Photographers are highly in demand in Canada, so you should relocate as an experienced photographer. This will create numerous job opportunities and earn a high salary. As a photographer, you can only immigrate to Canada if you meet the eligibility requirements to work in Canada. Canada, also known as the land of maple leaves, is a unique country with a welcoming nature and diverse communities. The abundance of job opportunities across various sectors has made photographers in demand in Canada. However, thousands of Photographers intend to relocate to Canada for a better life.
Canada needs highly skilled photographers from all across the globe. Meanwhile, you may be able to secure a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa with or without a job offer. However, if you are considering moving to Canada as a Photographer, this article has compiled all the necessary information you will need.
Why are photographers in demand in Canada? This and many more questions will be answered below. Furthermore, before immigrating to Canada as a photographer, you must apply for several immigration pathways. It will be impossible to immigrate to Canada without applying for any immigration pathways.
According to a report, expanding the fashion, art, and entertainment industries has put photographers in demand in Canada. In this article, you’ll understand the different immigration pathways to move to Canada as a photographer. Also, we have listed some provinces in Canada that have opportunities for photographers. Let’s get started.
Who is a Photographer?
Photographers use their skills and aesthetic talent to capture people, products, events, fashion, structures, and others on film or media devices. However, many photographers use digital cameras to capture the images of their subjects. Furthermore, they can specialize in genres like commercial, fashion, portrait, event, forensic, aerial, scientific photography, or photo-journalism.
Photographers can also learn by working in related fields or taking up post-secondary education programs. Additionally, computer skills are very important for digital photography. This field is very competitive; therefore, you must be up-to-date with your knowledge of photography and ideas.
It’s also one of the reasons why photographers are in demand in Canada, and professionals are needed. Read on as we take you through a photographer’s primary duties and earnings in Canada.
Primary Duties of a Photographer in Canada
As a professional photographer, you will perform any of the following duties. As such, you can relocate to Canada as a photographer with any of them.
- You will observe the requirements of a particular assignment. As well as deciding on the perfect type of camera, film, lighting, and background accessories.
- You will determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment, and photograph subjects.
- You may need to operate scanners and transfer photographic images to computers.
- Also, you may need to operate computers to edit photographic images.
- Can adapt existing photographic images and create newly digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products.
- You will also work with delicate instruments, like the optical microscopes attached to cameras.
- May process the exposed film.
- You can retouch negatives using an airbrush, computer, or other techniques.
- Medical photographers will have to work closely with medical illustrators.
- Photographers may specialize in portrait, commercial, scientific, forensic, medical, digitized, and multimedia photography.
Career Pathways
As a photographer just starting your career, you will likely work as a photographer’s assistant at a studio. Or probably make prints in a photo lab or other professional settings. Furthermore, you can also get employment opportunities for wedding and portrait photography.
Once you have gathered enough experience, you can start your own business and have a specialty or work for bigger organizations. However, some photographers can choose to provide images to image banks. This is a source of income as they get paid every time website developers, advertising, or marketing agencies use their photos.
Pathways to Move to Canada as a Photographer
If you want to move to Canada as a photographer, there are various programs you can choose from. Therefore, you should understand the process and choose the best suits you.
These pathways include:
- Express Entry.
- Provincial Nominee Programs.
- In-Demand Occupations.
- Job Offer.
- Quebec Experience Class.
1: Express Entry
The Express Entry system is the simplest pathway to relocate to Canada as a photographer. However, you can choose the best program from the available options. To use this program, you must meet the requirements for your selected program.
These programs include:
- Canada Experience Class.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2: Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program can also be used in place of the Express Entry, especially if you want to work and live in a specific province. Meanwhile, to be eligible for this program, you must meet the requirements. Additionally, you must meet the stated conditions for the job in the province.
3: In-demand Jobs
At times, some jobs are classified among the in-demand jobs in Canada due to a scarcity of employees in a particular job. If your job as a photographer falls in this category, you can use the in-demand job to relocate to Canada.
4: Quebec Experience Class
The Quebec Experience Class is designed for workers who specialize in a certain job and intend to work and live in Quebec. However, workers in Quebec must provide proof of proficiency in French. This means that you need to take a French language proficiency test to prove that you are fluent in French.
Steps to Move to Canada as a Photographer
If you intend to move to Canada as a photographer, the following steps are for you.
1. Create an express entry account
Firstly, you need to create an express entry profile. To open an account, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website.
2. Choose a program
The next thing is to select a program, which serves as the pathway to move to Canada. Therefore, you need to be cautious while at it. Furthermore, you will be disqualified if you are not eligible for your chosen program.
Under the express entry system, we have:
- Canada Experience Class.
- Federal skilled trade program.
- Federal skilled worker program.
- Provincial Nominee programs.
- Quebec Experience Class.
- Quebec skilled worker program.
3. Find a job in Canada
You can search for jobs with Canadian employers. If you qualify for a particular job, you will prepare documentation. However, your employer must meet some conditions before you can be hired.
4. Receive an invitation to apply
Luckily, if you qualify for the program you select, you will receive an invitation to apply. However, only candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores will receive this invitation. Because of this, it’s appropriate that you select a program as your requirements if you want to get an invitation to apply.
5. Submit your application with supporting documents
After getting an invitation to apply, you will be requested to reply within sixty days. This reply must contain your application and other documents. Therefore, all your documents must be ready and up-to-date before beginning the process. Aside from filling out your application and providing your supporting documents, you must also add an application fee of $150.
6. Get your work permit
Before 28 days elapse, after submitting your application and supporting documents, you’ll be contacted and obtain a reply from the IRCC. However, ensure that none of your documents are missing and pay your application fee to avoid being delayed. Therefore, you must ensure that your application is complete and diligently filled
7. Welcome to Canada
Lastly, you should start preparing to move to Canada. Also, remember to collect your work permit at the port of entry in Canada. If your permit is not ready at the moment of entry, the immigration official will give you another date.
Employment Requirements to Move to Canada as a Photographer
As a photographer, before you can move to Canada, there are some specific requirements you must meet. Meanwhile, these requirements are categorized as general and specific requirements.
1. General requirements
As a foreign worker in Canada, there are some general requirements you must meet. They include:
- Education qualifications.
- Valid job offer
- Work experience.
- Your partner’s ability.
- Proof of financial fund.
1. Language
If you want to travel to Canada as a photographer, ensure you meet the language requirements. You must provide proof of language proficiency from a trusted international exam body like IELTS, TOEFL, and others. English or French (in case you intend to live and work in the province of Quebec).
2. Age
Also, ensure you meet the age requirement to have an easy trip to Canada. Ideally, you must be at least 18 before moving to Canada as a photographer.
3. Education qualifications
The required Qualifications you’ll need to move to Canada is a secondary certificate. However, some jobs will demand that you have more than just a secondary school certificate. Therefore, getting a report from ECA to prove your academic qualifications is important.
4. Valid job offer
You can also relocate to Canada with your valid job offer as a photographer. This means that if you have the opportunity of a job, it’s a good way to start.
5. Adaptability
You will need to adapt to the Canadian weather or working culture; if not, living in Canada may be tough. Canada is known for its varying weather conditions Therefore, you must prove that you can work irrespective of the weather conditions in Canada.
6. Work experience
To increase your score in the comprehensive rankings system (CRS), you must include your work experience. Work experience means you have the skills and expertise to work in Canada. Therefore, while filling out your application, ensure you include all your previous work experience.
7. Your partner’s skills
Another factor that can help you to get more points in the comprehensive ranking system is your partner’s experience, skills, age, and language proficiency.
8. Proof of financial fund
You must also demonstrate your financial capability by showing proof of financial funds. This means you must have at least $11,000 to cover your living expenses like accommodation, transport, feeding, and other expenses in Canada.
2. Specific requirements
You will still fulfill specific requirements to immigrate to Canada as a photographer. Therefore, you must meet the criteria below:
- A bachelor’s degree in visual arts with a specialty in photography.
- Completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college, or specialized training schools.
- Comprehensive on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced photographer is required.
- Experience in or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be necessary.
- Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
Jobs in Canada for Photographers
One of the biggest questions when planning to move to Canada is, “Are photographers in demand in Canada?” The simple answer is Yes! Below are answers to some of the questions you may be wondering about. Scroll down!
Is there a high demand for photographers in Canada? Yes, there is! As mentioned, you can relocate to Canada as a photographer if you’re experienced. However, there is a high chance you will get a job in any of the eleven provinces in Canada.
Below are some Canadian provinces where you can get a job as a photographer.
- British Columbia.
- New Brunswick.
- Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Nova Scotia.
- Prince Edward Island.
Photographer’s Earnings in Canada
Photographers may earn an annual salary of $45,761 or $23.45 per hour in Canada. However, entry-level positions can start at $35,080 annually, while most experienced photographers can make up to $62,134 annually. Keep in mind that salaries are very competitive in Canada, therefore you should relocate as an experienced photographer.
The processing time for a Photographer’s work visa
Obtaining a Canadian work permit takes a while, between three to six months. Sometimes, it takes longer, especially if you fail or delay submitting an additional document.
