The move to Canada creates great opportunities, but it will probably be challenging to find employment as a newcomer.
Despite having years of experience in your native country, Canadian employers might wish to learn more about your experience, educational background and legal right to work in Canada.
Good news is that Canada offers several options designed especially for newcomers and foreign workers. For instance, the Job Bank offered by the Government has a special section for newcomers and tools that can help job seekers connect with potential employers.
This guide will provide you with an insight into what kind of jobs immigrants can apply for, where to look for employment and how to increase your chances to get a job in Canada.
What Jobs Can Immigrants Do in Canada?
There is no single list of jobs reserved for immigrants.
Your options depend on your education, experience, language skills, location and work authorization.
Some newcomers find work in areas such as:
Healthcare
Information technology
Construction
Skilled trades
Transportation
Hospitality
Retail
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Administration
Customer service
Education
Finance and accounting
Engineering
What counts is finding employment that fits the real skills that you have and not just applying for hundreds of jobs.
Jobs for Newcomers Without Canadian Experience
One concern many immigrants have is:
"What if I don't have Canadian work experience?"
Although Canadian employers might require local experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should disregard your previous experience entirely.
It’s possible to increase your opportunities by properly highlighting your previous experience and demonstrating the applicability of your skills in Canada.
For example, instead of writing:
"Worked in an office."
You could explain:
"Managed customer records, prepared reports and handled daily communication with more than 50 clients."
Responsibilities and accomplishments provide employers with a clearer picture of your capabilities.
Where Can Immigrants Find Jobs in Canada?
1. Canada Job Bank
Job Bank, an official Canadian resource, is one of the first websites that you should check out.
Its Newcomers page lets you look for jobs as well as access resources relating to resume creation, credential recognition, language development, and settlement services.
You can even use the Job Match feature of the Job Bank website to set up a profile according to your skills and get job recommendations.
2. Employer Websites
Do not rely solely on online job boards.
Create your own list of firms that you would like to join and visit their official career website.
This strategy might come in handy especially if you have a particular industry in mind.
3. Job Fairs and Employment Services
It is suggested that Canada use job fairs and immigrant agencies.
The agencies may offer services like resume seminars, job searching skills and other employment services.
What If You Are Still Outside Canada?
It is a significant difference.
If you are already settled in Canada as a newcomer, your approach to searching for employment may differ from that of an individual who is still abroad.
If you are abroad and do not have work authorization, you are not eligible to apply to all Canadian job openings.
According to Job Bank, a foreign candidate who is not in Canada should seek companies that recruit international candidates.
The job postings indicate whether they accept international applicants.
Do Immigrants Need a Work Permit?
This will depend on your immigration status.
Foreign nationals generally require a work permit to work in Canada except for some special circumstances. There are currently employer-specific and open work permits in Canada.
When applying from outside Canada, determine your eligibility before making any employment plans.
What About Qualifications From Your Home Country?
While your educational background and work experience might help you land a job, keep in mind that some jobs in Canada are regulated.
Some careers might require obtaining a license or certification from Canada before you can practice them.
According to Job Bank, you should determine whether your career is regulated and if there is a need for recognition of your foreign qualifications. You can find out more using the Foreign Credential Recognition Tool.
If you are a physician, nurse, engineer, teacher, electrician, or another regulated professional, you should consider this issue.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Adapt your résumé
Create a résumé that clearly explains your experience and skills.
Improve your English or French
Language ability can make a significant difference, depending on your occupation and location.
Job Bank specifically recommends language improvement as part of the newcomer job-search process.
Learn Canadian workplace expectations
Interview styles, résumé formats and workplace communication may differ from what you're used to.
Consider related jobs
If your qualifications require Canadian recognition, you might temporarily consider a related position while completing the recognition process.
Network
Don't rely only on online applications.
Talk to people in your industry, attend job fairs and connect with professional organizations.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Before starting your job search, organize:
Résumé
References
Educational certificates
Academic transcripts
Professional licences
Training certificates
Work history
Proof of Canadian work authorization, if applicable
Having these documents ready makes it easier to respond when an employer asks for additional information.
A Simple Strategy for Newcomers
Instead of applying everywhere, try this:
Choose your occupation
↓
Check whether it is regulated
↓
Check whether your qualifications are recognized
↓
Prepare your résumé
↓
Search Job Bank and employer websites
↓
Apply to suitable positions
↓
Network and attend employment events
↓
Prepare for interviews
If you're still outside Canada, add another step at the beginning:
Check whether you are eligible to work in Canada.
Be Careful With Job Scams
Newcomers and people hoping to immigrate can be attractive targets for employment scams.
Be cautious if someone promises:
Guaranteed Canadian employment
Guaranteed visa approval
Guaranteed permanent residence
A job without an interview
A work permit in exchange for a large payment
Don't assume that a job offer automatically gives you permission to work in Canada.
If you are outside Canada, use official government information to understand your work-permit options.
Final Thoughts
Searching for employment as an immigrant can be challenging in Canada; this may take time, particularly when one is required to tailor their resume, develop language skills, or have their credentials evaluated.
But you do not have to tackle this alone.
Firstly, take the help of official Canadian resources for newcomers' employment, review your work authorization eligibility, determine if your field requires licensing and concentrate on the jobs that suit your background.
Also, keep in mind the following if you are not yet in Canada: do not just blindly apply for all Canadian job listings; apply only to the ones where international applicants are being recruited.