Visas and employment the Canadian way
Canada is a country which many years has attracted the attention of expats around the world looking to relocate for the lifestyle and employment prospects. While there have been significant changes in the make-up of the Canadian economy and the Canadian population it would appear that there are still significant “hoops to jump through” for those looking to move lock stock and barrel to North America.
There’s an interesting post on the expat forum entitled “Visa advice” which offers an array of comments, advice and information from people who have and people who are looking to move to Canada as soon as possible.
So what exactly is the process for applying for an employment visa in Canada?
The economy
It is worth remembering that the Canadian economy has changed substantially over the last few years and while still dependent upon natural resource such as oil and gas there have been significant advances made in other areas. This particular post covers the construction industry which is apparently “crying out for” skilled workers from overseas such as the UK. However, as with all countries around the world at this moment in time the economic downturn has had an impact and many governments are reviewing and tightening their visa regulations.
Barriers to entry
As with many countries around the world, with Australia a prime example, the Canadian authorities are naturally looking to protect the Canadian workforce at the expense of overseas workers looking to move to the country. While it would be wrong to say that it is impossible, or indeed difficult given the right advice, to obtain a visa to live and to work in Canada there is definitely homework to be done and expenses to be incurred.
Interestingly, while a number of posters on this particular thread have complained about the length of time taken to apply for visas if you follow the official route, there seems to be a general appreciation of the need to protect the local workforce. In many ways, long drawn out visa applications will test how determined any one person or any one family is to move to Canada as this is most definitely not the “easiest option”.
The construction industry
This particular post centres round the construction industry in which there appear to be significant employment opportunities for both Canadian nationals and overseas workers. However, there is one particular post which highlights the fact that the Canadian economy has changed of late and some of the historic construction hot spots of the past have been impacted by the falling oil price and the ever-changing location of new oil finds. As a consequence it is vital that you do your homework and research which areas of the country are experiencing a “construction boom” as this would most likely offer the best opportunity for employment.
Visas
While officially in order to apply for a visa to live and work in Canada you need to have an employment position agreed beforehand, there appear are many people prepared to “chance their arm” and visit Canada without the relevant employment paperwork in place. Even though there is the option to move there on a tourist visa, which can last up to 6 months, and look for work when in the country, this is a potentially high-risk strategy which could backfire if the authorities become aware of your situation.
There is also a suggestion of “cash in hand” employment opportunities, especially in the construction industry, but one particular poster has highlighted the fact that the authorities are keeping a very close eye on construction companies and these illegal cash in hand payments. If you are caught up in such a government “swoop” then this is highly likely to see a formal visa application rejected and your dream ended.
Paperwork required
There appear to be a number of routes to take when looking at employment in Canada which include:-
Temporary work visa
A number of posters comment upon temporary work visas and the fact that a number of companies in Canada will apply for the paperwork on your behalf for a fee. There appears to be a significant difference in fees charged from just a few hundred pounds to up to £5000 and everything in between.
Tourist visa
This is a subject which we touched on above, and one which is fraught with danger and risks for those looking at this particular route. Officially you are not able to work and apply for employment under a tourist visa although many people use this as their entry route into the country, arrange employment while there and then apply for the official employment visa.
Labour Market Opinion
Interestingly there’s also mention of what is known as a validated Labour Market Opinion and confusion as to whether this is something an employer or employee needs to obtain. However, in basic terms, the Labour Market Opinion is something which an employer needs to obtain to show that they have attempted to fill an employment vacancy using traditional Canadian workers. Whether this particular piece of paperwork is actually obtained and used “according to the book” is very much open to debate.
The cost of moving to Canada
Before even beginning to look at the employment prospects in Canada it is vital that anybody in this position does their homework regarding paperwork and the cost of moving to Canada. From the post-it would appear that the application process for visas and work permits is not as straightforward as you might think, and while many companies offer services to do these applications on your behalf these can cost a significant amount of money. We have all seen the horror stories of people paying out thousands of pounds only to find their paperwork is incomplete and there is no employment position guaranteed on their entry to the country.
When you also consider the more traditional costs of moving “lock stock and barrel” to another country it can become very expensive and you need to be sure this is the right thing for you and your family where applicable.
Conclusion
There are many issues to consider when moving to Canada as well as the employment market and the relevant paperwork which needs to be obtained. It is vital that you are aware of the official procedures for obtaining entry to the country and obtaining permission to work in Canada. While there is a general appreciation of the fact the Canadian government is looking to protect the national workforce this does not help those looking to move to Canada and “hit the ground running”.
Interestingly, there is a discussion regarding a visa which allows one party in a couple to undergo education in the country while allowing the other party to take on part-time employment. While the process needs to be investigated further this could be an interesting option for those looking at taking further qualifications in Canada with a partner who may be available for work.
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I would like to obtain a permanent resident visa for Canada and am a US citizen. As a skilled worker, I score high but points for age (I’m 53) dropped me below the necessary level. It also seemed to have “scared-off” some consultants I was working with. I work with US companies at the moment, but telecommute. I’m gathering my only path for a resident visa is to obtain a pre-employment agreement from a Canadian company. Is that true? Would anybody have any suggestions for me, PLEASE, and thank you in advance