For many professionals, including marketing managers, moving to Canada will be one of the most important and life-changing decisions they will make. With its rich diversity in population, growing economy, and great quality of life, there are many opportunities waiting for marketing professionals. But the process can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. We’ll take you through the process to turn your Canadian dreams into a reality as a marketing manager from knowing visa options available to settling into the Canadian way of life.
Steps of Marketing Managers Moving to Canada
1. Visa Options for Marketing Managers Explained
There are so many visas that a marketing manager can use to enter Canada before relocation. Canada has numerous immigration programs, all of which have a different set of requirements.
- Express Entry System: This is the most popular avenue for skilled professionals who are aimed at migrating. Under it are three programs; the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Being a marketing manager, you will most likely qualify under the FSWP if you meet the criteria such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and age.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): PNP include the programs available in the provinces of Canada. All these programs are tailored in order to meet the demand of the labor market in a certain province. If you have a specific province you would like to work in as a marketing manager, do check if they have a PNP that would fit your profile.
- Work Permits: If you have received an offer from a Canadian employer to work, then you may consider applying for a work permit. This is one of the easiest ways to make your move to Canada as a marketing manager. Such work experience will allow you to gain valuable Canadian work experience that could be beneficial in the future while applying for permanent residence.
2. Preparing Your Application
Once you have chosen the right visa pathway, preparing your application would be the next step in moving to Canada. These steps will help get you started:
- Put together all of your documents: You will need lots of supporting documentation like proof of education, experience, language proficiency in either English or French and of course a valid passport. All these documents should be carefully prepared in advance to avoid any delay.
- Get Your Credential Assessed: Educational credentials obtained by a marketing manager moving to Canada may have to be assessed for equivalency in Canada. This is called Educational Credential Assessment. You can get your credentials assessed with one of the designated organizations like World Education Services.
- Improve Your Language Skills: Moving to Canada requires good language skills. In that respect, the official languages of the country are English and French. Knowledge of either one or both of these, in which you have fluency, improves your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system. Consider enrolling in a language class or practicing regularly to improve your scores.
3. Navigating the Job Market
Now that you have applied for a visa, think of the job market. You are moving to Canada as a marketing manager and are going to be part of a new business culture with a need to understand local market dynamics.
- Research the market: Know what the Canadian job market looks like for a marketing manager before you get there. Understand the demand in various provinces, the average salary, and the types of companies that hire marketing professionals. This shall enable you to tailor your job applications and the preparation for the interviews.
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: A Canadian style resume may be a bit different from what you might have been taught. Decrease the length of your resume, with a focus on skills and achievements. Be careful not to miss updating your LinkedIn profile since it is a window that most employers in Canada tend to check through.
- Networking: Any relocation to Canada should not underestimate the need to build a professional network. Attend industry events and join social media marketing groups. Connect with marketing professionals from Canada who can guide and mentor you. This type of networking could bring forth very useful information concerning the local job market and finding jobs.
4. Settling Into Canadian Life
The final step in moving to Canada is the settling process after acquiring a visa and job. People here are very friendly and welcoming, yet settling into Canada does require an adjustment from what one might be used to in his/her homeland.
- Find Housing: Start searching for places to live well in advance of your arrival. You could either consider renting or buying property, depending on your finances and long-term plans. Websites will help you hunt for appropriate options for housing.
- Understand Healthcare and Insurance: Canada has both a public and private health system available to permanent residents and citizens alike. As a newcomer, you are probably going to look for private health insurance to cover at least the first few months. Familiarize yourself with the healthcare system of the province you are going to stay in.
- Know Canadian Culture: Knowing the culture will make for a quicker adaptation when you get to Canada. A Canadian is brought up on the ideals of politeness, diversity, and inclusiveness. The local customs and traditions, along with holidays, can be researched to make settling easy in the new community.
Moving to Canada as a marketing manager can be enriching both professionally and personally. You will be successful in your relocation to your new home if you have an understanding of the visa options available, preparation, the ability to maneuver the job market, and acclimatize to Canadian life. Yes, moving to Canada can be a little convoluted, but indeed, it is possible if you take the time needed to plan properly and have a positive attitude.
