With jobless figures still on the rise, many are looking to climb onboard the next Famine ship out of here. Canada awaits.
By Robert Carry
Canada has long been a key destination of choice for Irish emigrants and today, the North American nation boasts the highest per capita immigration rate in the world. However, it seems the Canadians have still not soaked up their fill of migrants and as a result, have made it easier for people to secure a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa through its Federal Skilled Worker program.
The Canadian government amended the list of qualifying occupations to ‘better respond to the present needs of Canada’s economy’ and did so by adding 11 new occupations  to the list of qualifying jobs. If you have worked for a year or more at any of them during the last 10 years, you can apply.
There are now 29 qualifying occupations which, in full, is as follows:
Restaurant and Food Service Managers
Primary Production Managers (except Agriculture)
Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
Biologists and Related Scientists
Architects
Specialist Physicians
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
Dentists
Pharmacists
Physiotherapists
Registered Nurses
Medical Radiation Technologists
Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
Licensed Practical Nurses
Psychologists
Social Workers
Chefs
Cooks
Contractors and Supervisors in the Carpentry Trades
Contractors and Supervisors in the Mechanic Trades
Electricians (except Industrial and Power System)
Industrial Electricians
Plumbers
Welders and Related Machine Operators
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
Crane Operators
Drillers and Blasters – Surface mining, quarrying and construction
Supervisors in Oil, Gas Drilling and Service
There are several other occupations which although not on the list of 29, are still looked upon favourably on visa applications. These are:
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Financial Auditors and Accountants
Head Nurses and Supervisors
University Professors
College and Other Vocational Instructors
For more detailed information on each of the job categories, click here.
