Dear Mr Brown,

I am a chemistry major who is interested in developing a line of vitamins and alternative medicine products. Please advise me of the best route to take in Canada to realise my goal.

— JL 

Dear JL:I will assume that you would have completed your degree locally before pursuing your goal in Canada. There are very good practical programmes in Canada in your area of interest that may assist you along this path. 

Chemical Laboratory AnalysisThis graduate certificate programme focuses on chemical and environment laboratory analysis and provides career opportunities in laboratory-related occupations in a multitude of different industries and sectors.The programme’s curriculum combines elements from industrial analytical chemistry and environmental testing while equipping students with the skills to design, implement, maintain, and improve a quality management industrial laboratory. Courses will place emphasis on a combination of technical and management skills in quality control and assurance, data analysis, and instrumentation control and usage.Students with existing university undergraduate education in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or pharmacy have the opportunity to utilise their previous theoretical learning to an applied, practical industrial laboratory and research-related setting that abides by national and international standards.Career options include, but are not limited to: Analytical technician, biochemistry technician, biological lab technician, chemical analyst or laboratory technician, formulation technician, pilot plant technician, quality control technician, validation and documentation technician and laboratory services following ISO 17025 standards.After completion of this two-year programme, you would be able to work in Canada for up to three years on an open work permit. You would then obtain additional points under the Express Entry Programme for Permanent Residence based on your Canadian experience, that is, having graduated from an institution in Canada and working in a skilled job for at least a year.Please visit

jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, Visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc. 

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM-a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to

jamaica2canada@gmail.com.