Immigrants are a vital part of the Canadian economy, accounting for 28.9% of Canada’s workforce and 23% of the country’s population.
The Canadian economy benefits greatly from immigrants who contribute to the growth of the country’s workforce; start businesses that create new jobs in Canada; help to address skills shortages; increase diversity and innovation; pay taxes that support government services; and offset a decreasing fertility rate and aging population.
Canada’s government forecasts that five million Canadian workers will retire during the 2024-2030 time period, which will likely increase the demand for skilled immigrants even further.
Healthcare Workers
Statistics Canada reports that immigrants in the 25-54 age range account for a large percentage of Canadian healthcare workers, including around 45% of the dentists, 43% of the pharmacists, 37% of the physicians, and 25% of the registered nurses working in Canada.
It is estimated that about 420,000 healthcare professionals who are currently working in Canada will retire during the next 10 years, creating excellent opportunities for internationally-trained healthcare workers seeking Canadian employment.
STEM Professionals
The percentage of skilled immigrants working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs in Canada is also very high.
For example, 57% of chemists, 55% of software engineers and designers, 43% of engineers, 42% of astronomers and physicists, and 35% of computer programmers working in Canada are foreign-born.
The Canadian government forecasts that more than 300,000 STEM professionals are expected to retire in the coming 10 years, and many of these jobs in Canada will be filled by skilled immigrants.
Construction Industry
Immigrants account for a significant proportion of the approximately 600,000 people working in Canada’s construction industry, including 41% of the architects, 40% of the civil engineers, 24% of construction managers, 23% of urban planners, 20% of roofers and shinglers, 16% of electricians, 15% of carpenters, and 14% of plumbers.
There is a growing need to build more residential housing in Canada, plus thousands of older construction workers will be retiring, so the demand for skilled tradespeople and other construction professionals is likely to remain strong throughout this decade.
Other Business Sectors
The impact of immigrants on the Canadian economy can be seen in other business sectors:
- Transportation – 34% of transportation jobs in Canada are filled by immigrants
- Business Owners – 32% of business owners in Canada with paid employees are foreign-born
- Manufacturing – 30% of manufacturing jobs in Canada are held by immigrants
Canada Is Seeking Skilled Immigrants
The Canadian government is seeking skilled immigrants who can help to replace millions of retiring workers, as well as fill new jobs in Canada that are being created.
Priority selection is currently being given through the Express Entry system to skilled immigrants in high-demand categories, which include healthcare workers, STEM professions, skilled trades, education occupations, French-speakers, and agri-food and agriculture positions.
It should be noted that dozens of high-demand occupations in various business sectors qualify for Express Entry to Canada.
There are also Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers in high-demand occupations who want to live and work in Canada’s French-speaking province of Quebec.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, a place where multiculturalism is embraced and newcomers are welcomed with open arms.
More than 350,000 people immigrate to Canada each year, with skilled immigrants and their family members accounting for about 60% of new Canadian permanent residents.
Perhaps, you and your family have been thinking about Canadian immigration, but you’re not sure where to start.
The goal of Canadian Visa Expert is to inform people around the world about the many benefits of immigration to Canada and to make the application process easier for them to complete correctly.
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with a team of authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for immigration to Canada and guide you through each step of the application process if you qualify.
The first step is to receive your eligibility evaluation so you will know your best option for Canadian immigration.
