How to Immigrate to Canada as an Accountant

Are you an accountant who is considering immigrating to Canada? If so, you’re in luck because the timing for accountants looking to make the move could not be better. Canada is currently experiencing a huge demand for accountants, and as one of the most advanced and influential countries in the world, it offers an abundance of job opportunities and career development prospects for skilled professionals in this field.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can immigrate to Canada as an accountant and take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Whether you’re looking to start a new life in a new country or seeking to advance your career, Canada could be the perfect place for you.

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How to Immigrate to Canada as an Accountant?

As an accountant, there are a number of pathways that you can pursue the immigration process.

Immigration Programs for Accountants

The most popular ones used by applicants who are immigrating to Canada as an accountant are:

1. Express Entry

As an accountant looking to immigrate to Canada, you may be interested in exploring the Express Entry program, which is one of the main economic immigration programs offered by the Canadian government. The Express Entry system was launched in 2015 and has since become the primary pathway for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

The Express Entry system is a point-based system that evaluates and ranks candidates based on various factors, including their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. To be eligible for the Express Entry system as an accountant, you must have at least one year of work experience in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: NOC 1111 – Financial Auditors and Accountants, NOC 1112 – Financial and Investment Analysts, NOC 1114 – Other Financial Officers.

Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the candidate pool. Your profile will be assessed based on the CRS, which assigns points to various factors, such as your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Candidates with the highest CRS scores are then issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. The government conducts regular draws from the candidate pool, and those who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

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2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you’re an accountant looking to immigrate to Canada, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be an attractive option for you. The PNP is an economic immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate skilled immigrants who meet their specific labour market needs.

The PNP operates in a similar way to the Express Entry system, except that it is tailored to specific provinces or territories. This means that if you have a job offer from a particular province or you are interested in settling in a specific province, it may be best to apply through the PNP stream for that province.

One of the key benefits of the PNP is that it allows provinces to select candidates who have the skills and expertise that are in high demand in their local labour market. This means that if you are an accountant and your skills are in demand in a particular province, you may have a better chance of being nominated through the PNP than through the Express Entry system.

The PNP process can be quite efficient, and in some cases, it can take as little as six months from the date of initial application to becoming a permanent resident. However, the exact timeline will depend on the province or territory in question and the processing times of the federal government.

To be eligible for the PNP as an accountant, you must meet the specific requirements of the province or territory you wish to apply to. This may include having a job offer from a local employer or meeting the minimum language and education requirements set by the province.

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Immigration from Other English-Speaking Countries

If you are an accountant from the United States, United Kingdom or Australia, immigrating to Canada may be easier than you think. Thanks to various mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and reciprocal membership agreements (RMAs) between professional accounting bodies in these countries and Canada, accountants can more easily transfer their educational and professional credentials into Canadian ones.

For example, if you hold a U.S. CPA credential with a license that is in good standing, you may be eligible to obtain the Canadian designation via the MRA that was established between the two countries. Similarly, accountants from the United Kingdom can use the RMA between Canadian CPA bodies and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to obtain the Canadian CPA designation.

Accountants from Australia can also take advantage of the RMA in place between Canadian CPA bodies and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Not only do these agreements make it easier for accountants from these countries to transfer their credentials into Canadian ones, but they also increase their chances of scoring well on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) when applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system or PNP.

In addition, there are many similarities in culture, language, and work environment between Canada and these countries, which can make the transition to working and living in Canada smoother for these candidates. This can be especially beneficial for young adults interested in immigrating to Canada who take advantage of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday visa program, which allows them to work in Canada for a period of time.

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Work as an Accountant in Canada

While immigrating to Canada as an accountant may seem like a daunting task, the rewards are well worth the effort. As mentioned earlier, there is a high demand for accountants in Canada, and the country is eager to welcome skilled workers in this field.

However, it is important to note that newcomers may not be able to immediately land a senior role. There are Canadian taxes, rules on foreign income, and payroll software that need to be familiarized with. Additionally, certain Canadian certifications may be required for some jobs.

But with hard work and dedication, new accountants can quickly move up the ladder to high-paying and challenging positions. According to recent statistics, the average salary for an accountant in Canada is close to $60,000 on the lower end, while a well-paid accountant can make close to $200,000.

As a newcomer, it is important to take advantage of opportunities such as the IEC Working Holiday visa or co-op/internship programs offered by schools. These can help you gain valuable Canadian work experience and make important connections in the industry.

Moreover, networking is key in Canada’s job market. Joining accounting organizations, attending industry events, and connecting with people in your field can open up new opportunities and help you advance your career.

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How to Find a Job in Canada as an Accountant

If you’re an accountant looking for work in Canada, the internet is your best bet for finding job postings. While conducting a simple Google search for “accounting jobs in Canada” will yield many results, there are specific websites to consider, such as Accounting Jobs, Randstad, and ACCA.

When submitting your application materials, ensure they are formatted according to Canadian standards. Additionally, once you receive an interview invitation, do some research on the company, dress professionally, and bring all relevant credentials with you. With perseverance and dedication, you’ll find a suitable accounting job in no time!

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Where to Find Help with Immigration?

If you’re planning on immigrating to Canada and want assistance with the process, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can provide you with invaluable support. These professionals are authorized by the Canadian government to provide immigration services and can help you navigate the complex process of immigrating to Canada.

To find an RCIC, you can search for their name or registration number on the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) website. It’s important to verify that the RCIC you choose is in good standing with the ICCRC and has a valid license to practice.

In addition to RCICs, there are also immigration lawyers and paralegals who can assist with the immigration process. It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable professional to ensure that your immigration journey is a smooth one.

Overall, seeking professional assistance from an RCIC or other immigration professional can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Canada as an accountant can be a rewarding career move for those looking for new opportunities and a high standard of living. The Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are two popular immigration programs for accountants. Furthermore, accountants from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia can take advantage of mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and reciprocal membership agreements (RMAs) to obtain the Canadian CPA designation. However, newcomers may face challenges in finding employment due to the specialized nature of the accounting field and the need to familiarize themselves with Canadian regulations and certifications. Job seekers should utilize online resources and connect with recruiters to increase their chances of finding a suitable position. Finally, hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can help simplify the immigration process and provide expert guidance throughout the journey.

How to Immigrate to Canada as an Accountant