Top Canada Jobs for Immigrants From the US

If you are a citizen of the United States of America and are considering taking your skills north of the border, you are not alone. The last few years have seen a rise in Americans seeking opportunities outside the US. A simple leap northwards will lead you to more than just a handful of excellent prospects. Canada has become an attractive destination due to its strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and high standard of living. Working here not only offers financial stability but also provides access to excellent healthcare and education systems. In this article, we explore the top Canada jobs for immigrants from the US.

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Job Vacancy Statistics in Canada

According to Statistics Canada data released on September 29, 2023, there were 701,300 vacant positions available in July this year, even though the overall vacancy number has dropped. With vacancies across sectors, for every skill level, in a broad range of occupations, the Canadian labor market is ready to welcome immigrants to fill the significant skills gap left by Canada's sizable retiring population. The statistic also revealed:

• 139,200 unfilled positions in healthcare and social assistance
• 79,500 vacancies in accommodation and food services
• 73,100 vacancies in retail

Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada

If you are an immigrant from the US looking to work in Canada, take a look at the top in-demand jobs here, according to Randstad.

Registered nurse (NOC 31301)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 155,400 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 73,185 CAD per year or 37.53 CAD per hour. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as a nurse.

Construction Project Manager (NOC 70010)

Job Bank predictions show Canada will need 32,300 Construction managers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 100,259 CAD per year or 51.42 CAD per hour. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as a construction manager.

Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 116,700 Accounting technicians and bookkeepers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 57,876 CAD per year or 29.68 CAD per hour.

Developers/ Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 21232)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 80,500 Computer programmers and interactive media developers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 71,409 CAD per year or 36.62 CAD per hour. Check out the best tech pathways for Canadian Permanent Residency.

Digital Marketing Coordinator (NOC 11202)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 73,700 advertising and marketing professionals over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 59,027 CAD per year or 30.27 CAD per hour. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as a marketing manager.

Driver/ Transport Truck Driver (NOC 73300)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 161,700 drivers/Transport truck drivers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 53,625 CAD per year or 27.50 CAD per hour. Learn how to become a truck driver in Canada.

HR Manager (NOC 10011)

Job Bank predictions show that there will be 18,200 jobs in Canada for Human resources managers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 89,252 CAD per year or 45.77 CAD per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (NOC 21301)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 12,700 Mechanical engineers over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 122,026 CAD per year or 62.58 CAD per hour. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as an engineer.

Sales Associate (NOC 64100)

Job Bank predictions show Canada will need 149,200 Retail salespersons over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 32,128 CAD per year or 16.48 CAD per hour.

Welder (NOC 72106)

Job Bank predictions show that Canada will need 17,700 Welders and related machine operators over the next ten years. According to Talent.com, you can earn an average salary of 45,540 CAD per year or 23.35 CAD per hour. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as a welder.

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Work in Canada

If you plan to move to Canada for work, you must make sure you tick all the boxes to do so legally. Before making the move, it is important to research the specific requirements for working in Canada, such as obtaining a Canadian work permit or a trade agreement.

The Canadian Work Permit

A Canadian work permit is a legal document that foreign nationals must obtain to be legally employed in Canada. There are two kinds of Canadian work permits: the open work permit and the employer-specific work permit.

An Open Work Permit will allow you to be employed by any Canadian employer of your choice. This will, however, exclude:

• An employer has been identified to be ineligible as per Canada's list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions
• Employers offering adult services such as strip shows, erotic dancing, escort services, erotic massaging, etc.

Remember: You can only get an open work permit in specific situations. The tool on this page will tell you if you're eligible for one.

An Employer-specific Work Permit will allow you to be employed in line with conditions stated on your work permit. This includes:

• The details of the employer you will be able to work for
• The amount of time you will be allowed to work for
• The specific location you will work in

Before you can apply for an Employer-specific Work Permit, your employer must provide you with:

• A copy of your employment contract
• A copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) OR
• An offer of employment number (this applies to LMIA-exempt workers)

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may be required to apply for before hiring a foreign national to fill a vacancy. A positive LMIA shows a need for a foreign worker. However, it will also highlight there were no Canadians to fill this vacancy. As soon as your employer gets this document, you can apply for your Canadian work permit. To apply for your work permit, you will need:

• An offer of employment
• An employment contract
• A copy of the LMIA
• A LMIA number

Learn how to apply for a Canadian Work Permit.

The Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

A great option if you plan to apply to one of the many Canada jobs for US immigrants is the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). US and Mexican nationals can dodge the red tape to be employed or do business in the north. This agreement allows workers, traders, and investors entry into Canada without going through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Before July 1, 2020, CUSMA was known as NAFTA - the North American Free Trade Agreement.

CUSMA Categories

CUSMA has several categories. We take a look at your options below.

• CUSMA Professionals - This program is for US ( or Mexican) citizens who have obtained a valid Canadian offer of employment in one of the following occupations in medicine, science, and education, along with some other professions. You will be granted an LMIA-exempt Canadian work permit if your application is approved. You will need to provide your credentials to qualify.
• CUSMA Intra-Company Transfers - This program is for US (or Mexican) nationals wishing to move to a Canadian branch of the company they are employed by. You will get a temporary Canadian work visa if your application is successful. This is usually reserved for highly skilled professionals like managers, executives, or employees who specialize in their fields.
• CUSMA Traders -This program is for traders involved in a deal wherein more than 50 percent of this deal is happening between Canada, the States, and Mexico.
• CUSMA Investors - This program is a great opportunity for investing in Canada. You will have to make a big investment into a new or an existing business in Canada. Work permits in this category could be granted to essential staff of the company.

You can apply for a CUSMA work permit at a Canadian port of entry if you arrive from the States. This does not apply to CUSMA Investors.

The Benefits of Working in Canada for US Immigrants

There are many benefits to hopping northward to live and work in Canada. These include:

• A stable, thriving economy
• Job opportunities across sectors
• Vacancies for skilled and unskilled workers
• A better standard of living
• A lower cost of living
• Many pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency
• Universal healthcare once you become a Canadian Permanent Resident
• A safe environment with a low crime rate
• Free schooling for children up to high school level
• Housing benefits
• Paid sick leave

Apply For a Job in Canada From the US

FAQs

I Want to Move to Canada Permanently. How Can I Do This?

It is possible. Coming to Canada as a foreign worker will be advantageous if you plan on immigrating. The country has many economic class immigration streams for those with Canadian work experience. Suppose you'd like to apply for Canadian permanent residency. In that case, you may want to have a look at two of the most common options, the Express Entry System or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

What is the most Important Thing to do Before Applying For a Job in Canada?

Before applying for a job, you must find your occupation's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. This will determine your eligibility to work in Canada or eventually apply for Canadian Permanent Residency. Jobs have a specific code. You will find the code for the job on the Canadian government website. Remember that your occupation could have a different name in Canada, so double-check the Canadian term for it and the associated duties, as these need to align. Getting the right NOC is vital. Your application could be rejected if the code is incorrect and doesn't match your skill set and experience.