Are you a skilled cook? Do you have experience as a chef? Want to develop your craft in one of the best countries in the world? and immigrate to Canada?
If so, you’re in luck. All across Canada, the need for cooks, chefs and foodservice workers has been steadily increasing.
Skilled chefs and cooks are now in-demand occupations and have been listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) under NOC 6321. Don’t waste another moment and start living your dream now.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Chef?
Chefs looking to immigrate to Canada are in luck, as there are several different programs and pathways to choose from.
Immigration Programs for Chefs
Two of the easiest and most common pathways are:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
For individuals who want to live in a specific province or city, the PNP is the best way forward. Not only is the competition less fierce but the application process moves fairly quickly as well.
The PNP was designed to allow each participating province to meet its labour market needs and attract foreign workers to fill the shortages. Since Chefs are an in-demand occupation, most provinces have a need for this skill.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program falls under the Express Entry system and is designed for prospective immigrants who have demonstrated skill and expertise in certain occupations or industries.
In order to qualify, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience or the part-time equivalent in the skilled trade. And the occupation has to fall under the NOC and luckily Chefs is included. There is no specific educational requirement so whether you’re a high school graduate or you have a PhD, all are welcome to apply.
Immigration from Other English-Speaking Countries
Immigrating to Canada from another English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia follows the same process as when immigrating from any other country, however, the process will likely be easier since language and educational credentials from these countries are on par with Canadian standards.
This translates into a higher score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
All three countries have an agreement with Canada called the International Mobility stream. This agreement allows foreign nationals from participating countries to work in Canada for a set period of time.
This is a huge boon for these countries as Canadian work experience is a valuable asset in the application process and makes it easy to become a chef in Canada from another country. When enough work experience has been accumulated, candidates can also apply through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
While the UK, the US and Australia are all highly developed, first world nations, it is not uncommon to see nationals immigrating to Canada for better job opportunities, career development and improved quality of life. The cost of living in Canada is relatively low compared to some of these other countries while free health care, natural beauty and multicultural society are added bonuses.
Work as a Chef in Canada
Since chefs are in-demand in Canada, it is not difficult to find a job in the industry.
Chefs and cooks can make a very good living in Canada earning an average salary of $70,000 annually while chefs at high-end restaurants can easily make over six figures.
Wondering what the requirements to be a chef in Canada are? For most chef jobs, you won’t need a formal education. While having a certificate from a culinary school can never hurt, cooking is a skill that can be learned quite easily on your own and many restaurants will be willing to give you a shot and help you learn.
Most of Canada’s provinces and territories need either a Cook’s trade certification or equivalent credentials as well as training and experience.
Chefs who work in high-end restaurants or hotels require a traditional education in order to obtain a certificate of qualification for one of three levels. Depending on the type you job you want, the requirements will change. For example, a short-order cook job will not require the same qualifications as an Executive chef.
Consider your career aspirations and where you want to be in five or ten years from now and see what you need to do to get there.
Check out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada within a few minutes:
How to Find a Job in Canada
Now that you’re ready to land your dream job in Canada, you may be wondering where to begin.
The best way to start job hunting for Chef positions is online through job boards.
On any given day, most employment sites such as Jooble, Indeed, and Job Bank have thousands of vacancies for chefs and cooks.
Make sure to have all your credentials on hand so you are prepared and professional.
Your interview process may involve cooking a dish or demonstrating your culinary skills. The best way to prepare for a demonstration is to practice and brush up on your skills.
Where to Find Help with Immigration?
The process of immigrating to Canada as a Chef can feel dizzying. It’s a lot of information to process and a lot of forms, documents and legalities to navigate.
Want to simplify the process? Speak to an immigration agency or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and have it all taken care of for you.
An RCIC can also give you tips on how to become a chef as a foreigner. They can help you with everything from job hunting to preparing you for your interviews. The experience and expertise they bring to the table is invaluable and they can save you money and time!
