Immigrate to Work In Canada as a Firefighter
Immigrating to a new country can be difficult for anyone for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that the actual process can be difficult in terms of the requirements and other hurdles you have to overcome to immigrate.
However, when you immigrate to Canada as a firefighter, the conditions become easier. Because? You can ask. Well, luckily for you, firefighters are on the list of in-demand jobs according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4312.
This means Canada needs your skills and moving to Canada is an option for you with or without a job offer. This is possible because your application will go through the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how you both can be your way of immigrating to Canada.
Express Entry
Express Entry is an online system used by the government to manage applications for permanent residence in Canada. The Express Entry system is made up of three federal immigration programs. These federal programs are:Advertisements
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Express Entry is known to be one of the fastest immigration routes to Canada, taking just six months. Over the next three years, the government aims to bring more than 1.2 million immigrants to Canada, with Express Entry representing 332,750 of the total.
How Does the Express Entry System Work?
Once you have completed the Express Entry requirements, you will need to create an online profile. To do this, the following items are required:
- Your passport or travel document;
- Education credential assessment report;
- Language test results;
- Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if you have one);
- Proof of work experience (if you have one);
- Provincial Nomination (if you have one).
Once you have created your profile, you will have 60 days to complete and submit it.
From there, you will be placed in a pool with other eligible applicants and will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score will determine your ranking among the other candidates.
To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to meet or score above the CRS cut-off score for the specific gift. The invitation to apply means that you can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
One of the benefits of Canadian Express Entry is that if you do not qualify for a certain draw, your profile will remain in the pool for one year and you may be selected in the next draw.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
The Comprehensive Classification System (CRS) is points-based and used by the government to assess, score and rank all profiles in the Express Entry group. This would mean that the higher your CRS points, the more likely you are to receive an ITA.
The total CRS score is made up of two sections. The base point set is a total of 600 points and an additional set of 600 points. This brings your maximum score reached to 1200 points.
How Does the Express Entry Help a Firefighter Immigrate to Canada?
Firefighters have the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4312, which means you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program in Express Entry.
What Is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is designed for people who have qualifications, skills, or work experience to contribute to the Canadian economy. When you apply through the FSWP, a job offer is not part of the requirements to be eligible, however, it does increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
Large numbers of Canadians retire each year, which means they need for skilled workers is increasing. This makes it easy for skilled workers and professionals to become permanent residents of Canada.
What Are the Requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
- Skilled work experience – have a minimum of one year (part-time or full-time) experience in a NOC skill type (A, 0, or B);
- Proof of funds – have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada, unless you are able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer;
- Language ability – get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities for English and French;
- Have a successful security background and medical examination check;
- Score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points under the skilled worker point grid comprising of six selection factors; and
- Education – have at least a certificate from a secondary institution (high school).
Provincial Nominee Program
An agreement has been reached between the government and local Canadian provinces. This allows them to nominate immigrants who want to live and work in the province in question. To receive a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must choose a province and request an appointment.
The provinces will select a candidate based on migration and labor needs. Most provinces need to stimulate their economy and development while supporting an aging community.
There are 11 provincial nomination programs in Canada, which are:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NW PNP)
- Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)
- Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Quebec has its own immigration selection process and a points system that is different from other provinces as well.
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
There are two main options available to you when you apply for permanent residence in Canada through a PNP. You can choose to apply directly in a province or territory or through the Express Entry process.
Direct Application Process
The process is carried out by means of a paper request by mail or by mail. This means that there will be additional costs for you and the waiting time for the result of the request can take between 15 and 19 months.
Express Entry Application Process
There are two options available:
- Expression of interest – you can express interest in a specific province or territory when creating your online profile. This allows the province to select your profile directly from the Express Entry draw pool.
- Apply through a Provincial Nominee Express Entry Stream – almost every province in Canada has an Express Entry stream along with a list of in-demand occupations.
The advantage of applying through the direct application process is that it is much faster with an average of six to eight months. Ultimately, these are two great ways to immigrate to Canada as a firefighter.
Move to Canada as a Firefighter
Qualifications Required to Immigrate to Canada as a Firefighter
The following are required by an individual wishing to live and work in Canada as a firefighter:
- Completion of secondary school is generally required;
- Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science, or a related field and a period of supervised practical training may be required;
- Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services;
- Certification for firefighters is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut;
- Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage;
- Physical agility, strength, fitness, and vision requirements must be met; and
- Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains.
Job Duties as a Firefighter in Canada
The following is a summary of some of the duties you may encounter on a daily basis as a firefighter in Canada.
- Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites;
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats, and other emergencies;
- Administer first aid and other assistance
- Assist the public, the police, and emergency organizations during times of major disasters;
- Train to maintain a high level of physical fitness;
- Prepare written reports on fire incidents; and
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment.
What Does a Firefighter Earn in Canada?
| Average Annual Salary | |
|---|---|
| Province | Amount in CAD |
| Ontario | $ 77,670 |
| Nova Scotia | $ 57,000 |
| British Columbia | $ 85,000 |
| Alberta | $ 79,824 |
| Saskatchewan | $ 62,400 |
| Manitoba | $ 68,680 |
| New Brunswick | $ 28,686 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $ 56,302 |
| Northwest Territories | $ 76,109 |
| Prince Edward | $ 54,232 |
| Yukon | $ 56,375 |
Are Firefighters in Demand in Canada?
Firefighter code 4312 has been on the CNP list for many years. This means that there has been a constant need for firefighters across the country due to the retirement of workers and economic growth. Firefighter jobs are known to pay more than in the UK, Europe, and Asia. It will also be part of better work and personal environment that Canada is known to respect and value.
