Immigrate to Canada as a Massage Therapist - Full Guide

Many foreigners who plan to immigrate to Canada as massage therapists are not making the wrong decision but instead taking a bold step towards bettering their lives.

Additionally, working in Canada as a massage therapist is one of the most rewarding jobs, especially for those who love to help others.

However, not everyone is aware of all the opportunities in the healthcare profession that differ from doctors and nurses.

The wonderful thing about the healthcare field is that you can pursue many jobs and professions that are not just a doctor or nurses.

Interestingly, there is a high demand for massage therapists in Canada. Therefore, the massage therapy program you take should be equipped with resources to help you find a job in Canada.

According to research, 61 percent of massage therapists can work full-time (more than 25 hours a week), while another 29 percent bring in part-time hours.

Indeed, massage therapy is a growing field. In addition, massage therapy is in demand from clients as you can make a full-time or part-time career in massage therapy if you wish.

What does a massage therapist do?

Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the body’s muscles and other soft tissues.

With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.

They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and educational institutions.

Furthermore, they suggest personalized treatment plans for their clients, including information about additional relaxation techniques to practice between sessions.

However, massage therapists can specialize in many different types of massage or modalities. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require other techniques.

Deep-tissue massage and sports massage are just a few of the many modalities of massage therapy.

In addition, the type of massage given typically depends on the client’s needs and physical condition. For example, massage therapists use a special technique for elderly clients.

Some forms of massage are given solely to one client; for example, prenatal massage is given only to pregnant women.

A trigger-point massage is best for specific issues or conditions, such as chronic pain.

Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), massage therapists are NOC 3236.

Massage therapist job descriptions

However, the following are your main job duties as a massage therapist in Canada.

Firstly, massage therapists assess clients by conducting motion and muscle tests and proposing treatment plans.
They also explain procedures, risks, and benefits to clients.
In addition, they administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, exercise programs, and client self-help programs.
They suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
Furthermore, they maintain records of treatments given to the client at any time.
Most importantly, they consult with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, when developing treatment plans for clients.

Examples of massage therapists under NOC 3236

The following are illustrations of occupations under NOC 3236 for massage therapists.

Massage therapist (MT)
Mass therapist
Myotherapist
Morthotherapist
Registered massage practitioner
Mass kinesitherapist
Registered massage therapist (RMT)
Thai massage therapist

Requirements to work in Canada as a massage therapist

Undoubtedly, Canada’s employment requirements have several criteria for foreigners who desire to work or immigrate to Canada as massage therapists.

Thus, here are the requirements you need to fulfill before you can work as a massage therapist in Canada.

Massage therapists require completing an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school and a period of supervised practical training.
Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, British Columbia, and Newb New Brunswick.

However, you need to get a certification from a regulatory authority in these provinces before you start working as a massage therapist in Canada.

British Columbia: College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia

Newfoundland and Labrador: College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland & Labrador

Ontario: College of Massage Therapists of Ontario

New Brunswick: College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick

Exclusions for massage therapists under NOC 3236

Indeed, some occupations are not included in the list of massage therapist jobs under NOC 3236.

Medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) (See 321 Medical technologists and technicians (except dental health))
Other technical occupations in health care (See 323 Other technical occupations in health care)
Physiotherapy assistants (See 3237 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)

Requirements to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist

However, for you to have stress-free immigration to Canada as a massage therapist, you must be able to meet certain requirements.

These requirements are divided into two parts: the general requirements and the specific requirements.

General requirements to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist

Interestingly, immigrating to Canada to work demands some compulsory requirements. These requirements include:

Language

If you wish to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist, you must be able to speak the official languages of Canada (English and French).

However, you are required to submit language proficiency test results. They include

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
Test d’Evaluation de Français Canada (TEF)
Test de Connaissance du Français Canada (TCF)
The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)

Age

Age is another factor to be considered while immigrating to Canada. When one is above 18 years, he or she is eligible to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist.

Educational qualifications

Usually, in Canada, every immigrant seeking employment must have some educational qualification, such as completing a high school education or having an ordinary-level certificate. Therefore, to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist, you must be qualified educationally.

Your partner’s ability

The work experience, skills, language proficiency, and age of your spouse or common-law partner can also help you to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist.

However, this helps to increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) point.

Adaptability

Trying to Immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist may require your ability to adapt to the new environment, the weather, and the working conditions in Canada,

However, if you cannot cope with these changes, you may not be able to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist.

Work experience

Your work experience is a huge factor to consider when immigrating to Canada as a massage therapist.

Therefore, when planning to immigrate to Canada, you must have proof of your profession through the experiences you have gathered in your previous working places.

Specific requirements to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist

Undoubtedly, it is important for all massage therapists to get a license from one of the Professional associations across Canada’s provinces and territories.

As an aspiring massage therapist, you must be registered under a regulatory body in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.

Pathways to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist

As a prospective massage therapist, you can begin your immigration application and processing through Express Entry or by requesting for nomination from a province or territory in Canada.

Express Entry

Express entry program is the most common pathway program available for immigrants who wish to immigrate to Canada as massage therapists.

However, for you to use this program, you must open an Express entry profile; choose the correct option that matches your occupation among the following divisions of the Express Entry program:

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Indeed, you can apply through one of Canada’s Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) to become a permanent resident in the long run.

With this in mind, you can get a nomination for Canada’s permanent residency through any of the following PNPs.

Steps to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist

When you already know the steps required to immigrate to Canada, you will be less likely to encounter challenges along the way.

Undoubtedly, below are stepwise guides on how you can begin processing to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist.

#Step1: Open an Express Entry profile

As a prospective massage therapist, you first need to open an Express entry profile.

Opening this account is free if you visit IRCC’s official website, the only money you will pay is the application letter fee.

#Step 2: choose a program

The second Step in this process is for you to choose a program that will help you to go through an application and immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist.

In that case, you must endeavor to choose a program that is in line with your occupation.

#Step 3: get a job off

If you want to immigrate to Canada successfully as a massage therapist, you should get a job offer from a Canadian employer.

More so, the employer will approve that no employee in Canada can perform that role or function and take permission from the labor market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

#Step 4: get an invitation to apply

You will be notified to apply, but this happens when you qualify for any program under the Express entry system you have chosen.

However, many factors will determine your qualification to apply, such as language proficiency, age, work experience, and educational qualification, as well as others.

#Step 5: submit your application with other supporting documents

The next Step in this process is for you to submit your documents and application letter.

The application must be submitted within 60 days from the date you got the invitation to apply.

Additionally, to immigrate to Canada as a massage therapist, you must ensure that you submit your application letter, which will cost you CAD$150.

#Step 6: get your work permit

However, the next thing you can do is apply for a work permit when you land in Canada at the port of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are our massage therapists in high demand in Canada?

Of course, several establishments in Canada sought the services of a massage therapist. They are even willing to employ eligible foreigners to work for them.

What is the massage therapist’s NOC code?

NOV 3236

What is the average salary of a massage therapist in Canada?

Massage therapists in Canada make an average salary of $66,426 per year or $34.06 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $50,023 per year. Experienced workers make up to $107,250 per year.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a better idea of how to become a licensed massage therapist and the necessary steps you need to take to land a job in the field.

Immigrate to Canada as a Massage Therapist – Full Guide