Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
According to Canada’s job vacancy report, employment availability has been increasing at an exponential rate, with a total of 957,500 positions available in the first quarter of 2022. This growth in the labour market has been defined as “the biggest quarterly amount on record” by Statistics Canada.
The graph below represents the increase in the job vacancy rate during the first quarter of 2022:
Judging from the linear chart above, we can see that the job vacancy rate maintained its increase at a slightly slower pace of 5.5% in the fourth quarter of 2021, while the first quarter of 2022 called for 5.6%.
Furthermore, we note that job vacancies in the first quarter of 2016 were at an all time low rate of 362,100 vacancies, while the first quarter of 2022 marked the highest level of 957,500 job vacancies.
Note that the break in the second and third quarters of 2020, the year which marked the start of a global pandemic, COVID-19, has missing data as the data collection was placed on a hold during these periods.
The question remains: what does this increase in vacancies mean for foreign nationals?
For immigrants to maximize this opportunity, we have conducted extensive research to bring to you the current top 10 in-demand jobs in Canada for foreigners in 2023 and beyond. Read further to turn on the switches.
What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system in Canada?
Before getting into the in-demand jobs in Canada, we need to know what the NOC is all about. The NOC system evaluates the skill level of foreign workers which classifies their occupations. Note that jobs are grouped according to the duties being performed and the type of experience the individual has within the said occupation.This is how you are able to find your NOC skill level.
Top 10 In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Foreigners in 2023
The job list below represents the current in-demand jobs in Canada with their NOC code for each occupation, along with the stipulated average median hourly wage.
1. Developer (NOC codes: 2174, 2175)
If you are a tech savvy individual that knows all about source bugs, how to execute codes and build computer programs, then your skills would be extremely valuable in Canada. You stand a chance to contribute to the Canadian economy and earn a decent wage for a better quality of life in Canada. Developers are guaranteed long term demand for their skills in Canada – they can expect to see 64,200 new job openings leading up to 2028, according to Canada Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: $38.46
2. Marketing Manager (NOC code: 0124)
If you are able to work in a well integrated environment and immerse yourself into the creative Canadian culture, then this industry is for you. If you are an expert in organizing, campaigns and creating awareness, then you could thrive with your skills in Canada. Branches such as advertising, marketing, public relations managers and other related areas, can expect to see a total of 19,400 new job openings from the period of 2019 to 2028, as per Canada Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: $ 43.27
3. Key Account Manager (NOC code: 0601)
The need for employment has grown tremendously in Canada and key account managers form a major part of this need. If you are good at building rapport with clients and you are able to cultivate long lasting relationships with significant role players that generate the most sales, then this career is for you.
Median hourly salary: $ 50.00
4. Nurse (NOC code: 3012)
If caring for patients and their needs is what you are passionate about and you have the skills and experience to prove it, then you stand a great chance to succeed as a nurse in Canada, along with a decent salary. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses can expect to see an increase of 191,100 job openings, based on Canada Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: $ 19.00
5. Welder (NOC codes: 6552, 6551)
If you are good with your hands and enjoy repairing and working with stainless steel, aluminum and other metals, then the welding industry is for you. With the right experience and skills, you can be part of the growing demand for welders. From 2019 to 2028, the demand for Welders and other machine operators will be at an all time high of 23,200 job openings, according to Canada Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: $ 40.00
6. Driver (NOC codes: 7511, 7512, 7513, 7514)
Canada is facing a current shortage of drivers which means there will be a high demand for drivers over the next few years. Whether you are a long distance truck driver or short distance bus driver, your skills are needed. Over a period of 2019 to 2028, you can expect to see 119,900 new job openings in Canada as per the data on Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: between $16.00 and $33.08
7. Customer Service Representative (NOC codes: 6552, 6551)
Depending on the type of customer service branch, if you have the right skills and experience, you may qualify to live and work in Canada as a customer service representative. There are various branches in customer services but regardless of the branch, the tasks will require client liaison, which can be via email or in-person, online chat or phone call. Furthermore, financial institutions will be seeing 11,300 new job openings for customer service representatives during the period of 2019 to 2018, as per the data on Job Bank.
Median hourly salary: $ 19.00
8. Cloud Architect (NOC code: 2171)
When the world hit a global pandemic in 2020, companies began to integrate into a hybrid work model, enabling more flexibility to accommodate the circumstances. In fact, some companies excelled, so much so the demand for cloud architects continued to increase in Canada. Cloud architects are tech professionals who oversee and implement the computing strategy of the company.
Median hourly salary: $ 41.03
9. Human Resource (HR) Managers (NOC code: 0112)
Professionals in the HR industry help enforce the company’s policies, rules and regulations, as well as facilitate the hiring, interviewing, pay and other employee benefits. According to Job Bank, the period of 2019 to 2028 will see 49,000 new job openings.
Median hourly salary: $ 49.74
10. Electrician (NOC code: 7241, 7242, 7243, 7245, 7246)
Electricians play a vital role in Canada’s in-demand occupation list. There is a constant need for electricians, since electrical operations need to be in place so things can run smoothly during the day-to-day functions. Electricians are needed in people’s homes, company buildings, stadiums and other buildings. According to Canada Job Bank, electricians, excluding industrial and power systems, will see a growing demand of 23,400 job openings leading up to 2028.
Median hourly salary: $ 30.00
For those looking to live and work in Canada, you may be delighted to know that Canada boasts a wealth of employment opportunities and the above list is just a drop in the ocean to what the Great North has in store for you. Let us look at the immigration programs you can explore.
Apply for Jobs through the Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is not an immigration program but an online, points-driven system that comprises three immigration programs that are highly versatile. These programs are also most commonly preferred by immigrants. There are three popular immigraiton options:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Just a reminder to candidates applying under Express Entry: you would have to receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) to a program directly, which is valid for 60 days. As a result, the information on your profile would have to be filled out before the expiry date. Once your profile is submitted, you will be informed about which Express Entry program is suitable for you.
Note that your eligibility or chances of getting an ITA will depend on the legitimacy and thoroughness of the information you have provided on your Express Entry profile. We therefore urge candidates to remain truthful and accurate in the information they are providing. Failure in doing so will result in your application being rejected.
Apply for Jobs through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
The PNP is a program for immigrants that accommodates various skill levels. Candidates with the right skills, education and work experience stand a chance of being successful under the PNP if they apply to a province that falls short of their skill set. Additionally, provinces within Canada will have different needs, which makes the standard and processes specific to the province or region.
Top Tip: Suppose you qualify for the Express Entry system, you will also have the option of applying for a temporary work permit. While the PNP does not form part of one of three programs under Express Entry, it is a province specific program, which you can apply to through the Express Entry system.
Apply to PNP through the Express Entry in Two Simple Ways:
Option 1:
Select a province or territory in which you would like to live and work in Canada. You will be nominated according to the province you selected. Once you have been nominated by the province, your application will be assessed by an immigration officer to check your eligibility. You may be contacted for additional information.
Option 2:
Create an Express Entry profile to show which provinces/territories you would like a nomination from. In turn, you will be contacted via your Express Entry profile to apply through their stream. You will be nominated electronically through your account.
Top Tip: We urge candidates to conduct thorough research on the various provinces in Canada that have the PNP in place. Be sure to double-check the province’s economic condition, employment opportunities and safety and security levels before you choose a province.
Remember that each case is unique, and therefore we highly recommend making use of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to guide you throughout the process.
Apply for Jobs through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
This program is designed with the employer in mind in aim of facilitating the hiring process by employers. The idea is to make the selection process easier so employers can recognize global talent and foreign skilled workers who can fill the labour gap that cannot be filled by local Canadians.
Fancy traveling in and around one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces? Then the AIP is for you. Experience what it is like to live and work in Canada while you explore New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more on how you can apply under the AIP, you can get in touch with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC’s) for the necessary advice and guidance.
Know the Steps Involved in the Application Process
Below are steps to apply for a job or permanent residency in Canada regardless of the program you choose:
- Step 1: Find Your NOC and Skill Level.
- Step 2: Check Your Eligibility to Enter Canada and Program Criteria.
- Step 3: Find a Job and Secure a Job Offer.
- Step 4: Know which type of Work Permit is Required and find out if you will require an Labour Market Impact assessment (LMIA) from your Employer.
- Step 5: Gather all Supporting Documents and Fill in all Required Fields
- Step 6: Pay the Fees and Submit Your Application
Note that candidates are required to fill in all fields correctly on their application forms and supply the correct supporting documents that validate the information they have provided on their application. Failure in doing so will result in a delay in processing times, resulting in your application being returned back to you. However, you can avoid this by ensuring honesty and accuracy in the information you provide on your application.
There are Endless Jobs in Canada for Foreigners to Choose from
With over 100 immigration programs and visas to choose from, you can enjoy an abundance of employment opportunities that promises you and your family a healthy, sustainable future in Canada. While there are more than ten in-demand jobs in Canada, we have selected the top 10 in-demand occupations in 2022 and beyond to make your job target easier in Canada.
Along with this, we have also provided you with suitable programs you can apply to when applying for work in Canada. On a broader spectrum of things, each province or city within Canada has their own unique challenges and therefore we urge foreign nationals to conduct thorough research on the availability of opportunities in the province before deciding to settle. For more information on this topic, you can find out more about the four step process to finding a job in Canada.
For support and guidance on the way forward, feel free to get in touch with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ease your application process today.
