Jobs in Canada That Don’t Require A Degree: Did you know that Canada has plenty of job opportunities in various industries? This is mainly due to an aging and retiring workforce. In response to this, the Canadian government has developed a number of immigration and work permit programs to make immigrating easier.
What’s more, did you know that you can work in Canada without a degree? There are plenty of in-demand Canadian jobs that pay well without a degree. There are also a number of immigration and Canada work permit programs that don’t require you to have a degree.
It goes without saying that immigrants continuously enter Canada, filling the gap left by the retirement rate. In fact, Canada estimates that 5 million Canadians will retire by the end of this decade.
The Immigration Levels Plan of 2022–2024 states that Canada wants to welcome a record 451,000 immigrants by 2024 in order to help the country’s economy. This would also suggest that immigrants are desperately needed to swell the Canadian labour force.
With that said, you might be on your way to learning more about widespread professions in Canada. You wouldn’t want to jump into any career, but rather one that is reasonably in demand in Canada and has low educational requirements.
To assist you in beginning to live and work in Canada this year, we have broken down the top 10 best careers in Canada without a degree. Even though these positions don’t require a degree, they might ask for credentials or certifications that show you’re qualified for the trade.
Below, we present to you some jobs in Canada for foreigners that will give you a kickstart to finding your way around the country.
Transit Driver: C-level skill (NOC Code: 7512)
Bus drivers, both short- and long-distance, as well as other transit operators, fall under the category of transit drivers and require completion of secondary education. For a driving position in Ontario, the applicant must possess a current Class B, C, E, or F driver’s licence. Other provinces, however, demand a Class 2 licence.
Additionally, you would have work experiences such as on-the-job training and at least a year of driving experience in the required transit operational sector. For instance, if you’re applying for a position as a long-distance bus driver, you should have the necessary experience driving long distances rather than short ones. Aside from these requirements, the driver also needs to be certified in first aid and have an air brakes endorsement.
The typical salary range for this position is between $35,000 and $75,000.
Welder: Skill Level B (NOC Code: 7327)
Welders and other machine operators would need to complete secondary school as well as a minimum three-year apprenticeship programme. An alternative is to have a degree from a recognised welding college along with three years of trade experience. After your apprenticeship is over, you should be able to show off your Red Seal endorsement.
It is important to note that different requirements may apply in different Canadian provinces. For example, while Alberta has made a welding credential mandatory, other provinces and territories do not.
According to Canada Job Bank, the typical salary ranges between $18.00 and $41.10 per hour.
Bartender: C-level skill (NOC Code: 6512)
One profession in Canada that requires little upkeep in terms of credentials and combines work and play is bartending. You get to socialise and learn about Canadian culture as you mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
In Canada, you can anticipate earning a salary between $22,000 and $44,000.
Court Reporter: Skill Level B (NOC Code: 1251)
If you want to work as a court reporter in Canada, you would need to have received some kind of formal training in the field. Even though a degree may not be necessary, you must finish a court reporting programme that lasts at least two years. But you should finish this course in either Toronto or Alberta.
Additionally, you should be proficient in speed typing because you will need to be able to accurately type at least 225 words per minute on a stenograph machine, which is typically used by court reporters. So, yes, this keyboard is different from the norm.
The typical salary range is between $46,000 and $84,000.
Executive Chef: B-level competency (NOC Code: 6321)
Although the qualifications for employment as an executive chef vary depending on the kitchens, hotels, or provinces in Canada, a high school diploma, physical fitness for long, demanding hours on your feet, and certification in management and the trade itself would be the minimum standards. After passing the required tests, you can also get your Red Seal endorsement as a chef.
Those looking to advance their careers as chefs in Canada should earn their certifications from the Canadian Culinary Institute’s Certified Working Chef (CWC) and Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) programmes (CCI).
An average salary of $41,000 to $91,000 is what you can anticipate.
Actor: A-level skill (NOC Code: 5135)
Actors and comedians should be able to provide evidence of prior acting roles or auditions if they intend to settle in Canada and pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, finishing a course or acting programme at a specific college is crucial.
If you’re applying to be an acting teacher, you should already have the required teaching experience. You might need to be a member of a guild or union depending on the Canadian province, acting school, or company.
An average salary of $24,000 to 215,000 is what you can anticipate.
A certification demonstrating your ability to provide services in beverages responsibly may be required if you are applying for a job that requires you to work with alcoholic beverages.
The typical salary range is between $24,000 and $37,000.
Accounts Manager: A-level competency (NOC Code: 0111)
Accountants and financial managers typically have a strong grasp of finances and the ability to function well under pressure. Even though having a degree would work in your favour, it may not be required. If you have the necessary skills, you may be able to apply for an entry-level position depending on the organisation or province.
Skill Level B: Air Traffic Controller (NOC Code: 2272)
Aircraft and other moving service vehicles are directed by air traffic controllers, who act as guides for air traffic in the airspace. NAV Canada and the Canadian Forces will hire you if you want to start a career as a flight service specialist or in air traffic control.
Your secondary education must be completed, and you must possess a current radiotelephone operator licence, according to the requirements. You would also need to finish a NAV Canada training course that includes on-the-job instruction.
The typical salary range is between $52,000 and $134,000 per year.
Electrical Engineer: B Skill (NOC Code: 7241)
Are you an electrician who wants to relocate to Canada? You would need to finish secondary school to work in the electrical industry for a respectable salary. Although you don’t need a degree, you will need a lot of industry experience.
In order to become an electrician in Canada, you must complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship programme and earn a trade certification. However, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta all require the certification.
Additionally, it is optional in Nunavut, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia. In addition, if you pass the Red Seal exam, you’ll be able to get your Red Seal endorsement.
The typical salary range is between $39,000 and $91,000.
Immigrate to Canada Without a Degree
Now that you know which jobs pay well without a degree, you can choose an immigration or work permit program.
There are over 100 immigration programs and visas available. To make the process easier, we’ve outlined some of the best options.
Express Entry
The Express Entry system was developed to help Canada combat its labour shortage and fill in-demand jobs. If you have the skills, work experience or qualifications to contribute to the Canadian economy, you can apply through Express Entry. The Express Entry system allows successful applicants to gain permanent residency in Canada. What it’s known for its fast-tracked visa processing time of just six months.
There are three programs which operate under Express Entry, namely:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is designed for people who have qualifications, skills or work experience that can help contribute to the Canadian economy.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
If your application is successful, the FSWP allows you to gain permanent residency in Canada.
To be eligible to apply for the FSWP, you need to meet the following requirements.
You must have skilled work experience in one of the following positions listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC):
- Managerial
- Professional
- Trade/technical occupation
While some occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker Program may require a degree, this is not the case for all of them.
For example, trade or technical occupations require you to complete a training course. Even some jobs under the professional or managerial category only require a certificate and or experience in the field.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is geared towards foreign trade workers who have experience in the eligible trade occupations that Canada needs to help contribute to the economy. If your application is successful, the FSWP allows you to gain permanent residency in Canada.
If you are skilled in the trades field, and are looking to work in a position that doesn’t require a degree, then this program is perfect for you.
Do you qualify to apply? To find out, check if you meet the requirements:
- A full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a total period of at least 1 year OR a certificate of qualification from a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body.
- Language proficiency score in French or English measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique Canadiens (NCLC). (Level 4 for writing + reading and level 5 for listening + speaking).
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years.
- Ability to demonstrate that you meet the job requirements of your skilled trade.
- You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you have a valid job offer or can legally work in Canada.
Skilled trade occupations eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized in the following major National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. The groups are subdivided into different occupations, and they are all skill type B. You must prove that you have experience performing the duties of the occupational description in the NOC.
National Occupation Classification Categories
Major Group 72
- Industrial
- Electrical
- Construction
Major Group 73
- Maintenance
- Equipment Operation
Major Group 82
- Supervisors and Technicians in Natural Resources
- Agriculture
Major Group 92
- Processing and Manufacturing
- Utility Supervisors
- Central Control Operators
Minor Group 632
- Chefs and Cooks
Minor Group 633
- Butchers and Bakers
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you already have some experience working and living in Canada, then this could be the pathway for you.
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for people who are applying for permanent residency in Canada, and who have gained work experience in the country through a temporary work permit.
Here are the requirements you need to meet to apply through the Canadian Experience Class:
Work Experience
You must have one year of skilled, work experience in Canada. The work experience must be:
- a full-time position; or
- the equivalent time in a part-time position;
- legally obtained in Canada;
- from jobs defined by the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) as level 0, A or B
Education
There is no education requirement for this program. You can; however, increase your Express Entry score by:
- earning a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or tertiary school;
- completing a foreign credential;
- getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) showing your previous education meets Canadian standards.
Language skill
- Take an approved language test for writing, reading, listening, and speaking;
- Meet the minimum language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs
Admissibility
- You must be legally allowed to enter Canada. Having a criminal record could cause you to be inadmissible to Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program allows successful applicants to gain permanent residency in one of the 11 participating Canadian provinces. If you already have an idea of which province you’d like to live and work in, or perhaps you have a job offer there, then this could be perfect for you.
Here are the 11 provinces you can choose from:
- 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 Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Each program has its own set of requirements you need to meet to be eligible to apply.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed for skilled workers who are interested in gaining permanent resident status in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, namely Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. If you’re an international student and have graduated in one of the four Atlantic provinces, the pilot is also open to you.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a great option if you’re looking for jobs in canada that don’t require a degree jobs that pays well. There are various in-demand jobs in Canada’s Atlantic provinces that don’t require you to have a degree, such as:
- construction workers
- cleaners
- transport truck drivers
- restaurant servers
- administrative assistants
- retail sales associates
Interested? There are three programs within the Atlantic Immigration Program, namely:
- Atlantic International Graduate Program
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program
- Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
Each of these programs have their own set of requirements. However, if you’re interested in jobs that don’t require a degree, you can focus your attention on the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program. To apply for the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have at least 1 year’s experience working in a position that requires a high school education or job-specific training;
- You must have a high school diploma equal to a Canadian credential, for which you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA report);
- You will need to take an approved language test to prove you are proficient enough in English or French to live and work in Canada;
- You need to have proof of funds that meet the minimum required amount to support yourself as well as any dependents, regardless of whether they are joining you in Canada or not.
Apply for a Canadian Work Visa Without a Degree
If you don’t want to move to Canada for good and perhaps just wish to work here for some time, you can apply for a work permit. There are various Canada work permits available for jobs in canada that don’t require a degree and work visa programs that you can apply through. We’ve outlined the best options for occupations that you can apply through without a degree.
There are two types of Canada work permits, namely:
Open work permit
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to specifications set out in your work permit, including your employer’s name, length of work permit, and location of employment.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is designed for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers within a wide range of occupations. The most important part of the TFWP hiring process is applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA proves that the relevant job position was not able to be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
To be able to be employed, you must submit a copy of the LMIA or the LMIA number along with your work permit application.
There are various streams under the TFWP. To apply for a Canada work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you’ll need to submit your work permit application along with the required documents which may include the following:
- Valid job offer letter;
- Proof that you meet the requirements of the job offer;
- Copy of a positive LMIA or LMIA number;
- Proof of your English or French language abilities via test results;
- Valid passport;
- Proof that you have enough funds to take care of yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay, and to return home
FAQs
Can I move to Canada as an unskilled worker?
Yes. There are various pathways to Canada for unskilled workers such as the:
- The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
What is the age limit for Canada PR?
If you’re applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system, the chances of being approved decrease after the age of 55. However, there is no official age limit and you’ll still be able to apply.
Is it difficult to get into Canada?
Being successful in applying for a visa can be difficult and you can be rejected. However, if you seek professional help to assist you through the application process, you can better your chances of being approved.
Once you have settled on one of the jobs in canada that don’t require a degree and pays well, you can decide which program you want to apply through. However, the process of applying for a Canadian visa can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why the RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) we work with are ready to guide you through the process and increase your chances of being successful the first time around.
Conclusions
As you can see, there are numerous careers in Canada that you can successfully pursue if you have the necessary skills and work experience. But before applying for a job, we advise foreign nationals to always learn about the Canadian provinces. Ideally, you’d want to make sure that the province where you’re applying has a need for the skills you have to offer.