French proficiency is evaluated depending on the location. Healthcare jobs commonly require second language skills.
- Licenses/Certifications: Many regulated professions like engineering, accounting demand certification or licensing through a domestic body.
- Canadian Work Experience: While not mandatory, prior Canadian work experience strengthens your case for sponsorship significantly.
- In-Demand Skills: Specialized technical skills in high-growth areas receive priority. STEM, digital marketing are examples.
Make sure your credentials align with Canada’s requirements to maximize your chances of finding a sponsoring employer. Consider skills upgrading if needed.
Finding & Applying to Jobs
Below are trusted resources and strategies to identify suitable jobs in Canada offering visa support:
Job Bank
Government of Canada’s official job portal Job Bank lists thousands of postings from across the country, many tagged for foreign worker sponsorship eligibility.
Employer Websites
Search career pages of major health systems, universities, technology and construction companies known to regularly hire immigrants.
Recruiters & Job Fairs
Engage local immigration consultants and attend offshore career fairs partnering with Canadian employers actively hiring abroad.
Professional Associations
Explore if your occupation has a relevant association in Canada publishing job listings for members.
Social Networks
Sites like LinkedIn help connect with recruiters, establish your profile within relevant communities and find hidden opportunities.
When applying, ensure your resume highlights Canadian experience/education first followed by international to showcase relevance.
Cover letters must clearly state your immigration eligibility and long-term commitment to residing in Canada permanently. Emphasize how you fulfill the job requirements to the highest standards.
The Visa Process
Once you secure a valid Canadian Job Offer Certificate (IJO/COJO) from an eligible employer, your application gets priority processing under one of the economic immigration programs with a pathway to permanent residency:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: For highly skilled roles usually requiring a master’s degree or above.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: For skilled tradespersons with work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Programs: Route for in-demand occupations identified by each Canadian province/territory.
It takes 6-12 months on average from job offer to receipt of a work permit. Then 1-2 years of authorized Canadian work experience is needed before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Comply fully with all conditions to maintain status throughout this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French language proficiency mandatory?
While not an absolute requirement nationally, French skills open more opportunities, especially in Quebec. Having basic French ability as per Canada’s benchmarks can aid your profile.
What if I don’t find a job within a few months of arriving?
You are given an initial work permit validity of 1-2 years. Use this duration to continuously look for better opportunities through your network. Do not accept any illegal work.
Can I change employers once in Canada on a work permit?
Yes, as long as the new job is also eligible for foreign worker sponsorship. Inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about such internal transfers for approval.
How long before I can apply for Canadian permanent residence?
Except for Quebec Skilled Worker programs requiring prior experience, you usually need 1-2 years of authorized full-time employment in Canada in a suitable NOC occupation before being eligible to apply for permanent residence.
My spouse wants to work too, is that possible on accompanying open work permits?
Generally, yes. Accompanying spouses/common-law partners may also be able to work full-time in Canada on open work permits if entering together with the primary applicant on a work permit. However, job must be unrelated to the primary applicant’s occupation to avoid dependency.