How to Relocate to Canada as a Factory Worker

7 Easy Ways to Relocate to Canada as a Factory Worker

Below are seven easy ways you can relocate to Canada from any part of the world as a factory worker:

Express Entry Immigration Programs

The Express Entry system is one of Canada’s most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers, including factory workers. It manages the selection and processing of applications for three main economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for individuals with skilled work experience outside Canada. It is a points-based system that assesses applicants based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

The CRS assigns points to candidates based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability factors. The highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws. To be eligible for the FSWP, you must meet specific criteria, including:

Having at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last ten years.
Proving language proficiency in English and/or French through approved language tests.
Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your foreign educational credentials.
Receiving sufficient points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is tailored for individuals with experience in specific skilled trades, which may include factory workers. Candidates eligible under the FSTP are assessed using the same CRS system as the FSWP. Points are awarded based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. To qualify for the FSTP, you must meet the following requirements:

Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying.
Meet the job requirements of your skilled trade as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Prove language proficiency in English and/or French through approved language tests.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is for those who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. CEC candidates are also evaluated using the CRS, with points awarded based on factors like work experience, education, age, and language skills. To qualify, you must:

Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
Prove language proficiency in English and/or French.
Plan to live outside of the province of Quebec.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a crucial immigration pathway for individuals seeking to relocate to specific provinces or territories in Canada. Each Canadian province and territory (except for Quebec, which has its immigration system) operates its own PNP, allowing them to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their unique labor market and economic needs.

The PNP provides a more streamlined and accessible route to permanent residency compared to federal immigration programs. Nominees often receive priority processing of their applications. Each PNP typically has various streams or categories tailored to specific groups of individuals, including skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and international graduates.

Eligibility and Application Process

While the specific eligibility criteria and application processes can vary by province or territory, there are common elements:

Start by choosing the province or territory where you intend to settle. Your choice should align with your qualifications and preferences.
Review the eligibility requirements for the PNP stream you plan to apply for. These requirements may include factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and connection to the province.
Depending on the province, you may need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or directly apply to the PNP stream. If you meet the criteria, you may receive a nomination from the province.
After receiving a provincial nomination, you can apply for permanent residency through the federal government’s immigration authorities. This step involves medical examinations, security checks, and submission of required documents.
Some provinces may issue a conditional nomination, requiring you to live and work in the nominating province for a specified period before receiving permanent residency.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to address temporary labor shortages by allowing employers to hire foreign workers when they cannot find suitable Canadian workers to fill specific job positions. This program is particularly relevant for individuals seeking temporary employment opportunities in Canada as factory workers.

Unlike some other immigration programs, the TFWP is primarily employer-driven. Employers must demonstrate a genuine need for foreign workers, and they must obtain a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire foreign workers. An LMIA is a crucial document that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. It verifies that there is a genuine labor shortage for the specific job position being offered to a foreign worker.

Eligibility and Application Process

For factory workers interested in the TFWP, the following steps outline the eligibility and application process:

Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer who is eligible to hire foreign workers. The employer will initiate the LMIA process.
LMIA Application: The employer must apply for an LMIA through ESDC. This involves providing information about the job position, efforts to hire Canadian workers, and details about the foreign worker being hired.
Positive LMIA: If the LMIA application is approved, it will result in a positive LMIA, indicating that the employer can hire a foreign worker for the specified position.
Foreign Worker’s Application: With a positive LMIA in hand, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit at a Canadian visa office or online. The work permit application will require the LMIA number and other supporting documents.
Work Permit Issuance: Once the work permit application is approved, the foreign worker can travel to Canada and begin working for the employer as specified in the job offer.
Work Permit Duration: Work permits are typically issued for the duration of the job offer, and foreign workers are expected to leave Canada upon the expiry of their work permits unless they apply for an extension or transition to another immigration program.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is another Canadian immigration pathway designed to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Canada. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the IMP does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and is generally used for more flexible and specialized employment situations.

The IMP is characterized by its flexibility and responsiveness to unique labor market needs. It covers a wide range of work permit categories and situations, making it suitable for various employment scenarios, including those involving factory workers. any IMP cases, foreign workers may apply for work permits without a specific job offer from a Canadian employer. However, certain categories may still require a job offer, such as the Significant Benefit category.

Eligibility and Application Process

For factory workers interested in the International Mobility Program, eligibility and application processes can vary based on the specific category under which they are applying. Below are some common elements:

Determine the appropriate category under the International Mobility Program that aligns with your employment situation. Common categories include Intra-Company Transfers, Significant Benefits, Open Work Permits for Spouses or Common-Law Partners, and Post-Graduation Work Permits for International Graduates.
Depending on the category, you may need a job offer from a Canadian employer. Some categories, such as the Intra-Company Transfers, explicitly require a job offer.
Submit a work permit application through the appropriate category. This application will require you to provide specific documents, such as your passport, proof of funds, biometrics (if applicable), and any required supporting documents.
Work permit processing times can vary depending on the category, your home country, and other factors. It’s essential to check the processing times for your specific situation.
The duration of your work permit will depend on the category and terms of your employment. Some work permits may be issued for a specific period, while others may be open-ended.

Conclusion

Understanding the immigration process is paramount to your success. If you choose to pursue the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), or the International Mobility Program (IMP), each pathway offers unique advantages and requirements. By carefully assessing your eligibility, securing a job offer, and fulfilling the necessary documentation and language proficiency requirements, you can set yourself on a path to success.