How to Migrate to Canada as a Fisherman

If you’re a fisherman looking for a new adventure, Canada should undoubtedly be one of your top destinations. With its almost unparalleled access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, robust infrastructure, and massive fishing industries, Canada provides fantastic opportunities to take your career to the next level.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to immigrating to Canada as a fisherman, outlining the legal requirements, the process, and tips for finding fishing jobs in Canada.

Once your application has been accepted, you will be issued a medical examination and a criminal background check. These will be used to determine whether or not you are eligible to immigrate to Canada. If approved, you will then be issued a permanent residence visa, allowing you to enter and work in Canada legally.

Immigration Programs for Immigrating to Canada as a Fisherman

Immigrations Programs to Canada for Fishermen

Are you a fisherman looking to move to Canada? If so, you may wonder which immigration programs you can use to immigrate to Canada.

How to Get a Permanent Residency in Canada as a Fisherman

If you have decided to immigrate to Canada  permanently, the next step is to apply for permanent residence. The most common way to do this is to apply through the Express Entry system.

Express Entry

The most popular program is the Express Entry system, an online system used by the Canadian government to assess applications for permanent residence. Express Entry is one of the fastest ways to apply for permanent residence in Canada as a fisherman. The Express Entry system makes it easy to apply for permanent residence, allowing you to complete the required forms and submit them online quickly.

Additionally, the Express Entry system also enables you to track the progress of your application, so you can stay up to date on when you can expect to receive a decision.

As a fisherman, you can qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Programs, depending on your relationship with Canada.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Express Entry system, how the system works, the different programs within the system, the eligibility requirements for the system and how to apply.

The Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program wherein 11 out of Canada’s 13 provinces can nominate certain applicants for a provincial nomination. This will essentially guarantee them permanent residency in Canada. Each province has its own set of PNP streams to facilitate the specific criteria of that province.

Here’s a full breakdown of the PNP system and a directory of the different streams.

A provincial nomination is often based on the needs of that particular province. A good way to determine which provinces need fishermen is to see what jobs are in high demand in each of Canada’s provinces. This map highlights the occupations currently in demand in each Canadian province.


Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is similar but specific to the Atlantic provinces - Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

This program allows employers in the Atlantic provinces to nominate foreign nationals from a select list of high-demand professions to be fast-tracked to permanent residency in Canada.

Find out more about the AIP, its requirements and how to apply here.

How to Get a Work Permit as a Fisherman in Canada

If you aren’t sure if you want to live in Canada permanently or aren’t eligible for permanent residency, the next best way to move to Canada as a fisherman is via a Canadian work permit. A work permit is required for all foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada and is also needed for fishermen who want to work in the Canadian fishing industry.

You will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, proof of identity, and a valid passport to obtain a work permit. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of experience in the fishing industry, such as a resume or references from previous employers.

Here’s a full breakdown of the types of Canadian work permits and how to apply for yours.

Once you have submitted your permanent residency or visa application, you will need to provide further information and documents to the Canadian government to prove your eligibility. This includes proof of identity, proof of experience, and proof of medical examination and criminal background check.

This part of the process can be complicated and time-consuming. If you want to massively simplify this process and ensure you have the best possible chance of getting your visa or permanent residency, you could hugely benefit from utilizing a certified expert like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can help you find the perfect program for you and help you through every step of your application process to help you start your journey to Canada in the best way possible.

Finding Fishing Jobs in Canada

Fishing Jobs in Canada

To be eligible for a Canadian work permit and many Canadian permanent residency programs, you need a job in Canada. As a fisherman, many resources are available to help you find fishing jobs in Canada, such as job websites, fishing industry associations, and local employment centres.

Foreign nationals find work in Canada mainly via Canadian job sites. Here’s a breakdown of some of Canada’s most popular sites to help kick-start your job search.

Once you’ve found your dream job in Canada, you need to apply for that job in a Canadian manner. This can be vastly different to how you apply for jobs in your country so here’s a full breakdown of how to apply for jobs in Canada.

Another major aspect of finding a job and getting a work permit in Canada is knowing your Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code. Every occupation in Canada is classified via the NOC, which determines factors like your industry, seniority and responsibilities. This table breaks down the different NOC codes for each fishing occupation in Canada.

TEER Level NOC Code Name of Position
0 80010 Managers in natural resources production and fishing
2 22111 Agricultural and fish products inspectors
2 22113 Conservation and fishery officers
3 83120 Fishing masters and officers
3 83121 Fishermen/women
4 84121 Fishing vessel deckhands
4 94142 Fish and seafood plant workers
5 65202 Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale
5 95107 Labourers in fish and seafood processing

Why Move to Canada as a Fisherman

If you are looking to move to Canada, you may wonder what the benefits of immigrating to Canada as a fisherman are. Fishermen should consider moving to Canada for many reasons. Just a few of these reasons are:

  1. Canada has a thriving fishing industry and a relatively low unemployment rate. This means plenty of jobs are available for fishermen willing to take the plunge and move to Canada.
  2. Canada offers many immigration programs that make it easy for fishermen to become permanent residents.
  3. Canada is a beautiful country with plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities for fishermen.

Learn more about the amazing reasons international immigrants flock to Canada each year.

How to Prepare for Your Move to Canada as a Fisherman

How to Prepare to Move to Canada as a Fisherman

Once you have found a job in the fishing industry, the next step is to prepare for your move to Canada. This includes researching the Canadian immigration process, learning about the local culture, and researching the local job market.

So if Canada seems like the right place for you, it's time to start your journey. Before you move to Canada, you must ensure you're eligible for an immigration or visa program. One of the best ways to do this is to utilize an expert like an RCIC. An immigration expert knows all of the ins and outs of the admission criteria to Canada and can ensure you fulfill every requirement you need. Additionally, you will need to ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of identity, and evidence of experience. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient settlement funds for the move and know how much your cost of living in Canada will be.

FAQ

How Much Do Fishermen Make In Canada?

According to Talent.com, the average annual salary for a fisherman in Canada is $48,750.

Can I Bring My Family With Me?

Yes, you may bring family members, depending on your visa type. You may need to apply for a separate visa for each family member. Here’s a full breakdown of some of the ways to move to Canada with your family.

Are There Any Restrictions On Fishing In Canada?

Yes, there are various restrictions on fishing in Canada, such as size and catch limits, gear restrictions, and species-specific regulations. You should check with the relevant provincial or territorial government for more information.

Catch Yourself a Great Future in Canada

Immigrate to Canada as a Fisherman

If you’re a fisherman, Canada could be the step forward to the life you’ve been searching for. With its abundant opportunities, high quality of life, friendly people and amazing natural beauty, Canada can be the greatest catch of your life.

If you want to get your start in Canada or see if you’re eligible for one of Canada’s permanent residency or Visa programs, you could greatly benefit from talking to an RCIC.

An RCIC can evaluate you to find the perfect immigration program, fill out your application forms, set up your online profiles, help you source your documentation, represent you with certain government authorities and provide you with the help and support you need.