Relocating to Canada and starting work within 30 days might seem like an ambitious goal, but with the right approach and preparation, it can be achievable. Canada’s immigration system offers several pathways designed to address labour market needs and attract skilled workers from around the world. In this guide, we will explore 3 key options on how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days. This will include the key immigration programs and strategies to help you secure a job offer and process your work permit efficiently within a month.
1. Work Permit with a Job Offer
One of the fastest ways to relocate to Canada is by securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work permit. While securing a job from outside the country is possible, it requires strategic planning, effort, and utilising the right resources.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Tailor Your Resume to Canadian Standards:
Canadian employers prefer resumes that are concise (no longer than two pages) and focused on accomplishments rather than job duties. You should emphasise your relevant skills and include measurable achievements.
Always include a personalised cover letter when applying for jobs. It should explain why you’re interested in the role and how your skills align with the employer’s needs. Also, if you’re coming from a different industry or country, emphasise any skills or experience that are relevant to the Canadian job market. This will show employers that you can adapt quickly.
Job Search:
Use job search platforms like Job Bank Canada, Indeed Canada, and LinkedIn, or directly apply to Canadian employers in your field.
Alternatively, you can use recruitment agencies. Some Canadian companies outsource their hiring processes to recruitment agencies. There are also agencies that specialise in hiring foreign workers for specific industries, such as IT, healthcare, or skilled trades. Ensure to do a thorough background check before using any agency to avoid scammers.
You could also explore programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) where employers seek foreign workers to fill labor shortages. Employers in these industries often actively recruit from outside Canada when they can’t find Canadian workers. This is one of the options on how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days.
Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA
If the job requires an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), your employer will need to apply for it. This process can take a couple of weeks, but some jobs under the Global Talent Stream or certain in-demand occupations are eligible for expedited processing.
The work permit processing time after LMIA can vary depending on several factors. Some of such factors are; your country of residence, the type of work permit being applied for, and the workload of the visa processing center handling the application. To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete, and provide any required biometrics or medical exams as soon as possible.
Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit
Once you have a job offer and an LMIA (if needed), you can apply for a work permit. Processing times vary, but there is an option for expedited processing under certain visa streams like the Global Talent Stream (GTS).
You may also be eligible for a work permit exemption if you meet specific criteria, such as participating in a youth mobility program (for those under 35 years old) or intra-company transfers.
Documents Required for Canada Work Permit
There are several Canada work visa requirements needed to verify your eligibility and the nature of the employment being offered. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most common documents required:
- Job Offer or Employment Contract
- Proof of LMIA (if applicable)
- Employer’s Documents (for LMIA-exempt categories)
- Work Permit Application Form (IMM 1295)
- Valid Passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of Educational Qualifications (if applicable)
- Proof of Work Experience
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Medical Examination
- Proof of Financial Support
- Biometrics (if applicable)
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707)
- Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
- Additional Documents (as requested)
2. Express Entry with a Provincial Nomination
This is another effective option on how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days. Unlike the 2 year work permit Canada which allows you to work in the country temporarily, the Express Entry system offers the fastest route for permanent residency. However, this can take longer than 30 days.
One way to speed up the process is to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with provinces that have fast-tracked streams for people in specific occupations.
Some provinces nominate candidates for immigration based on specific job offers. If you’re nominated, you can get an expedited visa. This will also earn you an additional 600 points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Some provinces with fast-tracked PNP streams for specific occupations that can help you speed up your Express Entry application include:
Ontario
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry-linked): This stream targets candidates in the Express Entry pool who have the skills and experience in high-demand occupations. The province periodically identifies and invites applicants in occupations like:
- Technology (e.g., software engineers, web developers)
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, physiotherapists)
- Business and finance (e.g., accountants, human resources professionals)
Ontario Tech Draws: Ontario has specific draws for tech workers under this stream, focusing on tech occupations such as software engineers, computer programmers, and IT project managers.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream: This is for applicants in specific in-demand occupations, including skilled trades, transportation, and agriculture.
British Columbia
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
BC Tech Pilot: This is another possible option on how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days. The program is designed for candidates with job offers in one of the 29 in-demand tech occupations. It is a fast-track immigration pathway for skilled tech workers. Eligible occupations include:
- Software engineers and designers
- Web developers
- IT managers
- Graphic designers and illustrators
Skilled Worker and Healthcare Professional Streams: British Columbia also offers fast-tracked options for healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, physicians, and allied health workers. If you have a job offer in BC in these fields, this stream can speed up your nomination.
International Graduate Stream: For candidates with recent graduation from a Canadian institution and a job offer from a BC employer in specific fields, this can be a quick route to the provincial nomination.
Alberta
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta Express Entry Stream: Alberta periodically invites Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 or higher. Although there is no specific occupation list, Alberta prioritises candidates who have work experience in high-demand sectors, including:
- Health services (e.g., nurses, physicians)
- Information technology
- Agriculture
Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Specifically for tech workers with a job offer in Alberta, this stream offers expedited processing. It targets occupations such as software developers, IT managers, and data scientists.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan Express Entry: This stream is for skilled workers with experience in occupations in demand in the province. Hence, it is a good option when considering how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days. The SINP Occupations In-Demand list changes periodically but usually includes fields such as:
- Healthcare (e.g., medical laboratory technologists, nurses)
- Engineering (e.g., civil engineers, mechanical engineers)
- IT (e.g., software developers, systems analysts)
International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand Stream: This stream is for candidates with experience in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan, even if they don’t have an Express Entry profile. A job offer is not required, making it accessible to those meeting the skills criteria.
Manitoba
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: This pathway under the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream is for candidates in the Express Entry pool who have skills and experience in Manitoba’s in-demand occupations. While a direct job offer is not required, you need to have strong connections to Manitoba (e.g., family or work experience).
Manitoba Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: If you have a job offer from an employer in Manitoba, you could be eligible for fast-track processing under this stream.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry: This stream targets Express Entry candidates with experience in occupations in demand in the province. Hence it is a good option when considering how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days. Priority is given to specific fields, including:
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, doctors)
- Education (e.g., early childhood educators)
- Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, mechanics)
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: If you have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in a high-demand occupation, you may be eligible for this fast-tracked stream.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
PEI Express Entry Stream: This stream invites candidates from the Express Entry pool based on the province’s labour market needs. PEI has a small population and often focuses on skilled workers in industries like:
- Healthcare
- IT
- Agriculture and Fisheries
Critical Worker Stream: Designed for semi-skilled workers with job offers in industries facing labour shortages, such as trucking, manufacturing, or agriculture.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
NL Express Entry Skilled Worker: This stream is linked to the Express Entry system and targets candidates with specialised skills in high-demand fields, particularly in:
- Healthcare
- Technology (e.g., software developers, IT specialists)
- Aquaculture
Priority Skills NL: This stream focuses on candidates with advanced academic and work experience in areas like IT, healthcare, and ocean technology.
3. In-Demand Jobs and Short-Term Work Permits
Certain industries like healthcare (especially caregiving) and agriculture often have short-term, high-demand work permits. If your caregiver certification aligns with Canadian requirements, you might be eligible for faster processing.
Programs like the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot could offer quicker pathways, especially if you’re already trained in these fields.
Conclusion
If you are looking for how to relocate to Canada and start working in 30 days, it is important to understand that the timeframe is tight and most of the processing time may be outside your control. However, it is not impossible depending on your country and personal situation among other factors. Securing a job offer through in-demand industries or fast-tracked programs like the Global Talent Stream or certain Provincial Nominee Programs can expedite your work permit approval. Hence, it will benefit you to take advantage of these programs if you meet the requirements.
