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Are you an unskilled or low-skilled worker? Do you want to live and work in Canada? If you’ve said yes to both of those questions then this article is for you. Canada holds a lot of value towards low-skilled workers because the country knows how important they are to the growth of the economy.
In fact, there are several Canadian visas and immigration programs that enable the government to bring over international unskilled workers.
If you’re interested in moving to Canada, have a look at the top 5 Canadian provinces for unskilled workers.
Where to Live in Canada as an Unskilled Worker
1. Alberta
Alberta is currently facing two main issues that may have a negative impact on their economy and that is the ageing labour force and skill shortages. Because of this, the province has opened its doors to foreign national workers.
Unskilled jobs in demand in Alberta:
- NOC 8442 - Trappers and hunters;
- NOC 8611 - Harvesting labourers;
- NOC8612 - Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers;
- NOC 8613 - Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers; and
- NOC 8614 - Mine labourers.
2. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s main industries are fishing, mining, forestry and natural gas extraction. This means the relative occupations in the rural province are in high demand.
Unskilled jobs in demand in Nova Scotia:
- NOC 7271 - Carpenters;
- NOC 7511 - Transport truck drivers;
- NOC 7514 -Delivery and courier service drivers;
- NOC 7521 - Heavy equipment operators, except crane; and
- NOC 7611 - Construction trades helpers and labourers
3. Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI) has rewarding careers and work opportunities in various industries such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Approximately 4,400 jobs are directly related to agriculture in PEI.
Unskilled jobs in demand in Prince Edward Island:
- NOC 7511 - Transport truck drivers;
- NOC 9619 - General labourers;
- NOC 6731 - Cleaners;
- NOC 7611 - Construction trades helpers and Labourers;
- NOC 8611 - Fruit pickers; and
- NOC 6731 - Cleaning Staff.
4. New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s economy is mainly resource-based and depends majorly on forestry, mining, and fishing. During COVID New Brunswick’s economy did far better than other provinces in Canada.
Unskilled jobs in demand in New Brunswick:
- NOC 7514 - Delivery and Courier service drivers;
- NOC 8431 - General farmworkers;
- NOC 9463 - Fish and seafood plant workers;
- NOC 7511 - Long haul truck drivers;
- NOC 7154 - Delivery workers; and
- NOC 7452- Material handlers.
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its mining, manufacturing, forestry, and fishing.
Unskilled jobs in demand in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- NOC 7514 - Delivery and Courier service drivers;
- NOC 9463 - Fish and seafood plant workers;
- NOC 8252 - Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers;
- NOC 8431 - General farmworkers;
- NOC 7511 - Long haul truck drivers; and
- NOC 7512 - Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators.
To calculate your CRS score as a means of assessing whether or not you are eligible to apply for any of these occupations, you can visit our site here at Canadianvisa.org and use our CRS calculator score.
How to Work in Canadian Provinces for Unskilled Workers
Let’s have a look at how you can move to the top 5 Canadian provinces for unskilled workers.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
If you’re a low-skilled or unskilled worker then this is one of the best programs to help you move to Canada. A major benefit is that the Atlantic Immigration Pilot has become a permanent program since January 1, 2022, due to its great success.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program all about?
The AIP creates a pathway for foreign national workers who want to move to Canada permanently. However, this program only works with the four Atlantic provinces; Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
What the Atlantic provinces all have in common is that their workforce is low and retirement is high and therefore their economies are suffering. However, this is good news for you as this creates a gap in the labor market and a higher chance of finding a job in the participating provinces.
There are three programs within the Atlantic Immigration Program that you can apply for, they are:
- Atlantic International Graduate Program;
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program; and
- Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program.
In this case, you would apply through the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program. You will need to meet the following requirements in order to qualify:
| Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program Requirements |
|---|
| Years of experience |
| Have at least one year experience in an occupation that requires a high school education or job-specific training |
| You’ll need a high school diploma equal to a Canadian credential, for which you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA report) |
| Be proficient enough in either English or French. You will need to take an approved language test to prove this. |
| Have the minimum amount of funds to support yourself and any family members that will be coming with you to Canada. The amount will increase per family member. |
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, as seen by the name, is industry-specific. The aim of this pilot is to invite foreign non-seasonal farm and livestock workers as Canadian permanent residents. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot will run until May 2023.
Who can apply for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?
To be eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, you’ll need to:
- Have a minimum of 1-year experience of non-seasonal or full-time work in the past 3 years (at least 1,560 hours);
- Your work experience must be on the eligible industries list;
- You must prove your ability in English or French;
- You will need to have a valid Canadian job offer;
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) of a foreign equivalent;
- Prove that you have enough money to settle in Canada plus additional funds per family member even if they don’t come to Canada with you.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven program that was created to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. This will happen by inviting foreign skilled workers into the communities as permanent residents.
4 Steps to applying for the RNIP
- You’ll need to meet both the IRCC eligibility requirements and the requirements of the participating communities;
- You’ll need a valid job offer from an employer that is in 1 of the participating communities;
- Once you’ve successfully obtained a job offer you’ll then need to submit your application for recommendation to the community; and
- Apply for Canadian permanent residency once a community has recommended you.
Who are the participating communities?
| The Current Participating Communities | |
|---|---|
| Community | Website |
| North Bay, Ontario | northbayrnip.ca |
| Sudbury, Ontario | investsudbury.ca |
| Timmins, Ontario | timminsedc.com |
| Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario | welcometossm.com |
| Thunder Bay, Ontario | gotothunderbay.ca |
| Brandon, Manitoba | economicdevelopmentbrandon.com |
| Altona/Rhineland, Manitobaseedrgpa.com | seedrgpa.com |
| Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | moosejawrnip.ca |
| Claresholm, Alberta | claresholm.ca |
| Vernon, British Columbia | rnip-vernon-northok.ca |
| West Kootenay(trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia | wk-rnip.ca |
Advantages of Working in Canada
When working in the top 5 Canadian provinces for unskilled workers, even as a foreigner, you’ll have access to incredible working benefits. These benefits include generous parental leave, health insurance and a healthy work-life balance.
FAQ 1: Can I Move to Canada Without a Job?
Yes, you can move to Canada without the requirement of a job offer. This can be done through various Canadian immigration programs such as those managed by the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program.
FAQ 2: What Provinces in Canada Don’t Require a Job Offer?
These five Canadian provinces offer immigration pathways to foreign nationals without the requirement of a valid job offer:
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP);
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP);
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP);
- Alberta PNP through Express Entry;
- Prince Edward Island PNP through Express Entry; and
- Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP).
FAQ 3: Can I Find a Job in Canada Without a visa?
The first step when wanting to work in Canada is to see which visa you qualify for that will allow you to work in Canada as a foreign national. This can either be through an immigration program or a Canadian work visa.
FAQ 4: What is the Cost of Living in Canada?
Here's a full breakdown of all the factors that make up the Cost of living in Canada.
