Today, the role of the immigration city of Calgary has increased significantly over the past few years due to the new opportunities it opens up to improve the quality of life. Due to its diverse economy, which includes various sectors, including the energy, technology, and financial sectors, as well as the health sector, the city provides all kinds of employment opportunities for new arrivals.
Calgary as a hub for immigrants
The employment rate of immigrants in Calgary is generally determined by several factors:
- the demand for human capital in Calgary and other parts of Canada is constantly growing
- there are key areas of specialization that are well in demand by immigrant candidates, such as technology and medical personnel.
First, it is necessary to focus on the specifics of vacancies and take into account the demographic characteristics of each urban center, which means that the city is becoming larger and more diverse, and the vacancy is suitable for a person with certain skills and experience. And do not forget to contact LMIA immigration consultant Calgary if you require a work visa, permanent residency, or family sponsorship.
Canadian Job Market 2024-2025
According to the immigration level plan for 2024-2025, Canada will invite 1.5 million permanent residents by 2026. In 2024, the government plans to receive around 485,000 immigrants, followed by another 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. The country provides numerous work prospects for foreigners, with over 1 million job openings across several industrial sectors.
Statistics stated that Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.1% in March 2024. Healthcare workers such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists are in great demand. Canada’s industrial sectors are growing, including technology, construction, and skilled trades. Employees value improved flexibility following the epidemic, therefore hybrid and remote employment roles are in high demand.
Trends shaping immigrant employment in Calgary
1. Wage growth is positive
Wage growth in Canada has been continuously strong, with an annual rise rate of 4.3%. One of the primary factors driving pay increases is the desire to recruit and keep qualified migrants in the increasingly competitive global labor market.
2. Rise of remote work and digital nomadism
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new trends to the world of work, such as remote work, which has also allowed companies to hire employees from different parts of the world. Thus, by hiring immigrants in Calgary, you can take advantage of this trend and offer your skills and services to employers not only in the city but also throughout the country. This flexibility expands the opportunities through which immigrants can seek job offers that match their skills and specialization.
3. The healthcare sector needs competent migrants
Among all other industries reporting substantial job openings in Canada, the healthcare industry ranks first. The Canadian government is attempting to attract more international healthcare personnel to fill the country’s numerous employment openings.
4. Employers have tight competition to recruit job seekers
With so many intriguing prospects and incentives given by certain firms, job seekers have a lot of alternatives. Employers must work hard to stay relevant in Canada’s extremely competitive labor market.
5. AI occupations are on the increase
Recent findings indicate that generative AI has had a significant influence on the Canadian labor sector. Demand for AI-related jobs has reached new heights in the last year, and it is anticipated to rise even more in the future years.
Сhallenges faced by immigrants
Interestingly, in the specific case of Calgary, it was found that, despite these opportunities, immigrants from Calgary find it difficult to navigate when looking for work. Another problem is related to the reliability of information about yourself and work experience obtained in another country.
Language proficiency is an important trend that continues to play an important role in the employment prospects of immigrants in Calgary. Language training and related cultural awareness will also increase the chances of immigrants getting suitable jobs to assimilate into the program.
Strategies to enhance job prospects
Despite these factors, and by using the employment models in Calgary, immigrants can take several measures to increase their chances of getting a job available among their Canadian counterparts. Networking is an essential factor in the job search process, as it allows people to interact with individuals and organizations representing a particular profession/industry to get an idea of any available vacancies, as well as to learn about available career opportunities in the field of interest. Networking is an important activity that can be described as interacting with a variety of people, including those who receive formal education, and participating in public events such as business fairs, seminars, and meetings.
The positive impact of education and vocational training that immigrants receive through educational programs increases their competitiveness in the labor market. Taking courses to obtain a certificate, license, or even postgraduate education in a specialty of interest will be a sufficient criterion for commitment to professionalism.
Encouragement for immigrants to navigate the job market successfully
Despite the presence of certain advantages and threats, the employment situation of immigrants in Calgary can be effectively managed through active actions and a positive approach. To overcome these barriers, it is recommended to be informed about the current trends and requirements of a particular industry, improve language skills, seek credential recognition services, maintain proper communications, and promote a lifelong learning culture.
