A job offer can help you immigrate to Canada, but it is not strictly necessary. It’s very difficult to obtain a job offer from outside Canada. Employers in Canada prefer to meet applicants before making an offer. In addition, the government requires employers to make efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before looking abroad.
Entry-level jobs that are difficult to fill may recruit outside workers through the Temporary Worker Program, but these can be low paid and there are many rules and limits on how long the person can stay in the country.
If you want to immigrate as a professional and become a permanent resident, you can still access Canada through other programs. Primarily, targeted improvements to the Express Entry program made in 2016 have resulted in more people without job offers receiving invitations to apply.
Express Entry is based on a “Comprehensive Ranking System” which looks at all factors that could predict success in Canada, such as age, language, education, work experience, family, etc.
What are the options for immigrating without a job offer?
Express Entry – If you have college or university education, professional work experience and can speak French or English fluently, you may be able to qualify for Express Entry. Once you are in the Express Entry pool, you can start looking for a job by registering for Canada’s Job Bank.
Investor – If you have money to invest, you can apply under the investor class.
Canadian Experience Class – If you have worked professionally in Canada for at least one year, you can apply for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Program – Each individual province has their own labour and economic priorities. As a result, they have Provincial Nominee Programs. These are normally based on professional skills and experience.
Entrepreneurship – If you plan to be self-employed or to open a business in Canada, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.
Family sponsorship – You do not need a job offer if a close family member sponsors you, but this option is only for immediate family members, such as spouse or child.
If you plan to work in Canada, you should have adequate savings or income as it can be very difficult for a newcomer to find a job even with an excellent resume.
Not having a job offer should prevent you from pursuing your dream of living in Canada. Immigration without a job offer is possible for the right applicants.