Canada’s economy is growing, and its workforce is aging out. The combination has created a unique scenario where positions are opening up at a rapid pace as senior Canadians retire, and thousands of new jobs are being created by startup and growing companies every year.
Canada’s population isn’t growing fast enough to meet the demands of the labour market. Solution: Invite the best and brightest skilled foreigners to become permanent residents of this incredibly beautiful multicultural country. A win-win!
If you are qualified for an in-demand job, the federal government of Canada, or even a provincial government, may want you to come over as soon as possible. There are two programs that make it possible to immigrate to Canada without a job offer:
1. The Express Entry System
The best option for those seeking to immigrate to Canada but don’t obtain a job offer is to apply for Express Entry Programs. Express Entry is a point-based system that manages applicants seeking permanent residency for those who can fill jobs where there is a lack of available skilled Canadian workers. The programs within the Express Entry pool that let you immigrate without a job offer include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The first and most important step in applying for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry System is to determine whether you are eligible. Once you know that you meet the requirements, you can create an online profile. The information you provide will be used to calculate a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and you will be entered into a pool of applicants for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – for people with qualifications and skills in managerial and professional occupations;
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – for people with qualifications or experience in trade occupations; and
- Canada Experience Class – for people in the above categories who have one or more years of experience working in Canada in that trade/profession.
If you are eligible for one of the above programs, maximizing your CRS is of the utmost importance as you will be competing for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency against skilled workers and tradesmen from all over the world. With the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, you will have the best chance of being successful in receiving your ITA.
2. The Provincial Nomination Program
Another great way to immigrate to Canada without a job offer is to appeal to provinces directly through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). Every province in Canada has unique labour demands that depend on which industries are more prevalent, for example, the IT industry is booming in British Columbia and in Ontario, where you will be handed permanent residency on a silver platter as a truck driver. Once again, assuming you are eligible. While each province has different streams with different names, there is a common thread in the program types:
- in-demand/critical impact categories – these cater to severe labour shortages in provinces, from nurses to farmworkers, each province will differ;
- skilled worker categories – much like in the express entry program, these are for people with significant experience or qualifications in their occupations. Applying directly to the province means entering a smaller pool of applicants and improving your chances of success; and
- International Graduate categories – study at a Canadian post-secondary institution and the province you study in will motivate your application to become a permanent resident, granted you intend to continue living and working in that province.
The applications for provincial nominations are not as clear cut as the Express Entry Program. There are numerous forms that require supporting documents that have to be submitted at different times, and so the help of a professional immigration consultant will go a long way in making sure your application is up to scratch and everything is in order the first time you apply.
Other Options To Immigrate Without Job Offer
Provincial Nominee Programs. Some of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are options for those without a job offer. The PNPs included are:
- Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
- Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
Investor Program
There’s also the Canadian Investor Program category, where depending upon your net worth and your business experience, you could qualify for immigration without a job.
Looking to Immigrate Without a Job Offer?
If you find yourself wanting to immigrate to Canada but don’t have a job offer, contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
