Changes to the Canadian Visa system opens up new occupations for migration

New occupations qualify to emigrate without the need for a pre-arranged job offer

LONDON, 15 July 2010 – Recent changes to the Canadian Federal Skilled Workers Eligible Occupations List by the Canadian Government has opened up new migration opportunities for a range of occupations including dentists, pharmacists, social workers, architects, and advertising and business management consultants.

Workers with occupations on the Skilled Worker Eligible Occupations List qualify to emigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Canadian Visa category with an exemption from the need for a pre-arranged job offer, and the potential to arrive in Canada within six to 12 months.

New occupations added to the list include: dentists; dental nurses or hygienists; pharmacists; physiotherapists; social workers; architects; advertising consultants; and business management consultants.

Occupations such as registered nurses, carpentry supervisors, electricians, chefs, and plumbers continue to be in high demand and have been carried over from the old Skilled Worker Eligible Occupations List.

Nigel Smith, of the Canadian Visa Bureau, said the 29 occupations on the list were identified by the Canada Immigration department after a thorough analysis of updated labour market information and consultations with provinces, territories, stakeholders and the public.

“These are the few occupations that are the lucky exception from the requirement of needing a job offer from a Canadian employer before emigrating, and that is due to the Government’s confidence that people in these occupations will be able to secure work,” he said.

The Canadian Government is actively seeking people with an apprenticeship or Bachelors degree and experience in the following occupations:

Bar Manager
Chef
Cook
Restaurant Manager
Cabinetmaker (Supervisor)
Carpenter (Supervisor)
Crane Operator
Driller or Blaster
Electricians and industrial electricians
Gas Fitter/Plumber
Heating Engineer/Plumber
Joiner (Supervisor)
Mechanic (Heavy Duty Equip.) and Mechanic (Supervisor)
Plumbers
Welder
Biologist or related scientist • Dental Nurse or Hygienist
Dentist
Pharmacist
Physician (GP) and Physician (Specialist)
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Radiographer/Radiation Technologist
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, head nurses and supervisors
Medical radiation technologists
Social Worker
Advertising consultant
Architect
Business Management Consultant
Insurance Adjuster/Claim Examiner

If you have undertaken advanced trade studies, or if you have family members already in Canada, you may also be eligible.

The Canadian Skilled Migration Program is a points-based system, with points awarded according to age, education, work experience, and language skills. Applicants aged 20 to 50 are awarded maximum age points, a higher age limit than most other countries. Online assessments to determine points and eligibility can be found at the online assessment.

ENDS

About Canadian Visa Bureau
Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent immigration advisory service specialising in visas and immigration for British and Irish nationals looking to live and work in Canada. Based in central London, the company offers a range of services and free online assessments for individuals and families considering a new life abroad. Visit visabureau.com/canada/default.aspx for up-to-date news, information and free online visa assessments.