Innocent AndrewCanada, the second-largest country in the world is loaded with lots of career opportunities. If you desire to work as a laborer, then there are several reasons Canada is perfect for you. Where there is a shortage of laborers, the country’s economy may be stagnant and this could negatively affect businesses. This is why the Canadian government is constantly seeking to immigrate skilled and unskilled foreign workers through its diverse programs to prevent such a drawback in the economy. Asides from this, the Canadian environment is work-friendly for foreigners, the citizens are welcoming and hospitable, and there are quality health and educational facilities among others. Interestingly, the pay for laborers is good, you get to meet new people and enjoy lasting relationships.
So, if you are seeking to immigrate to Canada to work as a laborer, then this post is for you. In this article, we would be discussing what labourers do, their duties, the jobs they do in Canada, the specific and general requirements to immigrate to Canada as a labourer, and the steps to move to Canada as a labourer.
What do Labourers do?
Labourers or otherwise called general labourers are workers who perform several functions for the smooth running of operations on construction sites. They also perform other labouring functions as and when due and assist skilled trained individuals. Under the National Occupation Code (NOC) list, general labourers are listed at 7612.
Without labourers, the progress of the organization may come to a halt as labourers play a major role in the business. Labourers are employed by production companies to repair and maintain machinery, fix in and repair power cables and telecommunication, operate and repair engines etc.
What are the Duties of Labourers?
Labourers in Canada are saddled with the following responsibilities:
- Moving tools, materials and equipment between work areas.
- Aid splicing underground as well as overhead electric power transmission wires and communication.
- Help other staffs to fix, install and maintain industrial machines and equipment.
- Give support to fix, maintain and set air conditioning equipment and refrigeration heating.
- Assist in the repair, installation and maintenance of elevators.
- Aid in the maintenance, repair of stationery electric power distribution and generating equipment.
- Support other workers in the maintenance and repair of railways, aircraft, motorcycles, buses and heavy equipment.
- Fix small engines electrical equipment and other similar equipment.
- Fix plywood and arrange plywood panels manually or mechanically
- Fix, start, support and adjust processing tools and machines.
What are the Jobs Labourers do in Canada?
Under the National Occupation Code 7612, the job titles of labourers include:
- Aerial spraying assistant
- Aerial spraying lineman/woman
- Air conditioning mechanic helper
- Instrument mechanic helper- Aircraft
- Aircraft mechanic helper
- Body repairer helper – Automobile
- Bumper straightener- Automobile
- Automotive electrician helper
- Automotive mechanic helper
- Cable installation and repair helper – telecommunications
- Cable installer helper
- Repairer helper- Cable
- Telecommunications Cable repairer helper
- Cable splicer helper
- Cableman/woman helper
- Chainman/woman – land surveying
- Chemical process equipment mechanic helper
- Commercial air conditioning mechanic helper
- Compassman/woman – land surveying
- Construction equipment mechanic helper
- Crawler track repairer helper
- Diesel mechanic helper
- Diver helper
- Electric cable network installer helper
- Cable splicer helper- Electrical work
- Electric motor repairer helper
- Wire communications labourer and Electric power
- Electrical mechanic helper
- Constructor helper -Elevator
- Elevator mechanic helper
- Engine fitter helper
- Factory maintenance mechanic helper
- Field mechanic helper
- Fire equipment servicer helper
- Furnace repairer helper
- Gas meter repairer helper
- Machine lumber sorter
- Machine plywood patcher
What are the Requirements that a Labourer needs to Meet to Immigrate to Canada?
In order to immigrate to Canada and work as a labourer, there are some specific and general requirements that must be met before you can be considered for the role. The specific requirements include:
- You should be above 18 years of age. A minor cannot work as a labourer in Canada as he may not have the capacity mentally, physically and otherwise to work.
- You should have at least a high school diploma to work in the country. There must be proof that you are educated to a certain level and this must be from an accredited institution.
- You must be physically strong to be a labourer in Canada. As a labourer, you would likely be involved in rigorous tasks, carrying heavy goods and operating complex machines. Hence you have to be physically capable for it.
- To immigrate to Canada and work as a labourer, on-the-job training is required.
- Importantly, you must have undergone an apprenticeship program to enhance your skills. Note that this program must have lasted for about 1 to 3 years
- You have to have an understanding of working ethics and safety precaution. This would help you maximize your experience as a labourer in whatever organization you choose.
- You must be able to think critically and have analytical skills to function properly
What are the General Requirements for Working in Canada as a Labourer?
Apart from the specific requirements you need to meet to be qualified for a labourer role in Canada, there are general requirements to be met to work in Canada no matter your chosen field. These conditions include:
1. Language proficiency
2. Age
3. Education
4. Work experience
5. Arranged employment
1. Language
Before you can work in any organization, you must be able to speak the language of the people in other to converse properly. The people in Canada speak English or French depending on the province you choose. It is important to understand the way they speak, write and read before you immigrate to Canada. To prove this, you would need to take a language proficiency exam which may be IELTS, TOEFL etc.
2. Age
Generally, the minimum age to work in Canada in any field is 18 years. Hence, to immigrate and be a worker in Canada, you have to be between the ages of 18 and 40. If you are younger or older than 18 or 40 respectively you are not physically fit to work and you are deemed ineligible.
3. Education
The minimum educational requirement to work is a high school diploma. However, to increase your chances of getting a high-paying job, you should have a college degree. Your educational qualification has an impact on your CRS points for the Express Entry program. Labourers with a high educational qualification have higher chances of immigrating to Canada.
4. Work experience
Note instructively that if you want to move to Canada as a labourer especially, you must have been employed for a minimum of one year as a full-time worker or worked for at least 1560 hours or its equivalent as a part-time worker.
5. Arranged employment
Getting employment makes it easier for you to immigrate to Canada. Hence, employment has to be arranged for you to move to Canada.
What are the Steps to Move into Canada as a Labourer?
Before we consider the steps to move into Canada as a labourer, it is important to discuss the available options to immigrate to Canada as a labourer. These options include:
1. Express Entry
2. Provincial Nominee Program
3. In-demand jobs
4. Quebec Experience Class
5. Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
6. Temporary Foreign Worker Program
1. Express Entry
This is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada. You would have to open an account. Then you would have to give your information correctly for review. Under the Express Entry program, there are three alternatives:
- Federal skilled program
- Canada experience class
- Federal skilled worker program.
2. Provincial nominee program
You can immigrate to Canada via the provincial nominee program which allows you to work in a particular province. Thus, if your chosen province sees that your skills are beneficial to the economy, you may be given Visa to move to the province. This alternative is a faster way to immigrate to Canada and you get 600 points to your CRS score once you apply. Some examples of PNPs include:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
Once, you have decided to immigrate to Canada, check which province is in demand of your skills and the migration category you qualify for based on the eligibility requirements. Most provinces require applicants to have a job offer in the province before they can apply. Other tips that would help you in your application for PNP:
1. You should have worked in the province, even if it is a temporary job. The majority of the PNPs require you to have a work experience of 6-12 months before you can be deemed qualified.
2. Before you apply for the provincial nominee program, you must have a legitimate job offer to qualify.
3. As soon as you meet all the requirements for the provincial nomination, you should apply. If you are auccessful, then you can use your certificate to apply for PR at the Canadian government.
3. In-demand jobs
If your skill is in demand, then your chances of immigration are higher. This would apply particularly to a general labourer who has a high educational qualification.
4. Quebec Experience Class
If you want to work in Quebec as a labourer, then you are on the right track. However, you must be able to communicate in the French language fluently as the people there speak French.
5. Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
The Atlantic region of Canada is composed of four provinces that include; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. The coastal region opens its arms to individuals who want to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program. With this, you don’t need any previous work experience to qualify. All you need is at least a year of foreign work experience and a valid job offer from a company located in any of the above provinces.
6. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program(TFWP)
This is another method to immigrate to Canada and work as a labourer. This program allows non-Canadians or those without permanent residency in Canada to work in areas where labourers are urgently needed. You must, however, apply for the Labour Market Impact Assessment if you choose this route. This can serve as a confirmation letter, and it indicates that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. The TFWP provides you with a one-time opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
What are the Steps to Immigrate to Canada as a Labourer
To immigrate to Canada as a labourer, you would need to follow the steps below:
Step 1: First and foremost, check if you qualify for the Express Entry program. One sure way to check your eligibility is by calculating your CRS score.
Step 2: Register for the Express Entry program
Step 3: Check if you have received an invitation to apply (ITA). If you have received this, then it means your application is successful.
Step 4: Start preparing for your permanent residence.
Step 5: Get all your documents ready and upload them
The following are the relevant documents you need to prepare for this process:
- Language proficiency test results.
- Evidence of work experience
- Proof of identity
- Employment letter
- Application fee of CAD 150
Conclusion
The possibility of successful immigration is high for labourers and year by year the country is in demand of foreigners to fill these labour shortages. Moreover, no company can do without a labourer as they have a huge part to play in the successful running of the company. So, if you have been looking for ways to immigrate to Canada as a labourer then we have made things easier for you, providing you with all the information you need so you experience no hurdles in your journey. All you need to do is to follow all the guidelines in this article and have successful immigration to Canada as a labourer!
Innocent Andrew