The pandemic that has affected the whole world has not spared the mobility of expatriates and their travel possibilities to Canada. With Canada's borders closed for a long time, moving there was not impossible but definitely complicated. On the 7th of September, Canada reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers who wish to travel to the country on a discretionary basis (without employment or emergency reasons). What are the different ways aside from employment and where are the places looking for expatriates?
Working Holiday Permit (PVT) and Young Professional Permit (VIE)
The WHV is a so-called “open” permit: throughout its duration, the person who holds this permit has the possibility of working (or not) on Canadian territory. The advantage of an open permit is that it is, by definition, not tied to a job. The person can therefore change it if he / she wishes, and this as many times as desired.
The Young Professional permit, on the other hand, is attached to an employer. It is only thanks to the promise of employment, which must be linked to the candidate's area of competence (studies or professional experience) and must be in categories 0, A or B, that the Youth permit can be created. Professional (category C may be considered provided a copy of a post-secondary certificate or diploma is attached).
During the pandemic, the Working Holiday Permit was strongly affected by the border closures. Candidates had to be successful in finding a job remotely to obtain the valuable document.
From September 13, 2021, the rules change and return to their pre-pandemic format: candidates are invited to put themselves in the “pool”, and Immigration, Refugees, Canadian Citizenship (Canadian immigration nicknamed “IRCC”) will conduct random draws to select eligible applicants to come to the country. For vaccinated candidates: they will be able to present their proof of vaccination when entering the country by activating the WHV, without having to quarantine, and start their expatriate journey without having to find a job ahead of time.
For unvaccinated candidates: they will have to do a two-week quarantine and must have proof of employment to be admitted to the country.
The Young Professional Permit is not subject to the draw. They must have proof of employment to enter the country. However, the person will need to be vaccinated if they want to avoid having to quarantine.
What regions are recruiting?
While the pandemic has hit the world hard, Canada has seen the number of its laid-off workers tragically increase during the pandemic. With the economic recovery starting, the sectors that are recruiting are those that need an immediate workforce and in contact with the public.
Very touristy regions such as the big cities of Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver are therefore in a strong recruitment process. The provinces that have been more affected by lockdowns (Quebec and Ontario for example) have a slightly greater need for labour than others (such as British Columbia which has been spared from lockdowns) .
But the regions that should not be underestimated right now if one wishes to move to Canada are the “unpopular” and often rural ones. More than ever, they will also have a strong desire to revive their economy, especially if the latter is linked to tourism, seasonal jobs or essential services.
So, depending on each individual's desires and plans, it may be interesting to look at your professional project from two angles: do I want to move to a big city? (where there will possibly be greater competition for employment, but where there will be more choice of offer), or do I take the bet to live a more complete immersion in an area less known to expatriates , which will allow me to be more in a position of strength vis-a-vis the job market and which will offer me, perhaps better opportunities?
Be that as it may, the opening of the borders is a real relief for Canadian immigration.
