Ignore South Africa! Malawians can now settle in Canada

Malawians have an opportunity to work and settle in Canada as the country seeks skilled professionals to fill roles across several industries.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is promoting employment and immigration routes for skilled workers from around the world. Its campaign directs prospective applicants to employers recruiting overseas candidates and to information on how to move to Canada.

For Malawians, the opportunities depend on their qualifications, work experience and ability to meet the requirements of the relevant employer and immigration programme. The campaign does not reserve jobs for Malawians or guarantee employment.

You can search the job opportunities by clicking here.

Which skills are needed?

Canada’s campaign highlights health care, education, skilled trades, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Other fields include defence, cybersecurity and critical minerals.

Malawians are likely to find opportunities in health and social care and skilled trades, common fields in which they are recruited to work in South Africa and other countries. Just recently, some Malawians relocated to Israel to work on farms.

With recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa prompting the government to repatriate thousands of Malawians, the opportunities in Canada could not have come at a better time.

“Canada is looking for skilled professionals from around the world to join Canada’s workforce and build a life in communities throughout the country. Whether you’re ready for a new challenge or taking the next step in advancing your career, there are multiple pathways to help you make Canada your new home”, reads the statement.

Where to find jobs

Malawians can search the Canadian government’s Job Bank, which has a dedicated section for employers recruiting candidates from outside Canada.

Applicants can search by job title and location. They should focus on vacancies clearly marked as open to international candidates, since not every advertised job accepts applicants without Canadian work authorisation.

Job applications should include a CV setting out the candidate’s work experience, where they live and whether they already hold a valid Canadian work permit. Candidates should follow each employer’s instructions on how to apply. Follow us on WhatsApp where we will also share more tips on how to apply for various jobs in Canada. To follow us, follow this: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbyPfLNSaAEkiek73P

Routes to permanent residence

Malawians seeking to settle permanently can explore Express Entry, Canada’s system for managing applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

Eligible candidates create a profile and enter a selection pool. They must receive an invitation to apply before they can submit a permanent residence application, which Canadian authorities then assess. Joining the pool does not guarantee selection or approval.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is intended for people with qualifying foreign work experience. Applicants must have at least one year of continuous paid skilled work in the same occupation, or the equivalent in part-time hours, gained within the previous ten years.

They must also take an approved English or French language test. Those with qualifications obtained outside Canada need an Educational Credential Assessment for immigration purposes.

Applicants must score at least 67 out of 100 on the programme’s selection grid and meet other conditions, including showing they have enough money to settle with their family unless an exemption applies. Meeting the minimum requirements allows a candidate to be considered but does not guarantee permanent residence.

Check qualifications before applying

Malawians should also find out whether their intended occupation requires professional registration, a licence or certification in the province or territory where they want to work.

The Job Bank provides a credential recognition tool to help candidates check these requirements, including the likely time and cost involved. Those seeking temporary employment usually need a work permit and should check their eligibility before applying for jobs.

Key facts

Who can apply: Malawians whose skills and circumstances meet the relevant employer and immigration programme requirements.
Where to search: The official Job Bank’s section for foreign candidates.
What to prepare: A CV and evidence of work experience, with language tests and qualification assessments required for some immigration routes.
What is guaranteed: Neither a job application nor an Express Entry profile guarantees employment or immigration approval.

Readers can explore the available routes through the Canadian government’s official skilled workers campaign. You can search for jobs by clicking here.

Follow us on WhatsApp where we will be sharing more details and tips on how to apply for various jobs in Canada: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbyPfLNSaAEkiek73P