NOC code immigration question..counsellor vs psychologist in BC (doctorate, move to)

[1newyorkguy]

This is disheartening...right when I think I found a way around things, a new blockage.

I want to move to BC. It doesn't look like I have enough work experience to apply now as a Federal Skilled Worker. But I am planning on going to a master's program in mental health counselling. I figured out if I studied in BC for two years, I would qualify for the post-graduate work visa for two years..and then I could get the eligible work experience while in Vancouver.

But now I see counsellors are given a different code than psychologists and social workers. Counsellors are the only one of the three not on the list. But in BC you can't be considered a psychologist unless you go through a doctorate program!

Is there leeway there? I mean there are certainly overlapping job responsibilities...and in other provinces, I'd be considered a psychologist with just a masters degree.

GRRRRRR

[FrankTKO]

I think you need to see a consellor...

[movingwiththewind]

Originally Posted by 1newyorkguy

This is disheartening...right when I think I found a way around things, a new blockage.

I want to move to BC. It doesn't look like I have enough work experience to apply now as a Federal Skilled Worker. But I am planning on going to a master's program in mental health counselling. I figured out if I studied in BC for two years, I would qualify for the post-graduate work visa for two years..and then I could get the eligible work experience while in Vancouver.

But now I see counsellors are given a different code than psychologists and social workers. Counsellors are the only one of the three not on the list. But in BC you can't be considered a psychologist unless you go through a doctorate program!

Is there leeway there? I mean there are certainly overlapping job responsibilities...and in other provinces, I'd be considered a psychologist with just a masters degree.

GRRRRRR

I think, if you study and work in Canada, you will apply not in the skilled worker class category but in the newly created "Canadian experience class" which is created particularly for people who studied in Canada for at least 2 years and / or worked in Canada for 1 year. I think, if you apply in the Canadian experience class, the NOC code categories don't play a role as they do in the skilled worker category.

I'm inclined to think that it's more important that you have studied 2 years / worked 1 year in Canada than what you actually studied. Canadians bring about 250,000 immigrants into their country every year. With the new Canadian experience class category, they give a huge bonus to people who are already in the country studying / working, because these people already adapted to the life in Canada.

Just go there and study what you want.

[Kiwiluver]

Why not get an MSW? That is clearly a skilled class they are looking for.

[1newyorkguy]

Thanks..all good advice.