Are you looking for ways to move to Canada without a degree? Canada is eager to welcome skilled immigrants, putting a strong emphasis on their work experience. Some immigrants are concerned that they might not be able to move to Canada if they don’t have a degree. While certain programs and jobs in specific categories require a degree, there are alternative pathways for those without one. If you have no formal education and are looking to move to Canada, this article is for you. Here, we will be showing you how you can migrate to Canada even without a degree among other relevant information.
About Moving to Canada Without a Degree
Before you start planning to move to Canada, you must consider your level of work experience, the right immigration pathway for you, whether or not you have a job offer and your skill set. Just like any other country, Canada has various job requirements, but they are uniquely classified under the TEER system, categorizing jobs as high-skilled, intermediate, or low-skilled occupations. The TEER categories include TEER 1 (e.g., Doctors, Accountants, Lawyers), TEER 2 (e.g., Plumbers, Chefs, Electricians), TEER 3 (e.g., Transporters, Drivers, Roofers), TEER 4 (e.g., Desk Clerks, Bartenders, Receptionists), and TEER 5 (e.g., Cleaners, Fruit Packers, Beverage Servers).
The TEER system further breaks down the requirements from A to D, where A might require a university degree, B a college education, C secondary school education, and D job training only. For instance, in skill level D occupations, on-the-job training is necessary, while in skill level A, a university degree is mandatory. Therefore, the need for a degree depends on the specific profession you choose and your experience in that field.
How to Immigrate to Canada Without a Degree
In 2024, you have several options for moving to Canada as an immigrant without a formal education. Let’s break down these different paths and talk about each one in more detail:
1. Express Entry
A popular and straightforward way to move to Canada is through the Express Entry program. This system enables you to kick off your immigration journey from any part of the world, and in just six months, you could find yourself in Canada. The Express Entry system consists of three major programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The FSWP is designed for skilled workers with a minimum of one year of experience in a skilled occupation. To qualify, you need to meet specific criteria for skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education set by the program. Once you satisfy all the minimum requirements, your application for the Federal Skilled Worker Program undergoes evaluation based on various factors. These factors include your age, education, work experience, possession of a valid job offer, proficiency in English and/or French, and your adaptability to settle in the country. These elements contribute to a 100-point grid system used to determine eligibility, with points assigned based on your performance in each of the six categories. As of now, applicants must score at least 67 points to meet the qualification threshold for the program.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP is tailored for skilled tradespeople with expertise in specific trades. To be eligible for this program, you need to meet certain requirements. This includes attaining the required language proficiency levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each language ability. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) in the last 5 years in a skilled trade, and this work experience should be paid (volunteer work or unpaid internships won’t be considered). You must also meet the job requirements for the specific skilled trade according to the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification. Furthermore, you should either have a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting at least 1 year or possess a certificate of qualification in the relevant skilled trade issued by either a Canadian federal, territorial, or provincial authority.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is crafted for individuals who have at least one year of skilled work experience in any field in Canada. To qualify for this pathway, you have to meet certain criteria. This includes reaching the required language proficiency levels for your job, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years before applying. It’s important to note that if you are a refugee claimant in Canada, working without authorization, or have gained work experience without temporary resident status in Canada, you are ineligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen category, you’ll need to create an online profile, which remains valid for one year. Subsequently, you may receive a score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based assessment considering factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, job offer, adaptability, and age. Following this, you enter a pool of candidates, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. Keep in mind that you have 90 days to submit your PR application.
The cost of the Express Entry program is pegged at CAD 2300 for a single applicant and CAD 4500 for couples.
Note that each program comes with its specific requirements, however, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) do not make a degree a prerequisite for immigration. Unlike some other immigration routes, these programs focus more on assessing factors like work experience, language proficiency, and skills relevant to specific trades or Canadian work experience, rather than emphasizing formal education. This makes these pathways accessible to individuals who have valuable hands-on experience and expertise, even if they don’t hold a university degree.
2. The Atlantic Immigration Program
Formerly known as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, this is a pathway designed to help skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions become permanent residents in any of the four beautiful Canadian Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. This aids employers in finding suitable candidates for job positions that haven’t been filled locally.
To be eligible for the program, you must secure a job offer from an employer designated by Atlantic Canada. You can qualify if you have either recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada or if you are a skilled worker. Applications can be submitted from outside Canada or while you are a temporary resident in the country.
Here are some key conditions to meet:
– You should have work experience that aligns with the eligibility criteria unless you’re an international graduate from an accredited post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
– You must meet or surpass the educational requirements.
– You must either meet or exceed the language proficiency requirements.
– You need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents upon arrival in Canada. However, if you are already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to provide such proof.
Once these conditions are met, you can start searching for a job with a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
3. The Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a straightforward avenue for immigration to Canada, with each province presenting unique nominee programs featuring different eligibility criteria. Some notable Provincial Nominee Programs include:
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)
• Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
• Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Notably, the BC PNP stands out as the quickest program compared to others due to specific benefits exclusive to it. The processing time is about 2-3 months which is half the time of the Express Entry system. Generally, there are two application routes for the provincial nominee program: the Express Entry process and the Non-Express Entry process.
• The Express Entry Process
If you get nominated by a province or territory through the Express Entry stream, it will be indicated on your nomination certificate. To confirm this information, you can contact the relevant province or territory.
There are two ways to apply:
Firstly, you can directly contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. If you receive a nomination, you can either create a new Express Entry profile or update your existing one to include this nomination and accept it online.
Alternatively, you can begin the process by creating an Express Entry profile online and indicating your interest in specific provinces or territories. If any of them express interest in your profile, they will send you a “notification of interest” via your account. You can then contact them directly and apply to their Express Entry stream. If nominated, the province or territory will extend the offer through your account, and you can accept it online. Regardless of the approach, it is important to create an Express Entry profile early in the process.
• The Non-Express Entry Process
For the Non-Express Entry process, the application unfolds in two stages:
Firstly, you need to choose the province or territory in Canada where you intend to live and apply to them for a nomination. Your application will be evaluated based on immigration requirements and your genuine intention to reside in that area. After receiving a nomination from a province or territory, the next step is to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for permanent residency. Your application will be assessed according to the regulations governing Canadian immigration.
4. The Agri-Food Pilot
This provides an additional pathway to achieve permanent residency in Canada without a degree, specifically addressing labour challenges in the agri-food sector. This program allows skilled workers in various industries and occupations to apply for permanent residency, and it is scheduled to run until May 2025.
To be eligible for permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Have relevant Canadian work experience in any of the eligible industries and occupations.
2. Secure a non-seasonal and full-time job offer from a legitimate Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries and occupations (excluding Quebec).
3. Meet the specified language proficiency and educational requirements.
4. Possess adequate funds to settle in Canada as required.
The eligible industries for the Agri-Food pilot program include:
– Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
– Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (NAICS 1114)
– Animal production, excluding aquaculture
– Cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
– Hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
– Poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
– Sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
– Other animal production (NAICS 1129)
Some eligible occupations in these categories for the Agri-Food pilot include:
Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116):
– NOC 63201 – Retail butchers
– NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers
– NOC 95106 – Food processing laborers
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114):
– NOC 8431 – General farm workers
– NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
5. The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot
These programs offer a route to permanent residence in Canada. To qualify, you need to meet specific criteria and secure a job in one of the designated occupations. Once accepted, you receive an open work permit tailored to the occupation, eliminating the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This permit allows you to acquire the necessary work experience for permanent residency in Canada.
If you have prior experience as a home childcare provider or support worker, your past work may also contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency. However, if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency as a caregiver, there might still be an opportunity for you to work temporarily in Canada. Note that you do not need a degree to qualify for this program and it takes about 12 months to process.
Conclusion
Canada is on the lookout for highly skilled professionals, and there are quick immigration programs like Express Entry to welcome skilled foreign workers. If you don’t have a degree, don’t worry. Canada also needs people without degrees, especially in industries like construction, hospitality, and retail where there’s a shortage of workers. This means there’s a good chance for those with some skills or experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship Job in Canada Within One Month
Canada is actively addressing labour shortages, and there are plenty of job opportunities available, even for individuals without formal education or work experience. If you’re looking to travel to Canada without spending a fortune, there are ways to do so. Many people seek visa sponsorship from companies to help them move to Canada, but it’s not common for companies to directly “sponsor” immigrants. Instead, they often assist with the application process for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment helps determine if there’s a need for a foreign worker in a specific job. However, finding jobs with free visa sponsorship can be tough, especially without proper guidance. That’s why this article is here to help by showing you how to get a visa sponsorship job in Canada within one month.
What is an LMIA?
The LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a process where employers can sponsor foreign workers to get a work permit, and in some cases, it can even lead to permanent residency. It’s like a test for the job market, checking if the employer tried hard enough to hire a Canadian for the job and if having an immigrant in that role would be good or bad for the Canadian job market.
Here’s how it works: The employer, which is usually a company, sends a detailed application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This application has information about the job, the company, and the efforts made to find Canadian workers. ESDC then looks at the application and decides if the employer did what is needed for an LMIA. Once approved, the employer can use this approval to help the immigrant apply for a work permit. This permit is usually specific to the job and the employer that sponsored the immigrant. That’s how a Canadian company can sponsor a foreign worker to get a visa for Canada.
Jobs in Canada With Free Visa Sponsorship
1. Warehouse Worker
Annual Average Salary: $33,394
Warehouse workers play a vital role in making sure things run smoothly in the storage and shipping of products. They do a bit of everything in the warehouse – organizing stuff, moving things around, packing and unpacking shipments, and using equipment like pallet jacks and forklifts to get things done efficiently.
2. Construction Worker
Average Annual Salary: $31,546 – $40,000
Working in construction offers a chance to make a good income. Construction workers are in high demand in Canada, and the best thing is you don’t necessarily need a formal degree for this job. While some companies might prefer folks with degrees, others value hands-on experience more. Even if you don’t have experience, you can learn on the job or volunteer on construction sites.
As a construction worker, you’ll be doing various tasks on construction sites like building stuff, moving construction materials, tearing things down, and setting up structures. Just keep in mind, that this job requires physical fitness, and you should be 18 or older since you’ll be handling heavy equipment and materials.
3. Farm Workers
Average Annual Salary: $27,300 – $39,111
Canada’s farming industry is on the lookout for farm workers to handle tasks like planting, weeding, ploughing, and harvesting. If you’re into agriculture, this job might be just right for you. You don’t necessarily need formal education for farm work, but being physically fit is quite important because the job can be quite demanding.
Be prepared for long hours, especially during busy farming seasons, and keep in mind that you might need to work in rural and remote areas. So, being ready for not-so-ideal working conditions is part of the deal.
4. Meat Cutter
Average Annual Salary: $38,100 – $45,000
If you’re okay with handling various types of meat and want to make money doing it, the job of a meat cutter or butcher could be a good fit. Meat cutters prepare meat for sale and distribution, and there’s a high demand for this job in Canada. Just be aware that it can be physically demanding.
Your responsibilities would include getting your cutting tools ready and turning big chunks of meat into smaller, more manageable pieces. You could find work in small shops or larger industrial settings. The cool thing is, you don’t need a formal education for this job, but having hands-on experience is key.
5. Factory Worker
Average Annual Salary: $40,106
As the name implies, factory workers are hired by different factory companies, and what they do depends on the type of factory they’re in. Whether it’s an automobile or food factory, this role is always needed throughout Canada, and it comes with competitive salaries. Just be aware that the job can be physically demanding because it requires a lot of labour and energy. So, being physically fit is very important for doing the job effectively.
6. Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $35,000 – $75,000
This job category covers bus drivers (both short and long distances) as well as truck drivers. The great thing about these roles is that you don’t need a degree to work as a driver in Canada. Your main responsibilities would be driving vehicles and delivering goods across urban, interurban, and provincial routes.
There are plenty of opportunities for drivers in various sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, sales, and transportation companies. Plus, if you’re entrepreneurial, there’s the option to start your own driving business and offer transportation services to others.
7. Food Processing Worker
Annual Average Salary: $33,150
Food processing workers have a vital role in turning raw ingredients into packaged goods found on store shelves. They play a part in preparing and handling different food items, making sure to follow specific instructions. Often based in a food processing plant, these workers are responsible for getting food products ready for packaging, shipment, and distribution. They operate machinery and equipment to process food efficiently. Their job includes ensuring that all products meet quality and safety standards by closely following established protocols and guidelines. Essentially, they contribute to the entire process of transforming raw ingredients into the food items consumers find in stores.
Tips to Get Visa Sponsorship Job in Canada Within One Month
- Identify companies in Canada known for their willingness to sponsor work visas. Focus on industries with high demand for workers, such as healthcare, IT, construction, or hospitality.
- Explore Canadian job search platforms, including Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and specialized industry websites. Use filters on these platforms to find companies explicitly mentioning visa sponsorship.
- Build connections on LinkedIn with professionals in your industry. Attend industry-specific events, seminars, or conferences to network with potential employers.
- Find HR or hiring managers on professional networking sites. Craft personalized emails expressing your genuine interest in the company and explaining how your skills align with their needs.
- Update your resume to emphasize relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Tailor your resume to meet Canadian standards for each application, focusing on what makes you a standout candidate. Ensure your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents are up-to-date. Be ready to provide proof of qualifications and work experience.
- Research the company’s values, mission, and recent projects. Prepare for common interview questions, emphasizing your commitment to working in Canada.
- Partner with reputable recruitment agencies specializing in international hires. Seek agencies that have a track record of successful placements and positive reviews.
- Maintain professionalism in all communications. Clearly express your enthusiasm for the job and your commitment to contributing positively to the workplace.
Remember, while the goal is to secure a job within one month, the actual timeline can vary based on factors such as the industry, the employer’s hiring process, and immigration processing times. Be persistent, stay proactive, and choose what is suitable for you.
Companies that Offer Visa Sponsorship in Canada in 2024
1. Google Canada
If you’re looking for a chance to get sponsored for a visa, Google Canada could be an option worth exploring. It’s a major tech company based in Toronto, known for having a diverse international team and hiring folks from all over the world. While Google Canada might provide visa sponsorship for certain roles, especially those requiring high skills, their rules about employment and visa support can vary depending on the job and the state of the Canadian job market.
If you’re interested in working for Google Canada as a foreigner and need visa sponsorship, it’s a good idea to see if you qualify. Check out their website for details on employment and sponsorship requirements. The best thing is that Google Canada is an equal opportunity employer, meaning they don’t discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, disability, or gender. If you’ve got excellent experience and can communicate well in English or French, it can greatly boost your chances of landing a job at their Canadian office.
2. Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc. is a major energy infrastructure company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It has established itself as a leader in delivering energy by ensuring safe and responsible connections to meet people’s energy needs. With a workforce of over 12,000, primarily in the U.S. and Canada, Enbridge focuses on providing transportation, storage, and distribution services for crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. The company operates not only in Canada and the United States but also in various other countries worldwide.
Since its founding in 1949, Enbridge has developed an extensive energy infrastructure, including more than 34,000 kilometres of crude oil and liquids pipelines, over 165 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity, and around 3,200 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity. In addition, Enbridge holds interests in numerous natural gas processing plants and other energy-related infrastructure. Enbridge is dedicated to sustainable business practices and has taken initiatives in environmental, social, and governance aspects. This commitment involves measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting local communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
3. PwC Canada
PwC Canada, a part of the global professional services firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), is known for offering audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to clients in various industries. With a strong presence in the Canadian market, they have over 7,000 partners and staff across the country, and they’re open to applications from all candidates, providing visa sponsorship, though some restrictions may apply.
The firm collaborates with clients ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations, delivering services like audit and assurance, consulting, tax, deals, and risk assurance. PwC Canada is particularly recognized for its expertise in technology, innovation, and sustainability.
Diversity and inclusion are key values at PwC Canada, and it is acknowledged as a top employer in the country. The firm offers a range of benefits and opportunities for career development. PwC Canada is also praised for its corporate social responsibility efforts, including a commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities through charitable work. It’s important to note that there are minimum salary requirements for eligibility for a sponsored visa.
4. KPMG
KPMG Canada is the Canadian arm of KPMG International, a global network of professional services firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services. With a presence in 40 locations across Canada, KPMG Canada boasts over 8,000 professionals catering to clients in diverse industries such as financial services, healthcare, technology, and energy. Recognized as one of Canada’s top employers and a premier workplace, KPMG Canada provides a comprehensive range of services, including audit, tax, management consulting, risk consulting, and deal advisory.
In addition to its core services, KPMG Canada specializes in areas like cybersecurity, sustainability, and digital transformation. The firm is dedicated to corporate responsibility and sustainability, actively working to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to local communities. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, KPMG Canada implements programs promoting gender equity and inclusivity for marginalized groups. Overall, KPMG Canada stands as a leading professional services firm in the country, known for delivering high-quality services and actively contributing to societal well-being.
Conclusion
Creating a successful career in Canada is certainly within reach, given the country’s abundant employment opportunities. Yet, securing these jobs and accumulating enough funds to cover expenses can be challenging and this can hinder your ambitions. Fortunately, we’ve just explored how you can get job positions in Canada that offer visa sponsorship. This means your employer takes care of the visa application costs and other associated expenses. However, it’s expedient to note that visa sponsorship depends on the company’s policies and isn’t guaranteed in every situation.