How to Get the Perfect HR Job in Canada

Do you work in human resources? Are you looking for a new opportunity to start afresh abroad? Canada needs your expertise!

As the job market starts to recover after it was hard hit by the pandemic, more jobs are being created. This is not only great for job seekers looking for work in Canada, but also for those doing the hiring.

As job applications flood in, companies are going to need more staff in their human resources department to process the applications.

In this article, we’ll not only take a look at how to get the perfect HR job in Canada, but what your top Canadian immigration options are too.

3 Easy Steps to Finding the Perfect HR Job

male hr manager interviewing female candidate at job interview | HR jobs in Canada

Step 1: Choose Your Location

Knowing where you want to live and work in Canada is probably the first thing to consider when looking at Canadian immigration options as an HR professional. How? Depending on where your skills are in demand in Canada, if you apply to the right province or territory you could substantially improve your chances of not only getting hired but also receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.  

Step 2: Choose Your Job

Finding the right position for yourself when applying from another country can be difficult. There are a lot of extra factors that could affect the outcome of your application, including:

  • Having a resume that is up to Canadian standards;
  • Having a strong and well-written cover letter;
  • Having the necessary accreditation as per National Occupational Classification (NOC) code

What is a National Occupational Code (NOC)?

Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code indexes different jobs based on skill level and type according to Canadian standards.

Below are some NOC codes for common in-demand HR jobs in Canada:


Heading
NOC CodeJob Title
NOC 0012Human Resources Manager
NOC 1121Human Resources Professional
NOC 1223Human Resources and Recruitment Officers

Step 3: Choose Immigration Program

There are various Canadian immigration programs that you as an HR manager can apply through, and all of them will give you permanent residency if you are successful! Here are two of the most popular pathways to Canada.

1. Canada's Express Entry

This is Canada’s premier immigration system, managing three programs that all offer permanent residency in Canada. As an HR manager or HR professional, you could qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. Below are the requirements to qualify for each program:

Federal Skilled Worker Requirements for HR Managers

  • A minimum score of 67 out of 100 FSWP points
  • At least 1 year of full-time continuous work experience in the past 10 years (not compulsory)
  • Language test results in English and/or French at CLB level 7
  • Relevant educational qualification with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if obtained outside of Canada
  • Proofs of funds to cover you and your family to settle in Canada
  • Be admissible to Canada.

Canadian Experience Class Requirements for HR Managers

  • At least 1 year of full-time continuous Canadian work experience in the past 3 years
  • Language test results in English and/or French at CLB level 7
  • Relevant educational qualification with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if obtained outside of Canada
  • Proofs of funds to cover you and your family to settle in Canada
  • Be admissible to Canada.

Not all of these requirements are necessary in order to qualify however they can boost your chances of success in your application. Both programs evaluate applicants based on five main factors: age, language ability, education, work experience, and ability to settle in Canada. You will be scored based on these factors and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your Canadian Express Entry profile will then be entered into a draw pool with other candidates.

If your score is equal to the average taken from all of the applicants in your draw pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. This score is known as the CRS cut-off score which is announced every two weeks. And the best part is that your profile will remain in the draw pool for a year or until you receive an ITA!

2. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Although Canada has 11 Provincial Nominee Programs to choose from, you are more likely to receive a Provincial Nomination (PN). A PN is a great opportunity as it is worth 600 CRS points and as most PNP draws have a CRS cut-off score of around 700 you could easily qualify for permanent residency with one in hand. The key is to select a province where HR managers are in demand, and Manitoba is one of them.

As an experienced HR manager, you could qualify for the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). There are two programs you could choose:

  1. Manitoba Express Entry Pathway; and
  2. Human Capital Pathway.

The main difference between the two programs is whether or not you decide to apply through the Express Entry system or not.

You can either create an Express Entry profile and express interest in the province or apply directly to the province.

You will, however, need to have some form of established connection to the province, whether it be the support of friends or family living in Manitoba, education or temporary work experience in Manitoba, or an ITA received through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

Immigrate to Canada as an HR Manager with CanadianVisa.org.

manager sitting at his desk in an office shaking hands with a job applicant after an interview | HR jobs in Canada

As a qualified and experienced HR manager looking for a job in Canada, you may know the ins and outs of applying for a job in your home country but the process and standards for applications could be different. It is important to do as much research when it comes to where your job is in demand in Canada as well as which Canadian immigration programs you qualify for. This can not only improve your chances of finding employment but also getting permanent residency in Canada.

How can you be sure you’ve found the best immigration options for you? The best way is to have an eligibility assessment done by professionals who have been in the business for years. To have your assessment done, simply click the link below and let the application process begin!