Immigration in Ontario for an European skilled worker with no professionnal experience yet

[Alx20]

Hi,

In order to better explain my position, I need to briefly introcude myself: I am an European "engineer" (I know we can not call ourselves "engineer" in Canada while it is not recognized by the country because it is a protected title) with 2 master degrees, I am specialized in software development and more particularly in Artificial Intelligence. One of these degrees was obtained from a prestigious university located in Europe (top 20 worldwide in the QS). French is my mother's tongue and I am proficient in English. I lived in 3 different European countries for my studies. I would like to work and live in Canada and more specifically in Ontario.

My problem is I do not have any professionnal experience yet (freshly graduated). I am registered on the Canadian immigration website for a WHP (Work Holiday Program) but since it is given by draw, the likelihood to be chosen is low. I also tried to get a permit as a skilled worker but since I do not have any professionnal experience (except through my internships), and it is difficult to get an offer from a Canadian employer when you are abroad, I do not seem to be eligible to this program. So here are my questions: what do you think of my position ? Do you know if there are other possibilities for me to work and live in Canada considering my profile ?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

 

[scylla]

Hi,

In order to better explain my position, I need to briefly introcude myself: I am an European "engineer" (I know we can not call ourselves "engineer" in Canada while it is not recognized by the country because it is a protected title) with 2 master degrees, I am specialized in software development and more particularly in Artificial Intelligence. One of these degrees was obtained from a prestigious university located in Europe (top 20 worldwide in the QS). French is my mother's tongue and I am proficient in English. I lived in 3 different European countries for my studies. I would like to work and live in Canada and more specifically in Ontario.

My problem is I do not have any professionnal experience yet (freshly graduated). I am registered on the Canadian immigration website for a WHP (Work Holiday Program) but since it is given by draw, the likelihood to be chosen is low. I also tried to get a permit as a skilled worker but since I do not have any professionnal experience (except through my internships), and it is difficult to get an offer from a Canadian employer when you are abroad, I do not seem to be eligible to this program. So here are my questions: what do you think of my position ? Do you know if there are other possibilities for me to work and live in Canada considering my profile ?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Immigration really won't be possible until you have at least one full year of paid skilled work experience.

The WHP/IEC program is the easiest option but only a limited number of spots are available. All you can really do with regards to that is submit your profile and hope you are selected.

Otherwise to get a work permit, you need a job offer in Canada and an approved LMIA from the employer. Generally speaking it's next to impossible to find employers willing to go through this process.

If you have the funds and want to continue your education, one option would be to come to Canada as a full time student. This is an expensive option since you'll be paying international student fees. You'll be able to work up to 20 hours a week off campus (as long as your studies are full time).

Otherwise I would recommend you gain a few years of full time and skilled work experience in your home country before trying to relocate to Canada.

 

[canuck78]

AI skills are in huge demand so you may be able to get an employer to hire you. Not sure why you are targeting Ontario. Montreal would likely be a better option and where a lot of the AI work is.