Lawyers are qualified to apply to move to Canada via the Canadian government’s immigration program. These skilled workers are on the list of in-demand occupations in Canada and one can apply under NOC 4112. Note that practicing as a lawyer in Canada is a wonderful opportunity because Canada is a democratic country where there is a rule of law.
Depending on the type of law you practice, you can easily rake in $300,000 a year in Canada. According to reports, the average salary of a lawyer in the country is around $135,000 annually. However, note that the requirements for practicing law in the country will vary from one province to another.
The first step is to have your foreign education credentials recognized in Canada. Your academic transcripts will be needed and your language proficiency will also be tested. Have in mind that a minimum IELTS score of 7 is required in English or French.
Once you get through these steps, you will be expected to pass the Canadian bar exam. With the advent of technology, it has become quite simple to find jobs regardless of if you live in Canada or not. And since lawyers are in demand in Canada, it makes the process even easier.
Steps and Process of Moving to Canada as a Lawyer
If you intend to move to Canada as a lawyer, here are the necessary steps and processes to follow;
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Create an Express Entry Profile
To move to Canada, the first thing to do is to create an Express Entry profile or account. To open this account, you only have to visit the official website of the IRCC. Have it in mind that the opening of this Express entry profile will cost nothing unless you choose to pay for the letter of application.
Select a Program
To move to Canada as a Lawyer, you will have to select an immigration pathway. To ensure you are successful, you must choose the right program that aligns with your profession or occupation. Note that there are several immigration pathways to Canada open to lawyers, and they include:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Obtain a Job Offer from Canada
To make your immigration process simpler, you should consider obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer to immigrate to Canada as a lawyer. Note that your employer will be expected to prove that nobody is in Canada to pick up your role and that you are perfectly suited for the role. In addition, your employer will also need to obtain permission from the labor market impact Assessment for you to move to Canada as a lawyer.
Get an Invitation to Apply
Getting an invitation to apply simply entails that you are qualified in a particular program under the Express entry system. Once you receive this invitation, you must hurry up to apply within 60 days from the date you get the invitation to apply.
Submit your Application and Attach the Necessary Documents
At this point, you will be expected to submit your application with all necessary supporting documents. Note that this application will have to be submitted within two months from the time you get the invitation to apply.
The documents you will need to attach include an identity card, work experience proof, language proficiency examination results, etc. Note that the application fee may cost you CAD$150 only. After this step, you are more or less closer to moving to Canada as a lawyer.
Apply and Get Your Work Permit
This is where you have to apply and obtain your work permit. Note that applying for your work permit won’t take up to two weeks as long as you are done with the necessary visa application. You will get a notification once your visa and work permit has been approved. You may not even have to worry about having your work permit before traveling to Canada as you can still get it at the Canadian port of entry when you arrive
Requirements for Moving to Canada as a Lawyer
Without doubts, there are notable requirements necessary to move to Canada as a lawyer. These requirements include;
Specific Requirements
These are some of the most important requirements attributed to Foreigners who intend to move to the country as a lawyer. While these may vary from one province to another, here are the basic requirements:
- Two to three years of undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized law school or a Diploma in Notarial law
- Successful completion of the bar examination and completion of a period of articling
- Licensing by the provincial or territorial law society
- Notaries (Quebec)
- A master’s degree in law with a specialization in notarial law
- A 32-week vocational training program is required.
- Registration with the Corporation of Notaries is required.
- Lawyers who intend to practice in another province or territory may be required to pass examinations set by the provincial or territorial law society.
General Requirements
These requirements apply to everyone looking to move to Canada. Note that when looking to move to Canada as a Lawyer, you will also be expected to meet up with them. The following are the general requirements:
- Language: Before you can move to Canada and become a lawyer, you will be expected to prove your language proficiency through different tests. The official language in Canada is English and French, therefore, you will be expected to score high on the language test.
- Age: To move to Canada as a lawyer, you must be up to the legal age for Canadian employment purposes.
- Educational qualifications: You will need to show your educational qualifications such as completing a higher-level education.
- Partner’s skills: To have a greater chance of moving to Canada, you must add your partner’s skills as it can help you get a higher score in the CRS.
- Adaptability: Note that your ability to adapt and cope in Canada will have to be high. Moving to Canada as a lawyer means that you will work and live in Canada. Therefore you are expected to be able to adapt to the conditions and the weather in Canada.
- Work experience: You will also be expected to prove your experience and expertise in your profession by presenting documents that prove your years of experience in your profession
Conclusion
If you are currently a lawyer in your home country, you will only have to convert your qualifications and experience to verify that you meet Canadian lawyer requirements. Moving to Canada via employment is not a completely straightforward process and can be quite tasking. Also note that the laws can be very complicating, therefore, consider hiring an experienced immigration professional to help you.