Employment of Immigrants in Canada: Features and Prospects in 2024

Canada remains one of the most attractive countries for immigrants seeking new career opportunities. The Canadian job market has its unique features, and the demand for various professions can differ significantly from other countries.

In 2024, certain specialties are in high demand, while others face tougher competition. Let's look at which professions are easier to find work in Canada and what factors to consider when job hunting.

In-demand Technical Specialties

In 2024, Canada continues to have a high demand for professionals with technical backgrounds. Engineers, IT specialists, and programmers have excellent chances of finding work in their field with competitive pay. Canadian tech companies like Shopify, OpenText, and Blackberry actively recruit foreign specialists, offering support with work visas and relocation. Specialists in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity are particularly in demand due to the growth of digital transformation and a shortage of local talent.

Provincial immigration programs, such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), provide additional advantages for professionals with experience in these fields.

Civil engineers, architects, and project management specialists are also in demand, especially in fast-growing cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Canada is actively investing in infrastructure projects, creating additional employment opportunities in these areas.

Medical Professions

The Canadian healthcare system has an ongoing need for qualified medical professionals. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare specialists are highly sought after, especially in rural and remote areas of the country where access to medical services is limited. However, the process of credential recognition can be lengthy and complex. Doctors must undergo qualification assessments, pass exams, and complete residency in Canada to gain the right to practice. Nurses can take advantage of special programs for expedited licensing and career start.

In 2024, there's an expected increase in demand for mental health professionals, physiotherapists, and specialists in elderly care, due to demographic changes in the country and an increasing elderly population.

Humanities Specialties

Professionals with humanities backgrounds, such as marketers, human resource managers, and finance specialists, may face higher competition in the Canadian job market. However, professionals with experience in digital marketing, project management, and financial analysis have good employment prospects, especially if they have knowledge of new technologies and data analytics. In major cities like Toronto and Montreal, demand for these specialists remains stable.

Professionals with degrees in international relations may find opportunities in the public sector or international organizations based in Canada, although competition for these positions remains high. It's also worth noting the growing interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) specialists, which can increase employment chances.

Creative Professions

Canada is known for its developed film and television industry, especially in Vancouver and Toronto. Professionals in film production, animation, and visual effects can find interesting career growth opportunities. For creative professions, a high-quality portfolio is a key factor in employment, often playing a more important role than formal education. Participation in festivals, competitions, and professional communities can also significantly increase chances of successful employment.

Employment Features for Certain Professions

Accountants with foreign education need to go through a qualification recognition process and obtain Canadian CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) certification. Large audit firms like KPMG and EY often offer support programs for foreign specialists in the process of obtaining local qualifications, which helps speed up the adaptation process.

Translators fluent in French and English can find work in government institutions, especially in Quebec, where French is the primary language. Working in the judicial system or healthcare requires special certification, which may require additional training.

Lawyers with foreign education need to go through a qualification assessment process through the NCA (National Committee on Accreditation) and pass exams to gain the right to practice law in Canada. This process can take several years, but demand for lawyers with international experience remains high, especially in large law firms dealing with international cases and immigration law.

In-demand Professions Without Higher Education

In Canada, there are a number of professions that don't require a full higher education but provide a stable income. These include technical specialties such as electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators. These professions are particularly in demand in provinces with developed extractive industries, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan. Canada is also actively developing an apprenticeship system, which allows gaining necessary qualifications and work experience.

Specialists in hospitality and tourism are also in demand, especially in popular tourist regions of the country such as Banff and Whistler. These professions often only require programs at colleges or technical schools, providing access to the job market without the need for higher education.

Other In-demand Fields

In Canada, there's a growing demand for teachers, especially in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and French language. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, are experiencing a shortage of primary and secondary school teachers, creating opportunities for foreign specialists.

Canada, with its vast territory and developed transport infrastructure, also requires qualified specialists in logistics and transportation. Truck drivers, dispatchers, and supply chain management specialists remain in demand, especially in light of increasing international trade and logistics operations.

Given global challenges related to climate change, there's a growing demand for specialists in environmental protection, sustainable development, and natural resource management. Professionals working in these fields play a key role in implementing projects to reduce carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.

Conclusion

When planning to move to Canada, it's important to consider the local job market and qualification requirements for various professions. Technical specialists, healthcare workers, and IT professionals have high chances of successful employment. Those with degrees in humanities may need additional training or be prepared to start their careers in entry-level positions. It's also worth considering changes in immigration policies and regional job market differences, as the demand for certain professions can vary significantly across Canadian provinces.

Therefore, when planning employment in Canada, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and be ready to adapt in order to successfully integrate into the Canadian job market.

We assist with immigration to Canada and are ready to provide support at every stage of your relocation. If you have any questions or need help planning your career in Canada, contact one of our specialists for a consultation.