Do you work in human resources? Are you looking for a new opportunity to start over abroad? Canada needs your expertise! As the labor market begins to recover after the pandemic, more jobs are being created. This is great news for job seekers in Canada and for those who are hiring. As applications pour in, companies will need more staff in their human resources departments to process them. In this article, we’ll cover how to land the perfect Human resources career in Canada and explore the best options for relocating to Canada.
3 Easy Steps to Finding the Perfect HR Job
Step 1: Choose Your Location
Knowing where you want to live and work in Canada is the first step in considering your options as a human resources professional. Depending on where the demand for your skills is highest, applying in the right province or territory can dramatically improve your chances of getting hired and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.
Step 2: Choose Your Job
Finding the right position when applying from another country can be challenging. Several factors can affect the outcome of your application, including:
- Having a resume that meets Canadian standards
- Crafting a strong and well-written cover letter
- Obtaining the necessary accreditation as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code
What is a National Occupational Code (NOC)?
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code categorizes different jobs based on skill level and type according to Canadian standards. Below are some NOC codes for common HR jobs in demand in Canada:
| Heading | |
|---|---|
| NOC Code | Job Title |
| NOC 0012 | Human Resources Manager |
| NOC 1121 | Human Resources Professional |
| NOC 1223 | Human Resources and Recruitment Officers |
Step 3: Choose an Immigration Program
As a human resources manager, you can apply to several Canadian immigration programs, all of which can grant you permanent residence if you are successful. Here are two of the most popular routes in Canada:
- Canada’s Express Entry
This is Canada’s primary immigration system, managing three programs that provide permanent residence. As a human resources manager or professional, you may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. Below are the requirements for each program:- Federal Skilled Worker Requirements for HR Managers:
- A minimum score of 67 out of 100 FSWP points
- At least 1 year of full-time continuous work experience in the past 10 years (not mandatory)
- Language test results in English and/or French at CLB level 7Relevant educational qualification with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if obtained outside Canada
- Proof of funds to support you and your family in Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
- Canadian Experience Class Requirements for HR Managers:
- At least 1 year of full-time continuous Canadian work experience in the past 3 years
- Language test results in English and/or French at CLB level 7
- Relevant educational qualification with ECA, if obtained outside Canada
- Proof of funds to support you and your family in Canada and be admissible to Canada
Not all of these requirements are necessary to qualify, but they can increase your chances of success. Both programs assess applicants based on five main factors: age, language skills, education, work experience, and ability to settle in Canada. You will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on these factors. Your Canadian Express Entry profile will enter a draw with other candidates. If your score meets the average of all applicants in your lottery group, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This score, known as the CRS cutoff score, is announced every two weeks. Best of all, your profile will remain in the draw pool for a year or until you receive an ITA!
- At least 1 year of full-time continuous Canadian work experience in the past 3 years
- Federal Skilled Worker Requirements for HR Managers:
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Canada has 11 Provincial Nomination Programs, and obtaining a Provincial Nomination (PN) can significantly enhance your chances of securing permanent residence. A PN is worth 600 CRS points, and since most PNP draws have a CRS cutoff score around 700, you could easily qualify for permanent residence with one in hand. The key is to select a province where there is a demand for human resource managers, and Manitoba is one of them.
As an experienced human resources manager, you may be eligible for the Skilled Worker Abroad Program under the MPNP. You can choose between two programs:- Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
- Human Capital Pathway
The main difference between the two programs is whether you decide to apply through the Express Entry system. You can create an Express Entry profile and express your interest in the province or apply directly to the province.
However, you will need to establish some form of connection with the province, whether through support from friends or family living in Manitoba, studying or having temporary work experience in the province, or receiving an ITA as part of a strategic recruitment initiative.
Pursuing a Human Resources Career in Canada
As a qualified and experienced human resources manager seeking a job in Canada, you may be familiar with the application process in your home country, but the standards and procedures may differ. Conducting thorough research to identify where your skills are in demand in Canada, as well as the immigration programs you qualify for, can significantly enhance your chances of securing a job and obtaining permanent residence.
How to Ensure You Find the Best Immigration Options
The most effective way to identify the best immigration options for your situation is to undergo an eligibility assessment conducted by professionals with extensive experience in the field. This can provide you with tailored advice and guidance to navigate the complexities of the Canadian immigration landscape while pursuing your human resources career in Canada.