Successful Canadian ImmigrationOne of
most disheartening things I hear about Canadian Immigration is
stories of families who return to their original country after unsuccessfully attempting to settle in Canada. One of
main reasons for
failures, it seems, is that
principal member of
household that normally supports everyone financially is unable to gain meaningful employment in their chosen profession or trade.
Many of these stories state that once in Canada it is quickly discovered that
foreign qualifications do not meet Canadian standards and so they cannot find employment without extensive retraining. Most of these cases may have been avoidable if
prospective employment requirements had been thoroughly researched well in advance of landing. Canada has an extremely high standard of education and many other systems simply don’t measure up against theirs – a degree program is 4 years for instance. So
chances are you will have to retrain, recertify or normally as a minimum, start again at
bottom. This may seem crazy but it’s
way it is – at least once your experience is apparent you may well soon find yourself rising up
ranks.
When my wife and I moved to Canada I believe we had exceptional luck, but we had also spent two years thoroughly researching our respective occupations in
Province of our intended destination. When I realized that my qualifications would not suffice I had to make alternative plans and so set about working towards qualifications that would be attractive to any employer – not just my “niche”.
A first aid at work course run by
St Johns ambulance will only cost 2 days of your time and around $150.00 and will instantly make you slightly more attractive to any employer – most Provinces have Laws requiring employers to train their staff. Being computer literate with a variety of applications is almost imperative. Anything that makes you stand out and will reduce
cost and time needed to train you, will be a massive boost to your Resume. Also, employers are
same
world over – everyone prefers people who are keen to self improve and make themselves more employable.
The first step is to decide which Province you wish to settle in as each has its own educational assessment agencies and occupational regulators. The Federal application for skilled trades bases your trade on
National Occupation Classification (NOC) list. However, some “Red Seal” trades are regulated in such ways that they transfer between Provinces, but
majority of trades and professions do not, which means recertification if you ever move.
Once you have an idea whereabouts in Canada you want to settle, contact
agency that will carryout your educational assessment and follow their instructions. Once you know what your qualifications equate to you will have a good point from which to start. Then using
PROVINCIAL regulators find out exactly where you stand with regards your intended field of expertise. The International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) in Ontario provides a service that evaluates educational documents to provide a Canadian equivalent that can be used for employment, immigration or further education. ICAS also has information and advisory services for all types and levels of education - elementary, secondary, postsecondary and technical. I would definitely recommend contacting them well in advance for some professional advice. You can find
contact details on our website “Job search” and “Ontario Immigration assistance” pages at http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com.