Immigrate to Canada as a Firefighter In 2024

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 tough in terms of requirements and any other obstacles you may need to get through in order to immigrate.

However, when you immigrate to Canada as a firefighter the terms become easier. Why? You may ask. Well luckily for you, firefighters are part of the in-demand jobs list under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4312.

This means that Canada needs your skillset, 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 see how the two can be your pathway to immigrating to Canada.

Express Entry

The Express Entry is an online system that the government uses to manage applications for permanent residency in Canada. The Express Entry system is made of three federal immigration programs. These Federal programs are:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. Canadian Experience Class

Express Entry is known to be one of Canada’s fastest immigration routes, taking as little as six months. In the next three years, the government has a goal of bringing over 1.2 million immigrants into Canada with Express Entry contributing to 332,750 of the total.

How Does the Express Entry System Work?

After you have met the Express Entry requirements, you’ll need to create an online profile. The following is needed to do so:

• 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 start your profile, you’ll have 60 days to complete and submit it.

From there you will get placed into a pool with other eligible applicants, and be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score will determine your ranking amongst other applicants.

To receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) you will need to meet or score higher than the CRS cut-off score of the specific draw. The invitation to apply means that you can apply for Canadian permanent residency.

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is points-based which is used by the Government to assess, score and rank all profiles in the Express Entry pool. This would mean that the higher your CRS points, the higher the chance of you receiving an ITA is.

The total CRS score is made of two sections. The core set of points is a total of 600 points and an additional set of 600 points. This brings your maximum score achieved to 1,200 points.

How Does the Express Entry Help a Firefighter Immigrate to Canada?

Firefighters have the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4312, which means that you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program within Express Entry.

What Is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is made for individuals who have qualifications, skills or work experience to contribute to Canada’s economy. When applying through the FSWP a job offer isn’t part of the requirements in order to be eligible, it does however increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

A large amount of Canadians retire every year which means the need for skilled workers is growing. This makes it easier for skilled workers and professionals to become permanent residents in 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 was made between the government and the local provinces of Canada. This allows them to nominate immigrants who want to live and work in a particular province. For you to receive a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you are required to choose a province and apply for a nomination.

The provinces will select a candidate based on immigration and labor needs. Most provinces need to boost their economy and development while supporting an aging community.

There are 11 Provincial Nomination Programs in Canada, they are:

1. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
3. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
4. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NW PNP)
5. Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
6. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
7. Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)
8. Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
9. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
10. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
11. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)/li>

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 applying for Canadian permanent residency through a PNP. You can choose to apply directly to a province or territory or through the Express Entry-linked process.

Direct Application Process

The process is done through a paper application via mail or courier. This means there will be extra costs involved for you and the waiting period for the application result can take anywhere from 15 to 19 months.

Express Entry Application Process

There are two options available:

1. 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.
2. 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 great thing about applying through the direct application process is that it’s much faster with an average of six to eight months. Ultimately these are both great ways to immigrate to Canada as a firefighter.

Move to Canada as a Firefighter

The following are required by an individual wishing to live and work in Canada as a firefighter:

1. Completion of secondary school is generally required;
2. 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;
3. Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services;
4. 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;
5. Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage;
6. Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met; and
7. 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.

1. Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites;
2. Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies;
3. Administer first aid and other assistance
4. Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters;
5. Train to maintain a high level of physical fitness;
6. Prepare written reports on fire incidents; and
7. 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

For many years the firefighter code 4312 has been on the NOC list. This means there has been a constant need for firefighters all over the country due to workers retiring and the growing economy.

Firefighter jobs are known to be better paid than in the UK, Europe and Asia. You will also be part of a better work-life environment that Canada is known to respect and value.