From undocumented immigrant in the U.S. to legal worker in Canada

Many undocumented immigrants in the United States possess valuable skills and work experience that align with the needs of the Canadian labor market. Entering Canada's immigration system can have positive results as long as the government's requirements are met.

Today I want to share a helpful guide to explore the most common occupations among undocumented workers in the U.S. and how your experience can match with Canadian immigration programs and get permanent residency. Read with me to the end and assess whether you might qualify - let's get started!

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Most common occupations in Canada for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

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Undocumented immigrants in the United States often work in industries that require technical skills and significant labor. Many of these occupations are aligned with Canada's immigration pathways for skilled and semi-skilled workers. Below are the most prominent occupations in Canada:

1. The construction 

Includes general laborers, electricians, plumbers, framers, roofers, with the ability to perform physical labor, technical knowledge and skills (e.g., electrical wiring, plumbing systems), full compliance with safety standards.

This trade is in high demand in Canada and the government has the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) with specific streams for trades. Certification or licensing may be required, which could involve testing or completing apprenticeships in Canada.

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2. Agriculture

Includes crop workers, livestock caretakers, harvesters, greenhouse workers. Requires skills such as physical stamina, knowledge of planting, irrigation, harvesting and basic machinery operation.

This occupation is in high demand in Canada, especially in rural areas. The migration programs available have been the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (which this year 2025 reached the number of allocations) and the Provincial Nominee Program streams focused on agriculture, which are open mainly in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan .

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3. Hotel and food service workers

Includes cooks, waiters, dishwashers, cleaning staff. Requires customer service skills, food preparation, attention to cleanliness and safety standards.

In Canada, there is a high demand for hospitality workers, especially in regions with tourism-based economies . Immigration programs include the Provincial Nominee Program (e.g., hospitality-focused flows in British Columbia), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Food preparation experience (cooks, chefs) may qualify for skilled worker programs, while general roles fit into semi-skilled worker pathways.

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4. Manufacturing and fabrication

Includes assembly line workers, machine operators, packers, quality control. Requires machine handling skills, attention to detail, knowledge of manufacturing processes.

Canada has high demand for factory workers in provinces such as Ontario and Quebec and offers the Provincial Nominee Program for semi-skilled labor, with employer-driven immigration options, which can sponsor workers under programs leading to permanent residency.

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5. Cleaning and maintenance workers

It includes janitors, cleaners, maintenance personnel, gardeners, and requires skills in facilities maintenance, equipment handling, basic repair skills.

In Canada, cleaning and maintenance roles are often included in semi-skilled labor streams and the Provincial Nominee Program addresses the shortage of workers in these roles.

Work experience in this sector may also qualify for employer-sponsored immigration.

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6. Domestic and child care workers

It covers nannies, housekeepers, caregivers of the elderly and requires skills for child care, home management, basic care of the elderly or people with disabilities.

In Canada, there is high demand for caregivers under the In-Home Child Care Provider and In-Home Support Worker programs.

The immigration programs available are caregiver pilots and employer-sponsored pathways. Relevant work experience can lead to permanent residency through these specific programs, provided the requirements are met.

Aligning work experience with Canadian immigration programs

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The following programs may work for those undocumented workers in the U.S. aligned with experience in the above-mentioned fields who meet these requirements:

1. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Eligibility Requirements

• At least 2 years of work experience in a skilled trade.
• Proficiency in English or French.
• Certification or a job offer from a Canadian employer may be required.

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2. Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)

• Many provinces target semi-skilled and skilled workers in specific industries such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing.

Key migratory flows:

• British Columbia entry level and semi-skilled category.
• Ontario and Alberta programs focused on trades and factory work.
• Immigration Pilot Program for Rural Communities.

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3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Aimed at semi-skilled and skilled workers in the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador).
• High demand for roles in agriculture, hospitality and care.

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4. Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program 

The launch of this enhanced caregiver program replaces the previous in-home child care provider and in-home support worker pilots. To obtain permanent residency, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

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• Candidates must have a minimum proficiency in English or French (level CLB 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmark Tests).
• A degree equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
• Relevant work experience and a full-time home care job offer, educational qualifications.

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Steps to transition to the Canadian immigration system

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Undocumented immigrants in the United States can trade the difficult reality of their uncertain future for the opportunity to be in a new country with welcoming policies for foreigners. If you are undocumented in the United States and wish to live in Canada, follow the steps below:

1. Evaluate your work experience, review your job duties and link them to Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
2. Take an English or French test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP) to meet the requirements of Canada's immigration programs.
3. Collect evidence of your work experience, such as letters from employers, pay stubs or employment contracts.
4. Research Provincial Nominee Programs that focus on your occupation and region of expertise.
5. Seek guidance from a Canadian Bar Association (CICC) regulated consultant or Canadian immigration lawyer to assess your options and prepare your application.

At Immiland Canada, we can guide you. We are a company aimed at helping foreigners prepare a legal and guided immigration plan to travel to Canada and obtain permanent residency. If you would like a CICC regulated consultant from our team to handle your case, you can schedule an appointment near you here.

Remember that understanding the requirements of Canada's immigration programs and seeking professional advice is the key to success in your application.

Are you undocumented in the United States and want to immigrate legally to Canada? Contact us at and we can evaluate your options.

You can complement the information in this article by following this official link: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/documents/pdf/english/campaigns/2433_takeaway_sp_rev.pdf

Thank you for reading us! Help us share this valuable information with other interested people, see you soon!

With love, 

Immiland Canada