Are you planning to move to Canada? If yes, applying for a job in advance can help in smooth settlement in the new country! So, let’s discover answer to the most important queries, How to get a job in Canada for new immigrants? What to know while applying for jobs as a newcomer in Canada? Does Canadian experience really matter and how to gain it?
Canadian experience does matter! But, how to get it when you are a newcomer. So, let’s unfold some facts about immigration in Canada and how to land yourself with a good job.
Why is Canada an Immigration Hotspot?
Canada is one of the top choices for newcomers to immigrate to. The reasons are quality of education, healthcare, pro-immigration stand, diverse culture, stable banking, political and economic environment, and a secure place.
Having said that the top most reason for migrating to Canada is in search of job opportunities. The labour and workforce standards in Canada are well regulated with restrictions on work hours, wage levels, health and safety standards and leaves. In addition to this unfair treatment due to age, race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation is heavily monitored and taken action against.
There has been labour shortage in Canada for a very long time. Even during COVID-19 pandemic, there were high number of vacant jobs, yet the unemployment rate was low. In the second quarter of 2022, there are around 1 million job vacancies in Canada. Thus, the Canadian government is trying to fill this up by encouraging immigration. There are different pathways such as Express entry and Provincial Nominee Program to migrate to Canada.
Steps to get a Job in Canada for New Immigrants
You must start planning well in advance top manage things better.
Before Migrating to Canada
The moment you decide to immigrate to Canada,
- Start researching for companies that are in your domain.
- Connect with people in your sector via LinkedIn
- Email employers you are aiming for
- Learn English and French
- Take up skill assessments in your field
- Complete courses related to your job
- Brush up your interview skills
- Get letter of reference and strong endorsements
- Get help from pre-arrival services to perp to move to Canada, to get your educational qualifications, work experience and other certification recognized by Canada and to get access to free services after you arrive at Canada
- Learn about the province you are planning to move to.
- Research the Canada’s Top 100 Employers website: https://www.canadastop100.com/national/
- Make sure your other arrangements such as money, travel, food, accommodation and clothing is sorted before you enter into Canada, so that you can concentrate solely on job search keeping it as a priority.
After Migrating to Canada
Now, that you have landed in Canada, you need to be more active in pursuing your career path:
1. Obtain Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You must apply for the Social Insurance Number or SIN as it is called as soon as possible after landing in Canada. You need a SIN to be eligible to work in Canada unless you have a valid work permit.
2. Newcomer Services
Find a newcomer services near your stay and visit them. These can help in regards to getting a job, completing language test, putting your kinds in schools, learning about your community, and finding a permanent house or hostel to settle down in. You can explore Free Newcomer Services Near You. Service Canada also provides with important information on Searching and Applying for Jobs in Canada.
There are province-based mentor services for you to contact:
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
- Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC)
- Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
- Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC)
- Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)
3. Your Qualifications are Recognized or not
See if your current qualifications match with the Canadian job industry. Verify if the your degree and credentials will fit in the Canadian landscape. If not, focus on adding up to it and don’t hesitate in learning new skills and unlearning the old ones that have no relevance.
You have to start from somewhere, initially you may face struggles in getting a desired job, but gradually you will be working towards achieving your dreams. For certain jobs, you may need specific certifications and professional licenses to start with, so that’s how to go about it.
You also need a Canadian bank account, so do go through Best Banks in Canada for New Immigrants
4. Improve Your Resume
Attend a resume writing workshop and have a completed resume in hand that suits and is preferable to Canadian employers. Believe it! The resume structure in Canada is way different from what you might have presented in India or other countries.
Have a cover letter completed and customized to each employer you are applying, explaining why you wish to work with them and how your experience can help the organization.
5. Volunteer Jobs
Don’t worry, if it takes time to get the job of your interest. In the meantime, visit the Volunteer Canada website and volunteer to build network. You can also look to take up internship by applying to Federal internship for Newcomer’s program.
Be involved in a temporary, alternative jobs by the time you get a full-time job, in order to meet living expenses and add to your work experience. Employers hiring people with “no prior experience” could also be a starting point for your career roadmap.
6. Build Canadian Experience
Employers do look for “Canadian Experience” and that what you can get while working in Canada. You will often keep hearing and reading about gaining Canadian experience while hunting for a job. So, be quick enough to initiate building it up.
Follow different job searching portals that can help you find a job like Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. Join multiple job banks and portals and keep looking for the job matching your skillset. But, don’t hesitate to brush up and add on to your skills if that’s the need of the job market.
However, if you are a highly experienced person back home, patience is the key! It might take sometime to grab the job of your choice.
Initially, you can also try some gig economy jobs to start making some money in the new country. For this, do explore our list of 10 Best Gig Apps and Websites to Make Money in Canada.
7. Prepare for Interviews
The interviewing process and employer expectations might be a lot different than what you had gone through in your home country. So, be we-prepared to tackle any unexpected questions in a smart way.
Once you receive a call from your employer, always prefer to meet them in person for an interview. This will prove them that you are really interested in working for them.
8. Improve Your English/ French
English and French are the two main languages in Canada. If you are good at English, this could be advantageous in securing a wonderful job opportunity. French could be helpful only if you are moving to Quebec, Montreal, etc. or other parts wherein French is outrightly spoken.
Otherwise, having a command over English speaking can be beneficial in attaining a relevant job.
9. Networking
Job portals and websites are not the only resource of looking for a job. You must be open to build connections online and in person to express your professional interests. Not all might be ready to connect, but even if you are able to follow and approach some Canadian recruiters, professionals, and employers in your industry, it could prove to be a win-win situation.
This would not only guide you in learning the Canadian job prospects but the work culture and environment as well. Imagine your CV moving in the hands of the correct person, and here you hit the right note! You can find a great job!
References and recommendation letters (given by your employer or known person) can do wonders!
Now, that you are well acquainted with all the possible ways to find a perfect job, don’t wait and start working towards it!
Jobs that are in demand in Canada with Average Salary
NOC is National Occupational Classification is the National System used to describe different occupations in Canada.
- NOC Code 2175 – Web developer: $69,305 per annum
- NOC Code 0112 – Human resources Manager: $89,003 per annum
- NOC Code 2133 – Electrical engineers: $91,832 per annum
- NOC Code 3114 – Vet doctor: $95,804 per annum
- NOC Code 1223 – Recruitment officers: $65,292 per annum
- NOC Code 0111 & 1114 – Finance and accounts officers: $70,000 per annum
- NOC Code 4011 – Professors and lecturers: $100,000 per annum
- NOC Code 0611 – Marketing Manager: $150,000 per annum
- NOC Code 2146 – Aerospace: $90,000 per annum
- NOC Code 3131 – Pharmacist: $92,314
The average salaries may vary for different provinces and cities in Canada. However, employers have to pay a fixed minimum hourly wage rate as decided by the Federal and Provincial Governments.
Top Cities to Find a Job in Canada
- Toronto, Ontario
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Quebec City
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Kelowna, British Columbia
- Waterloo
- Mississauga
- Brantford, Ontario
- Abbotsford, British Columbia
You may also like to discover 10 Real Ways to make Money from Home and Online in Canada
Finding a Job in Canada as a New Immigrant
Statistical reports say that a job search can range from two days to 4 months in Canada as a migrant. Hence, it is crucial that you are patient and well prepared to wait until that time. Make sure you have sufficient funds for a minimum of 6 months to meet living expenses in the earlier stages. Cut down on unnecessary costs and time on entertainment, luxury and travel.
The cost of living is too high at some places in Canada, especially cities like Toronto and Vancouver. So, be ready to manage your finances well to settle in the beautiful country. Do explore the Financial Checklist for Newcomers in Canada before beginning your journey at the new destination.
It is also important that there are so many frauds and scams happening for migrants in order to search for a job. Make sure you reject any job offers where you need to pay a lumpsum to get employment. Trust your skills and experiences.
If you have any queries regarding finding a job in Canada as an immigrant, drop in the comments below. Or you can also join our active community of readers and experts at Fintrakk FAQ Portal, a fast growing hub. Here you will get a quick answer to all your queries related to managing your finances as well as settling in Canada.