Why are so many vets moving to Canada?

Vets are relocating to Canada as the country woos foreign vets to fill a critical talent shortage. Vets are relocating to Canada as the country woos foreign vets to fill a critical talent shortage. Read on to discover what it’s like working as a vet in Canada, why it’s a great option both for English speakers and for francophones, and what making the move really involves.

What are the benefits of working as a vet in Canada?

One of the biggest perks of working in Canada is the people. Canadians have a well-deserved reputation for being kind, gentle and polite, which goes a long way to reduce the stress of working in the veterinary profession. What’s more, it’s a diverse and multicultural nation where immigrants from all over the world can feel at home.

Another benefit is the variety of work. Vets in Canada can be cardiologists, dermatologists, internists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons and more, for small, large and exotic animals.

With vets in such high demand, you’ll also be sought after and assured of stable employment for some time to come. Additional advantages include paid vacation and sick leave, medical and dental insurance, pension plans, and the opportunity to bring your family with you.

Canada is also a pet-friendly country, so you may well be able to bring your non-human family members with you too!

Working in Canada for French citizens

The Philippines, Mexico, the US and China send the highest numbers of immigrants to Canada, but since 2008, the country has seen a 38% increase in immigrants from France, while the number of French temporary workers has almost doubled. Study permits issued to French students also increased by 50% between 2003 and 2012.

There are several good reasons for this influx, including Canada’s own efforts to woo French immigrants through the “Destination Canada” fair, and the 2008 world recession driving French citizens to move to a stronger economy. Canada has just 7% unemployment and 13.2% youth unemployment to France’s 10.4% and 22.4%.

Making the move is also relatively easy for French vets settling in Quebec, who benefit from a faster assessment process than other newcomers thanks to the Quebec-France Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications. French students attending university in Quebec can also save thousands of dollars a year by paying the Quebec tuition rate instead of the international rate.

Not only French citizens but citizens of any French-speaking country can take advantage of the French Significant Benefit Program, which helps French speakers immigrate to “contribute to the vitality, development, and prosperity of Francophone minority communities in Canada.”

While the majority of French immigrants settle in Quebec, the only Canadian province to have French as its sole official language, the program offers perks to those willing to settle in other provinces, including easier access to a Temporary Work Permit and reduced requirements for employers. Speaking French can also be a great advantage when looking for a job in other parts of Canada.

Immigration pathways to Canada

There are over 80 different pathways to working in Canada–but which of these are right for vets who want to start work as soon as possible? The best options include:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Express Entry is the fastest of these, with visa processing taking as little as 6 months. To apply via this pathway, you will need:

• at least 2 years’ professional experience
• the ability to speak French or English
• a legitimate job offer OR a qualification certificate from an organisation that meets the NOC (National Occupation Code) employment standards for vets.

We have plenty of experience in helping vets jump through these hoops quickly and easily, find their ideal role in Canada, and settle in–so if you’re interested in finding out more about life as a vet in Canada, get in touch today for a free, friendly chat and some expert advice.