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Immigrate to Canada as a Semi-skilled Worker in 2023

March 13, 2023

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  • Sinethemba Phongolo

As we enter 2023, many have found themselves re-evaluating their goals, direction and plans. Whether it's for the purpose of establishing a new career, to advance your studies or capitalize on life opportunities, one of the most popular destinations that foreigners are choosing is Canada.

Thousands of immigrants are receiving invitations to apply for permanent residency through over 100 Canadian immigration programs whether skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to immigrate to Canada in 2023 as a semi-skilled worker.

To determine one’s level of skill Canada has a system known as the National Classification Code (NOC). Different occupations are categorized as either level 0, A, B, C or D. Skilled workers are generally classified as NOC 0, A or B.

This includes occupations such as doctors, managerial positions and other professional jobs that may require a degree or some form of post-secondary qualification. Semi-skilled workers are classified as NOC C.

Within the C category can be found a diverse number of skilled professions such as industrial butchers, truck drivers and food and beverage servers. Unskilled workers are classified at NOC C or D depending on the occupation. Examples include farm laborers, cleaning staff and oil field workers.

Top Jobs in Canada for Semi-skilled Workers in 2023

Some occupations that are in demand in Canada are province-specific. Certain occupations are urgently needed almost everywhere in Canada. Please take a look at some of the most in-demand occupations for semi-skilled workers in Canada and what you can expect to earn on average.

 Top 5 In-demand Jobs in Canada for Semi-skilled Workers in 2023
Occupation Average Salary per Year
Long Haul Truckdriver $50,676
Industrial Butcher $38,123
Home Support Workers $32,565
Home Child Care Providers $29,250
Fish & Seafood Plant Workers $27,300

What is the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada as a Semi-Skilled Worker?

The quickest way to immigrate to Canada is through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The BC PNP offers faster immigration application processing times than the ever-popular Express Entry system, boasting processing times of as little as two to three months! Canada has 12 different Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), each with its own set of criteria and categories.

Provincial Nominee Programs are aimed at targeting thriving sectors and addressing labor shortages which have a shortage of experienced workers. These immigration programs allow each province to fill these labor gaps with foreign skilled, semi- and unskilled workers. Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the respective province and if successful, will receive an invitation to apply(ITA) for permanent residence.

Semi-skilled In-demand Jobs in British Columbia

  • Truck Drivers;
  • Industrial Butchers;
  • Nurses Aides;
  • Home Support Workers;
  • Home Child Care Providers;
  • Fish & Seafood Plant Workers;
  • Hotel Front Desk Clerks;
  • Food and Beverage Servers.

What Do You Need to Immigrate to Canada?

To move to Canada as a semi-skilled worker, you will need the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Before thinking about an Invitation to Apply (ITA) you’ll first need to be eligible for and apply through the Express Entry system. There are a few requirements when doing so, all of which are enumerated below:

  • Find Out if You’re Eligible: As there are three programs under the Express Entry system, each with different requirements, you are required to fill out a form that takes around 10 to 15 minutes
  • Create an Express Entry Online Profile: Once determined that you’ve met the basic requirements, you’ll need to create an online Express Entry profile.
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply: If your CRS score meets or exceeds the qualifying score for a particular Express Entry draw, you’ll receive an ITA and will be able to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Express Entry Program

Gaining permanent residency status can be achieved through various immigration visa programs and in different ways. Programs such as the Express Entry system, issue ITAs based on factors such as your age, education, work experience, language ability and whether or not you are likely to adapt to Canadian life comfortably.

Express Entry Programs such as the Federal Skilled Trade Program will require a job offer in Canada unless you have acquired your qualification in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Certain programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) require having an in-demand job amongst other requirements, which are PNP-specific. In other words, each PNP will have its own set of categories, streams and programs which each have specific requirements. Other programs that require job offers in semi-skilled professions include:

Using a professional comes in handy as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and immigration lawyers will not only know which provinces your skills are needed but also have access to a wealth of immigration knowledge.

What are the Criteria to Immigrate to Canada?

As mentioned earlier, each Canadian immigration program has its own set of criteria or requirements. The main factors that are taken into consideration are:

  • Age;
  • Education;
  • Work Experience
  • Language Ability;
  • Adaptability; and sometimes;
  • Job Offers

What is the Age Limit to Immigrate to Canada?

There is no age limit to immigrating to Canada. There are however programs under the Express Entry system such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, that are points based and the older you are the fewer points you’ll earn. The optimal age group to earn Permanent Residency (PR) points is 20 - 29 years old.

Is it Possible to Move to Canada Without Work Experience?

It is unfortunately not possible to immigrate to Canada or move to Canada permanently without at least 3 - 5 years of work experience. You can, however, work in Canada without work experience on a Canadian Working Holiday Visa or as a student on a part-time basis (20 hours a week maximum).

Post-Graduate Work Permit is another work immigration program that newly minted international students who have graduated from Canadian universities that are Designated Learning Institutions can use to gain work at a Canadian work place without needing work experience.

Canadian Immigration in 2023

There are various ways to immigrate to Canada in 2023. Whether you take the direct route to Canada by applying for permanent residency through programs such as the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program, among others, or your choice to temporarily work in Canada and gain enough experience to apply through various provincial nominee programs or the Canada Experience Class, there could be an option for you.

And the best part is that most of these programs allow you to bring your family members with you, which means you won't have to leave them behind.

How We Can Help you Move to Canada as a Skilled Worker

It may be helpful to enlist the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer to assist you with the application process, as the application fee is high, it cannot be refunded and it’s something you want to get right the first time around.

If you're unsure of your admissibility, you can always take an eligibility test that will determine if you qualify to enter Canada. If you require more assistance, hiring an RCIC that will guide you is the way to go.

FAQs

What is the Best Place to Immigrate to Canada as a Semi-skilled Worker?

The bustling urban metropolis of Canada is one of the centers of commerce and industry in Canada. As a consequence it yields the highest number of job opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Can you Immigrate to Rural Canada as a Semi-Skilled Worker?

Semi-skilled work still requires a degree of specialized skill, something of which is more relevant and needed in an urban setting. Therefore, although it’s not possible, you will encounter difficulties in your search for a semi-skilled job in rural Canada.

What is the Most Important Requirement Needed to Immigrate to Canada as a Semi-skilled Worker?

Your skill set as a worker needs to match the eligibility criteria for the work affiliated immigration program that you’re applying for as a semi-skilled immigrant worker.