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Did you know that paralegals or legal assistants are listed as one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada? Provinces such as Manitoba and Nova Scotia are struggling to fill the labour demand for legal assistants, which has led to provincial governments to start the global recruitment process for highly skilled foreigners who want to immigrate to Canada.
Paralegals can earn a very attractive salary in Canada, earning up to $71,000 per year, according to Payscale. What's more, as soon as you become a permanent resident both you and your family members who join you, will have access to fantastic benefits such as free universal healthcare, free public schooling and much more.
Ready to find out how you can join Canada’s legal team?
To speak to one of our consultants and have your eligibility assessment done by a verified service, simply click the link below or continue reading to find out which options are best for paralegals wanting to live and work in Canada in 2020.
Jobs in Canada: Are Paralegals In Demand in Canada?
Yes, paralegals are in demand in Canada, particularly in Manitoba and Nova Scotia. According to Job Bank Canada, the outlook for paralegals are also very positive over the next three years in provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec and Saskatchewan with an estimated total of 14,200 new jobs to be created over the next 8 to 10 years due to expansion, replacement, school leavers, immigration and mobility.
How Much Does a Paralegal Make in Canada?
Paralegals who live and work in Canada can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $28 per hour or anywhere between $20.26 to $31 per hour depending on your education and work experience as well as which province you will be based in when you immigrate to Canada.
This is what you can expect to earn (according to Payscale) as a paralegal or legal assistant in Canada:
| Average Annual Salaries for Paralegals in Canada | |
|---|---|
| Province/Territory | Average Salary Per Year (CAD) |
| Alberta | $60,291 |
| British Columbia | $56,559 |
| Manitoba | $51,630 |
| New Brunswick | $41,446 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $224,889 |
| Northwest Territories | $78,354 |
| Nova Scotia | $43,638 |
| Nunavut | $78,898 |
| Ontario | $48,862 |
| Prince Edward Island | $35,375 |
| Quebec | $50,332 |
| Saskatchewan | $45,630 |
| Yukon | $75,515 |
How Do You Become a Paralegal in Canada?
There are two main ways to become a paralegal in Canada:
- Study in Canada; or
- Immigrate to Canada
But before we delve into the how, let's take a look at the what, to be specific what you need in order to become a paralegal in Canada.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Paralegal in Canada?
Most Canadian law firms require a bachelor’s degree in law or a law college diploma and in-house training from a law firm or establishment. You will also need an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) if you have not received your law qualification from a Canadian university or college.
You may also require a licence in order to perform advanced legal services, which may require you to work in a specialised area law for at least two years and pass an examination. Each province has its own law society which can be found on the Federation of Law Societies of Canada website.
How Do I Immigrate to Canada as a Paralegal?
Study in Canada
The best way to immigrate to Canada as a paralegal is to get your law degree in Canada. By studying in Canada you will not only receive a world-class education but will be able to apply to stay on and live and work in Canada through the Post-Graduate Work Program and gain the work experience that you need to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Some provinces also offer specific immigration programs for international students who have studied in the province or territory.
Some top universities to consider to obtain your law qualification include:
- The University of Alberta;
- University of Toronto;
- McGill University;
- University of British Columbia;
- York University;
- University of Ottawa;
- University of Montreal; and
- Queen’s University.
Canadian Immigration Options
As a highly-skilled professional, the sky's the limit when it comes to immigrating to Canada, provided you meet the general admission requirements to enter Canada as well as the immigration programs you intend to apply through.
Two of the most popular Canadian Immigration options for you as a paralegal are:
- Express Entry system;
- Provincial Nominee Program;
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry (EE) system is a points-based system that manages 3 Canadian federal economic immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
- The Federal Trade Worker Program (FSTP); and
- The Canada Experience Class (CEC).
As a highly-skilled professional you could be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the FSWP or the CEC (if you have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience). By having an active Express Entry profile, you will be entered into draws every two weeks. If your profile is amongst the highest scoring applicants’ you could receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada in as little as 6 months.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program allows you to live and work in Canada if you meet the labour demands of that particular province or territory. Most provinces/territories have their own PNPs with specific requirements. Unlike the Express Entry system, you may require a job offer to qualify however having a provincial nomination is worth 600 extra PR points, which means that it's more than likely that you’ll be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. As mentioned previously, you may want to consider Manitoba or Nova Scotia as paralegals are on their lists of in-demand jobs in Canada.
Below is a list of PNP streams or categories, in each province or territory, for paralegals who want to immigrate to Canada.
| Canadian Immigration for Paralegals | |
|---|---|
| Province/Territory | Immigration Stream/Category |
| Alberta | Express Entry Stream |
| British Columbia | Express Entry Skilled Worker Category |
| Manitoba | Skilled Workers Overseas Stream |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Skilled Worker Stream |
| Northwest Territories | Skilled Worker Stream |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream |
| Ontario | Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Express Entry French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream |
| Saskatchewan | International Skilled Worker Category |
| Yukon | Skilled Worker Stream |
Visit our blog here for more information on how to immigrate to Canada in 2020.
Ready to start your Canadian journey? Simply click the link below and let's get started!
How We Can Help You Immigrate to Canada as a Paralegal
Applying for a visa can be time-consuming and confusing. With strict deadlines, procedures and requirements to adhere to, it can be easy to make a mistake that could cost you your chance to immigrate to Canada. But with the guidance and assistance of one of our knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC’s), the process will be stress-free.
When you choose to use our expert and government trusted services, you will receive:
- An in-depth eligibility assessment
- Guidance on which of 70+ immigration programs and visas to choose from;
- An immigration plan tailored to your individual needs;
- A review and submission of all application forms and documentation; as well as
- Support through every step of the application process.
All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your eligibility assessment and let us take care of the rest. It’s just that simple! Your Canadian journey starts here.
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