Relocating to Canada as an Insurance Agent and Broker opens up excellent prospects for securing employment with a diverse range of insurance companies, spanning both the public and private sectors. This article will provide you with insights into the prerequisites for immigration to Canada, as well as the procedures and routes to navigate when pursuing immigration.
Furthermore, you will gain an understanding of the core roles and obligations fulfilled by Insurance Agents and Brokers, along with examples of job titles falling under the category of Insurance Agent and Broker in Canada.
What is an Insurance Agent And Broker
Insurance agents and brokers are professionals who specialize in selling a variety of insurance types, including life, auto, property, health, and more. Their clients can range from individuals to businesses and public institutions.
Insurance agents typically work directly for specific insurance companies, serving as their representatives. On the other hand, insurance brokers have more diverse employment options. They may work for brokerage firms, operate in partnerships, or have their own independent businesses. This category also includes supervisors overseeing the work of insurance agents.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for professionals in the field of Insurance Agents and Brokers is 6231.
Responsibilities of an Insurance Agent And Broker
Insurance Agents And Brokers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Sell automobile, fire, health, life, property, marine, aircraft, and other types of insurance to clients.
- Establish client insurance coverage, calculate premiums and establish a method of payment.
- Provide information concerning the group and individual insurance packages, the range of risk coverage, benefits paid, and other policy features.
- Ensure appropriate forms, medical examinations, and other policy requirements are completed.
- Monitor insurance claims and responds to clients’ inquiries.
- Identify and solicit potential clientele.
Available Insurance Agents And Brokers Jobs in Canada
The following are examples of jobs under the NOC code 6231 are:
- automobile insurance agent
- automobile insurance salesman/woman
- district supervisor – insurance office
- field agent – insurance
- fire insurance agent
- fire insurance salesman/woman
- general insurance representative
- group insurance representative
- insurance agent
- insurance agent supervisor
- insurance broker
- insurance sales agent
- insurance sales representative
- insurance sales supervisor
- insurance salesman/woman
- life insurance agent
- life insurance representative
- life insurance salesman/woman
Requirements to work in Canada as an Insurance Agent And Broker
The following are the requirements that must be met before being eligible to work in Canada as an Insurance agent and Broker:
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- On-the-job training and insurance industry courses and training programs are provided and are required for employment.
- Licensure by the insurance governing body in the province or territory of employment is required.
Additional information
- Progressing to insurance management positions is possible through experience.
- Completing educational programs through the Insurance Institute of Canada entitles agents to professional recognition as a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), or a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP).
- Completing educational courses through the Financial Advisors Association of Canada (Advocis) allows for various levels of professional designations for insurance and financial advisors.
Exclusion(s)
These are the exclusion(s) of jobs under the NOC code 6231:
- Insurance managers (See 0121 Insurance, real estate, and financial brokerage managers)
- Insurance underwriters (See 1313 Insurance underwriters)
- Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (See 1212 Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers)
Requirements to immigrate to Canada as an Insurance Agent And Broker
It is just as essential to meet some requirements to obtain permanent residence through Canada’s immigration programs.
These are the requirements that intended immigrants to Canada, including Insurance agents and Brokers, must meet. They include; General and specific requirements.
General Requirements:
- Language requirements
- Age requirements
- Educational requirements
- Adaptability
- work experience
- Your partner’s skills
Language requirements
As Canada is a multilingual country, immigrants such as Insurance Agents and Brokers need to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in English and French, preferably in languages.
You will be required to take some language proficiency tests, the test includes:
- 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)
Age Requirements
Age is essential in taking an aptitude test for your profile and educational qualifications at the Canadian Immigration Department.
It is rare to see a 17-year-old immigrant in Canada working. The minimum age for immigrating as an Insurance agent and Broker is 18 years.
Education
The minimum educational qualification for immigrants to Canada as insurance agents and brokers is to graduate from secondary school and can be graduated with additional qualifications to stand a better chance for immigration.
Adaptability
When moving to Canada as an Insurance agent and Broker, it is imperative to be physically and mentally healthy to adapt to the weather and working conditions.
A medical certificate is required for verification of an immigrant’s health.
Work experience
Work experience is crucial if you decide to move to Canada as an Insurance agent and Broker.
It determines if the internship is entry-level, part-time, or full-time. Generally, you may need at least two years of work experience.
Your partner’s skills.
It is beneficial to have a knowledgeable partner as you are more likely to move to Canada as an Insurance agent and Broker to aid your immigration journey during the verification process.
Special requirements
These requirements are related to educational and professional qualifications.
- Completion of college or secondary school education is required
- Some years of experience on the job as an Insurance agent and Broker.
How to Successfully Relocate to Canada as an Insurance Agent And Broker
- Check if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration based on factors like your age, education, and work experience.
- Choose the right Canadian immigration program, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
- Verify your language proficiency by taking tests like IELTS or TEF.
- If your education is from outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to compare your qualifications.
- Collect documents proving your work experience as an Insurance Agent and Broker.
- Create an Express Entry profile and enter your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if applicable.
- Having a job offer can help, so secure one from a Canadian employer if possible.
- Submit your immigration application with all necessary documents.
- If you’re in Express Entry, wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your CRS score.
- Complete medical exams and provide police clearance certificates.
- Pay required application fees and biometrics fees.
- If asked, complete the biometrics process.
- Attend an interview with Canadian immigration officials if needed.
- Upon approval, receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a visa to enter Canada.
- Move to Canada as a permanent resident and show proof of funds upon arrival.
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for employment and government services.
- Begin your job search as an Insurance Agent and Broker in Canada by networking and exploring job opportunities.
- Meet provincial licensing requirements for Insurance Agents and Brokers in your chosen province.
- After a specific period in Canada, you may become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.