Canada’s economy is one of the most stable in the world, it was only touched by the 2008 crisis and continues to grow, GDP per capita is among the top in the world. Canada has large deposits of oil, uranium, aluminum, gold, potassium and many other metals. The agricultural sector is very well developed thanks to the vast territory and fishing thanks to the northern seas rich in fish. Not to mention that the country also has an extremely advanced and constantly growing industrial and technological sector. But if you want to work in Canada, you should know that this is not an easy path.
Work in Canada
The labor market is excellent, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Salaries are commensurate with the cost of living. A waiter, for example, earns an average of $1,300/1,400 per month and the same amount in tips (which are mandatory), so they have an income they can live well on.
It is quite easy to find a seasonal job in the tourism and hospitality industry. Finding a permanent job in the four major Canadian cities: Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal, competition is fierce, although employment opportunities are greatest in these cities. A good knowledge of English or French, depending on the region, is a basic requirement, but it would be better to know both.
It is not easy to find work in Canada from abroad. Especially if you are not a highly skilled worker, because hiring a non-Canadian or native costs the employer money and time.
Many people would like to go to Canada without a work permit, hoping to find work there and later become legalized. However, to do so, the employer would have to obtain a work permit, which is difficult because the process is expensive and takes a lot of time.
After trying in vain to find work, some opt for illegality. There is no shortage of illegal workers in Canada, especially in the hospitality, construction and cleaning industries, but those who are caught are expelled from the country and not allowed to enter Canada again.
To be able to work in Canada, two requirements are essential: knowledge of English and/or French (better yet, both languages) and an occupation that is on the shortage occupation list. Without these two requirements, moving to Canada is almost impossible. Remember that you do not choose Canada, Canada chooses you.
In addition, it is important to know that it is not easy to find a job, as foreign qualifications are either not recognized or only partially recognized in Canada. In many cases, one must go back to study and complete an apprenticeship.
You can check the Canadian equivalent of your degree on the WES website (Assessment for Immigration), but that does not mean you are approved in Canada. To get the correct information about the recognition of your degree, you have to create your profile, pay a fee and your college has to send all original documents to WES and wait 2/3 weeks for the answer.
On the other hand, if you are a manual worker, (electrician, plumber, etc.), in addition to the diploma, you must prove the professional experience acquired abroad (with appropriate documents) and then pass an exam to obtain the work permit. If you cannot prove your work experience, you will have to work as an apprentice for about three years if you meet the age limits. Given the shortage of such workers, you can even earn $50 per hour.
Most in-demand jobs in Canada
The leading sectors of the Canadian economy are:
- Aerospace, Equipment, and Software Manufacturing. One of the leading sectors in Canada is aerospace: aircraft, aircraft parts, instruments, flight simulators, radars, and electronic components. A sector that employs nearly 100,000 people
- Manufacturing of automobiles, machinery and equipment. Another very important sector, employing over 100,000 people.
- Primary sector. Agriculture, fishing and mining
On the Government of Canada website, you can view a report on the most in-demand jobs, the areas with the lowest unemployment rate, and the developing sectors.
Work in Canada, visas
To work in Canada, you must obtain a visa or temporary work permit. In most cases, you must receive a job offer from a Canadian employer (sponsor) to do so. However, if your occupation is on the shortage occupation list, you can apply for an express entry visa, and if you reach a certain score, you can freely enter Canada without a company having to sponsor you.
To hire a foreign worker, the employer usually has to prove that the company needs the worker in question and that no Canadian is willing to do the job. Then the HRSDC, (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada) must issue the LMIA (authorization to hire foreign workers). For some jobs, this permit is not required.
Let us look at the different work visas or permits:
1 Express Entry is the most common way to enter Canada for those whose occupation is on the skilled workers list. Once on the site, you must fill out your profile and receive an assessment that takes into account many factors: Educational qualifications, professional skills, work experience, language skills, etc. If you are suitable, they will contact you and you will be given the right to enter the country to work, but no guarantee of a permanent residence permit.
2 Provincial Nominee Program, (PNP), Canadian regions have great autonomy and can request the workers they need. It is possible to apply directly to the region if you do not meet the parameters set for the Express Entry Program. I advise you to try the provinces where there are fewer foreigners and where it is easier to obtain the PNP (Manitoba, Saskatchewan), or in any case find out in which provinces your profession is most in demand and consequently the chances of obtaining a visa are greater. Do not underestimate the possibility of consulting an immigration agency.
3 Quebec Selected Skilled Workers, specific program of the French-speaking region of Quebec to recruit workers. For those interested in working in this region, it might be worth visiting the Journées Québec FRANCE, a job fair held each year in Paris to find personnel willing to move to Quebec. There are also virtual job fairs
4 Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFW) and International Mobility Program (IMT) In this case, you must find a company that will sponsor you, and the company must submit an application to the relevant authorities, who will decide whether or not to accept the application. It is possible to work in all industries. The length of stay depends on the duration of the employment contract, but very often workers who want to stay in the country apply for a permanent residence permit. The number of temporary workers (TFW and IMT) who entered Canada in 1996 was 50,000, and in 2017 it exceeded 300,000. The age of these workers ranges from 18 to 64.
In Canada, there is a National Occupational Classification. You need to check which category your occupation falls into and consequently which type of program is suitable for you.
5 International Experience Canada (IEC), also called Working Holiday Visa (WHV), is a programme designed for young people who want to visit and work in Canada.
Work in Canada, useful resources
Here are the websites that, if you read carefully, contain all the information you need to move and work in Canada. So, first of all, take a few hours and read them carefully.
- Canadian Government website with all the information on living about working in Canada
- Government of the Province of Quebec website with all the information about working in Quebec
- Youth portal, contains useful information about work and professions
- Planning to work in Canada, a workbook
Looking for job in Canada
1 LinkedIn by connecting with businesses and building a network of connections. I recommend updating your profile
2 Contacting people directly, meeting people or building a network of connections that can tell you about companies, when and how to contact them. This is one of the best ways.
3 Direct search for companies, you can send your self application, do not forget to include your CV and cover letter
- Yellow pages, the largest database of companies in Canada
- Canadaone, you can search by business sector
- Yelp, list of restaurants and more
4 Canadian Ministry of Labor, job listing and information on how to get a visa, how to look for work, the most in-demand jobs, average salaries, how to start a business and more.
5 Canadian Employment Office, with offices across the country, (for those who have IEC and are already in Canada).
6 job search websites
- Canadajobs, one of the most popularweb sites
- Eluta, Canadian job search engine
- Craigslist, job posting section
- Workopolis, another Canadian job search engine
- Kijiji, classifieds website
- Engineerscanada, job listing for engineers
- Toronto job, job openings in Toronto
- Workinculture, creative and cultural jobs
- Hcareers, hospitality jobs
- Career Edge, job offers and internships for young graduates
- Talen egg, job offers and internships for young graduates
- Summerjobs, seasonal or temporary jobs
6 Employment agencies
- Canadian agencies, it is possible to search by region
7 Immigration agencies, you can do the paperwork yourself, but if you want to be more relaxed or need special advice, you can hire a good immigration agency.
8 Job fairs, job fairs are always a good way to meet companies that need staff. I understand that entering Canada is a bit complicated, but if you are already in Canada on a tourist visa or WHV, you can attend the fair
9 Volunteer, another way to get a foothold in Canada is to volunteer for a while to build a network of contacts and acquaintances and look for work in the meantime. Remember that you will also need a visa to volunteer. Contact the organization to find out if they can help you obtain the visa.
- Volunteer, all information about volunteering in Canada
- Cadip, association of volunteers in Canada
- Parks Canada Agency, volunteer opportunities in canadian parks
Work in Canada, conclusion
In summary, there are 4 ways to enter Canada to work:
1 Skilled workers: if your profession is on the list, you can apply to enter Canada. Keep in mind that your skills will be evaluated and you will need to achieve a certain score. This is by no means easy, or you can apply for the PNP (Provincial Nominating Programme).
2 WHV (International Experience Canada), once you are in Canada, you have the opportunity to work, and if you have good skills, it is possible that the employer will be willing to invest in you and extend your work permit. Alternatively, you can contact a good immigration lawyer who can help you find a company to sponsor you for a fee.
3 Study permit (which allows you to work part-time while studying). This is the longest and most expensive path, but also the one that offers the greatest chance of success. It is an investment that will allow you to:
- live in Canada
- get points
- acquire professional skills
- meet the right people for your future work,
and at the end of your studies it will be much easier to enter the job market.
4 Sponsor, it is not easy to find a sponsor because companies tend not to sponsor a person without knowing them and evaluating their capabilities. The only exception is the IT sector. Those who send resumes from abroad without someone on the ground to recommend their application have little chance of being considered.
If you are serious about finding work in Canada, I definitely recommend using the services of organizations that will give you the best chance of success.
