O*NET OnLine, a leading source of occupational information, describes the work activities of jobs that require creative thinking as “developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.”
The past several years saw a rise of this creative class, as more and more businesses and industries today rely on new ways of thinking and doing to navigate a fast-changing world.
WIth such a demand for creatives across the globe, the number of creative professionals who are interested to live and work overseas is exponentially increasing, with many tending to head to more progressive and liberal countries. The belief is that such places do not only present more opportunities for development, but are also more open to the unconventionality of the lifestyle attached to their profession.
If you’re in the business of creativity, where should you head to?
Canada – The Land of Opportunities
Canada is considered by most to be one of the best countries (if not the actual best country) to migrate to as a contract worker in the arts and media industry.
- First and foremost, Canada immigration has always been considered among the best in the world. There is no industry that it does not offer employment opportunities for.
- Secondly, Canada is quite welcoming to foreign workers. The government recognizes that immigrants do not only fill the many gaps in the country’s workforce, but also play a huge role in the economy. They are also responsible taxpayers and key investors in the country’s development initiatives. Studies likewise reveal that the offspring of immigrants are usually the best-educated young folks.
There are several other reasons why you should pick Canada if you are considering a lucrative career – especially if you are in the arts and media industry.
1. The “starving artist” does not typically exist in Canada.
In other countries, creatives do not always make the best income, but in Canada, it’s a different story. Migrant contract workers in all fields get good salary benefits. Not only that, work conditions for them are rather decent as well.
2. You can easily transplant your family in Canada.
Legal migrant workers and their families can access remarkable social security benefit programs in Canada. Also, the country’s educational and health facilities are highly subsidized. You do not have to worry about being away from your family even if you are a new employee at a media company.
3. Major U.S. productions take their operations to Canada.
Canada is called Hollywood North because a lot of film production settings that are supposed to be located in the U.S. are actually filmed in Vancouver or Toronto. If you are in the Canadian film and media industry, you actually have a big chance of crossing over to Hollywood (if that’s your goal) because of the numerous U.S. productions that take their operations to Canada.
4. The Canadian media landscape is growing at an impressive speed.
Yet again, there is no shortage of employment and professional development of opportunities for anybody in the art and media industry. With the country’s focus on smart technology and innovation, there is a projected increase in the demand for creatives like you as local and international organizations capitalize on Canada’s steadily developing media landscape.
It is worth noting as well that the job you have can grow into something else – you can increase your skills and make yourself eligible for even better professional positions.
5. You can take advantage of visa-free travel for your professional and personal development.
Contract workers that hold a Canadian passport can enjoy the advantage of visa-free travel to many countries all over the globe. Your company will not have any issue sending you abroad for seminars or training, and even exchange programs. Likewise, when you find yourself needing time away from the rat race, traveling overseas will not be a problem.
6. Culture shock is rarely an issue.
The migratory increase is responsible for about two-thirds of the country’s population growth. Wherever you may be from, you are surely going to adapt well in Canada because it has become a huge melting pot of different cultures.
The leading arts and media companies in the country strive to champion diversity in the workplace. They understand how the merging of different cultures and the work of migrant contract workers can help create a progressive (and profitable) workplace.
Visa information
Applying for a visa to Canada is fairly straightforward especially if you get the help of reputable immigration consultants. You can also gain express entry if your occupation falls under the Eligible Federal Skilled Worker Occupations list. The list is updated on a regular basis, but some of the creative occupations that have been considered as in-demand and eligible for fast-track entry include:
- Conservators and curators
- Archivists
- Authors and writers
- Editors
- Journalists
- Translators, terminologists and interpreters
- Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- Conductors, composers and arrangers
- Musicians and singers
- Dancers
- Actors and comedians
- Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
- Library and public archive technicians
- Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries
- Photographers
- Film and video camera operators
- Graphic arts technicians
- Broadcast technicians
- Audio and video recording technicians
A naturally gorgeous country that is welcoming and that sees the value of people in the workforce from different backgrounds – indeed, Canada is a fantastic place for your professional and artistic pursuits.
About the Author
Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past
