How to find a job in Canada

Canada with its open-door policy towards migrants is perceived as the ideal place to live and work by those wanting to move out of their country. However, as a foreigner, getting a job in Canada is difficult. The good news is there is a huge demand for skilled professionals in the country.

 

Reasons why Canada needs skilled workers: A major percentage of existing skilled workers belong to the baby-boomer generation which means they will be retiring in a few years and companies will need the workforce to replace them. Unfortunately, the Canadian population has not grown in the required pace where they will be skilled workers to replace those who are retiring. Hence the country is looking at foreign workers for replacement.

 

There is a shortage of tech workers. Canada needs more workers belonging to the STEM category followed by healthcare and social assistance.

 

At the end of 2017, the country had nearly 400 thousand unfilled positions in the labor market. The high economic growth and the lack of skilled workers to keep up with this growth led to the shortage.

 

The Canadian government is encouraging immigrants to come and settle in the country to meet this shortage. In fact, the country wants nearly 1 million immigrants in this year and the next so that foreign workers can meet the skill shortage. Its migration programs like the Skilled Worker Program, Federal Express Entry Program, the Provincial Nominee Program encourage foreign workers to work here.

 

 In 2018, the IRCC unveiled a plan to allow 310,000 permanent residents in 2018, 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. Out of these 60% will be economic migrants while the others will be family-sponsored immigrants.

 

Certain groups of people do not require a job offer to work in Canada. These groups are:

• People who are self-employed
• People belonging to certain skilled worker categories
• People who own businesses
• People between 18-30 on a working holiday visa
• People who come on a company transfer
• Spouses of temporary workers
• Spouses of students
• Spouses or partners of those being sponsored for PR visas

Professionals and skilled workers can apply under the economy class to work in Canada. So, if you are looking for a job in Canada, you stand a better chance under the economy class.  How do you find a job in Canada?

 

Temporary work permit:

If you want to work in Canada and do not have a permanent residency you can move into the country with a temporary work permit. The catch is before applying for one, you need to have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer.

 

Workers in the agricultural sector, businesspersons and caregivers qualify for this visa. If you find a job before you move to Canada, you can apply for a work permit that is employer-specific.

 

Permanent residency:

Another option is to apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa and then search for a job. If you have a PR, you will be considered as a Canadian citizen so that when you get a job your employer will not require to go through the LMIA formality.

 

You can apply through the Express Entry Scheme in which you will be placed among a pool of pre-approved individuals and based on your skills either in management or in other professional or technical fields; businesses can choose you to fill their needs for skilled labor.

 

However, if you are applying for a job through the Express Entry system you must create a Job Bank account. It is an online tool where you can register your profile.  In case your profile matches with what Canadian employers are looking for you stand a chance to be selected. For registering with the Job Bank you need to submit your Express Entry profile number and the job seeker validation code.

 

Searching for a job:

The other option is starting your job search in earnest before you set in motion your immigration process. There are various ways to search for a job in Canada in your home country.

 

Network: Tap on your contacts with friends and relatives who are living in Canada and get in touch with their contacts. They are potential resources to help you find a job.

 

Hiring agencies: Get in touch with recruitment agencies especially those connected with your profession. These agencies can help you find a job and the good news is more companies are relying on them to find talent that will match their needs. So, make the best use of agencies to help you find a job in Canada.

 

Directly contacting companies: You can try cold-calling companies to find out if they have any vacancies that match your profile. Or you can browse their websites for any job opportunities and then contact them.

 

Job sites: You can register with job sites that cater to companies in Canada and increase your chances of landing a job.

 

Regional sites: The provinces in Canada also have their own separate job sites where the requirements in those regions are posted. However, these provinces have their own rules and conditions for inviting foreign workers to come and work in their region.

 

Make use of LinkedIn: Use the networking options in LinkedIn to connect with people who can help you find a job. Update your profile. Grow your network by connecting with people in your profession. Apart from this you can join groups, take part in conversations and follow companies that you find relevant.

 

Brush up your English language skills: You should be reasonably proficient in English because this is the official language of Canada apart from French. Your success in getting a job depends on how well you can communicate in English.

 

Get the help of an immigration consultant who also offers job search services. The consultant will provide valuable inputs to help you find a job and help you migrate to Canada.

 

If you are planning to migrate to Canada, browse through latest Canada Immigration News & Visa Rules.