Finding employment in Canada can open up a world of opportunities for newcomers. You will probably have a lot of questions about how to enter the Canadian job market and find work, whether you are looking for a Canadian job offer to get a work permit or getting ready to move to Canada as a new permanent resident.
This article addresses some of the most frequently asked concerns regarding working in Canada as a new permanent resident (PR) or holder of a work permit, such as Canadian-style resumes and work permits.
Who is authorized to work in Canada?
To work in Canada, the majority of foreign nationals need a work permit or study permit. You are qualified for employment in Canada if you:
- are citizens or permanent residents of Canada, or
- Possess a valid permit to work, or
- are a student from another country who has a valid study permit and can work in Canada.
If you are an international athlete, a short-term researcher, or a business visitor, you may not need a work permit if certain circumstances apply that only require a brief work stay in Canada. Check the government’s website if you’re not sure if you need a work permit and find information specific to your situation.
Does getting an IELTS score mean you can work in Canada?
For the most part, you won’t need to take the IELTS or any other language test to get a work permit to work in Canada. However, for some specialized work permits, such as those for live-in caregivers, proof of language proficiency may be required. In some countries, Canadian visa offices may also require language test scores to be eligible for a work permit.
Your work permit application may be denied at the port of entry if border officials believe that you are not qualified to perform the job due to language barriers or an inability to communicate in English or French, even if language test results are not required.
What is the cost of a work permit in Canada?
In Canada, the application fee for an employer-specific work permit is $155. You will be required to pay a total of $255, which includes the $100 Open Work Permit Holder Fee, for an open work permit. When you submit your application, you will be required to pay a biometrics fee of $85 regardless of the kind of work permit you are applying for.
Other expenses, such as those for medical examinations, police certificates, language tests (if necessary), evaluations of educational credentials, and translations of documents, should also be taken into consideration.
To apply for a work permit, do I need to have a job offer in Canada?
To be eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit in Canada, you must have a valid job offer. However, an employment offer is not required if you qualify for an open work permit.
To be eligible for an open work permit in Canada, you must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- You are an international student who is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI).
- You are a dependent of a PR applicant or have applied for permanent residence in Canada.
- You live in Canada as the spouse or significant other of an international student or temporary foreign worker.
- In Canada, you hold a temporary residence permit.
- You are a Canadian international student who is unable to pay for your program.
- In Canada, you are a refugee or protected person.
Can my work permit in Canada be sponsored by my employer?
In Canada, job sponsorship does not exist. Most of the time, if a Canadian business is interested in hiring you, they will need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to ascertain how recruiting foreign workers will affect the Canadian labor market. To apply for an employer-specific work visa, you will require a copy of this LMIA as well as a written employment contract from your company. When hiring candidates who are eligible for or currently hold an open work permit, employers are not required to get an LMIA.
How long does it take to process a work permit in Canada?
The length of time it takes to process your work permit application will depend on the nation from which you are applying. For instance, online work permit applications from India will be processed in nine weeks starting in January 2023, but applications from China will likely take fifty weeks. Applications received from within Canada can take up to 24 weeks to be reviewed. Before you apply, check the official government website for the current processing time for your nation.
If you’ve been offered a position through the Global Talent Stream, you can be qualified for a two-week work permit processing period, regardless of the nation from which you’re applying.
Can I apply for a work permit in Canada with my family members included?
Your immediate family members, such as your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, can be mentioned on your work visa application. Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, study permit (if admitted into a Canadian institution or college), or visitor record for the period of your work permit if your application is accepted. If your children are enrolled in a Canadian-designated educational institution, they may also travel with you as visitors or under a study permit.
You are not permitted to bring additional family members to Canada based on your work permit, such as your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews.
What is the maximum age to obtain a work permit in Canada?
For their work permit to be granted in Canada, foreign workers must be at least eighteen years old. For Canadian work permits, the maximum age is typically not specified. Work permits granted under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program are the only exception, and applicants for these permits must be between the ages of 18 and 35. The minimum age required to be eligible for a Canadian work permit varies between the IEC participating nations.
Can foreign students get employed in Canada?
If there is a clause in your study visa allowing you to work in Canada, either on or off campus, you could be able to work while you are an international student there. You do not require a separate employment permission if your study permit permits it.
If you are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution, have a valid study permit, and your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is up to date, you can usually work on campus. To get hired off campus, you have to:
- possess a current study permit
- Possess a SIN
- be enrolled full-time in a secondary-level occupational training program (available only in Quebec) or a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional study program.
- Enroll in a course of study that lasts for at least six months and delivers a certificate, diploma, or degree.
If your study permit doesn’t enable you to work in Canada but you match the following eligibility criteria, you can request that a condition to work be added to your study permit.
You must apply separately for a co-op or internship work permit if your study program calls for a co-op or internship period and fulfillment of the work placement is necessary to graduate.
I have a visitor’s visa; may I work in Canada?
On a visitor visa, you are not permitted to work in Canada. When visiting Canada, it is illegal for visitors to carry out any kind of business.
While on a visit, you are free to look for work in Canada, but you are not allowed to start working for a Canadian employer until you receive a permanent residency status or a work permit.
In Canada, is it possible to convert my visitor visa into a work permit?
Typically, foreign visitors to Canada are not permitted to apply for or obtain a work permit from within the country while still on a guest visa.
Nonetheless, until February 28, 2023, holders of visitor visas may apply from within Canada for employer-specific work permits under a temporary public policy. An employer-specific work permit under this policy is contingent upon having a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
Is it simple to find employment in Canada?
Since Canadian employers prefer to hire citizens or permanent residents of Canada, it is simpler to find work in Canada if you are already a citizen or permanent resident. On the other hand, finding skilled foreign workers to hire is difficult.
Before offering jobs to foreign workers, the majority of employers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to verify that there are no available Canadian workers. In addition, even if the employer receives a positive LMIA, obtaining a work permit for a foreign worker can take a long time, making it difficult for employers to fill immediate job vacancies.
However, employers in some sectors frequently employ foreign workers because of a shortage of skilled workers in Canada. It may be easier to get a job offer and a work permit in Canada if you are a foreign worker who has worked in a job that is in high demand.
How to Find Work in Canada
There are several ways to find employment opportunities in Canada if you’re looking for one. Here are some examples:
- Trying to find job postings: In Canada, the government’s Job Bank, LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, Workopolis, and Grabjobs are all popular job portals. It’s a good idea to keep track of jobs posted on the career pages of employers you’re interested in working for if you have a list.
- Networking: There is a large hidden job market in Canada, and anywhere from 65% to 80% of available jobs are not advertised or posted online. These are filled instead through the networks of employers. You can gain insight into the industry and workplace culture as well as access to the hidden job market through networking. LinkedIn, coffee chats and networking events are all good places to start when starting a new network in Canada.
- Getting registered with an employment agency: Randstad Canada, Hays Canada, and Robert Half are employment agencies that match job seekers with open positions in their employer networks.
- going to job fairs: Job fairs are a great place to look for entry-level positions or jobs in a specific field. Virtual job fairs are also held by some organizations that help immigrants, like JVS Toronto and Prepare for Canada.
- Volunteering: Volunteering is ingrained in the culture of Canada. Volunteering can give you the chance to work closely with professionals from a variety of industries and add some unpaid Canadian experience to your resume as a job seeker.
How to write a resume for a Canadian job
Your home country’s resume may differ from the one used in Canada. In general, there are three different formats for resumes in Canada: combination, functional, and reverse chronological order The best one for your resume will be determined by several factors, including the length of your work history, any employment gaps that may exist, and whether you are changing jobs or industries.
For your job search, writing an impressive resume requires more than just selecting the appropriate format. Because the majority of employers in Canada use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to shortlist resumes that match the job description, it is essential to tailor your resume to each position by including keywords that are pertinent to the position. Another important difference is that Canadian resumes emphasize your accomplishments rather than job responsibilities. More advice on how to write an impressive cover letter and resume can be found in our article.
How to Get a Job in Canada Without Working in Canada Before
For some newcomers looking for work in Canada, the lack of prior experience can be a barrier. Candidates who are familiar with the work culture in Canada and possess both the soft skills and technical skills required for a particular position are more likely to be hired.
However, paid or full-time employment is not the only type of Canadian experience that is included in the definition. Volunteering or finding a part-time or survival job that makes use of your key skills and allows you to develop new transferable skills can, on the other hand, provide you with valuable Canadian experience for your resume. Bridging programs that include a work placement or project is another way for newcomers to gain experience in Canada.
In Canada, why is networking so important?
Networking is an important part of the work culture in Canada, and as a newcomer, it can help you find a job. Between 65 and 80 percent of job openings in Canada are filled through the networks of hiring managers or recruiters, depending on the industry. Through employer introductions, referrals, and recommendations, your professional network can assist you in entering this untapped job market.
Researching a company or industry, becoming familiar with technical jargon, learning about an organization’s hiring process, perfecting your resume or elevator pitch, or determining whether a company is a good fit for you can all benefit from your network.
Your network will continue to be an important part of your career development even after you get your first job in Canada. You can rely on professionals in your field for career guidance, mentorship, and access to their networks once you have meaningful connections with them.
Which Canadian jobs are in high demand?
To fill in-demand positions, many provinces and territories in Canada rely on immigrants with work permits and skilled workers. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) can make it easier to get permanent residency or find work in Canada if you work in a field that is in high demand.
Despite the ever-changing employment landscape, the following industries lack skilled workers:
- Healthcare: In most provinces and territories, healthcare assistants, laboratory technicians, and physicians are in high demand.
- Education: From elementary school to university, there is a demand for teachers and professors.
- Manufacturing: There are numerous open positions in Canada’s vast manufacturing sector, which includes agri-food, aerospace, pharmaceutical and life sciences, chemicals, plastics, and wood processing.
- Technologies of Information: Software engineers, web designers, developers, and other IT specialists are in short supply.
- Services: Financial, HR, marketing, administrative, sales, hospitality, accounting, and retail professionals are in short supply in Canada’s job market.
- Construction: Construction managers, skilled carpenters, electricians, and masons are in high demand as a result of Canada’s expanding construction industry.
- Agriculture: To meet the growing labor requirements of its agri-food sector, Canada relies on foreign workers for everything from fruit pickers to aquaculturists to agricultural managers.
Are Canadians with work permits eligible for provincial health insurance?
Each province has its own set of eligibility requirements for provincial health insurance. Work permit holders are eligible for public healthcare in all provinces and territories. However, to be eligible for your provincial or territorial health care plan, you may need a work permit that is valid for at least six or twelve months, depending on your province or territory.
Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec all require temporary foreign workers to have a work permit that is valid for at least six months to be eligible for provincial health coverage. On the other hand, temporary foreign workers are required to have a work permit that is valid for at least twelve months in Manitoba, Newfoundland Labrador, Nova Scotia, and the three territories.
Before you are eligible for provincial or territorial health coverage, you must wait up to three months in British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
If I have a work permit, can I get permanent residency in Canada?
You will not automatically be eligible for permanent residence in Canada if you have a work permit. However, if you have a valid work permit and gain work experience while in Canada, you may be able to qualify for PR more easily.
Under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry program, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) if you have worked in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation for at least one year in Canada. Only PR applicants with prior experience in Canada are eligible for this program.
You can earn between 40 and 80 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for one to five years of Canadian experience if you intend to apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Program. If you also have work experience in a foreign country and a credential from a higher education institution, you may be eligible for up to 100 CRS points for skill transferability. Your chances of qualifying for PR could be significantly enhanced by these additional points.
How can I extend my work permit in Canada?
Your Canadian work permit can be extended or amended if you have the following:
- a work permit issued by your employer and your employment is extended. You might need a new LMIA from your employer before you can ask for an extension. Keep in mind that you will need to apply for an amendment to your work permit if your position or compensation changes, if the same employer offers you a different job, or if you want to work for a different company.
- You are eligible to continue working in Canada with an open work permit.
Before your current status in Canada expires, you should apply for a work permit extension at least 30 days in advance. It is essential to keep in mind that your work permit cannot be extended past your passport’s expiration date. If your passport is about to expire, you should first apply for a work permit extension before renewing your passport.
To apply for a work permit extension, you must:
- On the IRCC website, complete your application for a work permit extension online.
- Include your passport, your current work permit, proof of employment, and the new LMIA that your employer has received as attachments.
- For an employer-specific work permit, pay the $155 application processing fee, or $255 for an open work permit. You won’t have to pay the biometric fees again if your biometrics were submitted when you first applied for your work permit.
- Make your application known.
You can continue working with the same employer, role, and location while your application is being processed if you applied for an extension before your work permit expires and the conditions of your employment have not changed. You won’t be able to start your new job until your work permit is reissued if the conditions of your employment have changed.
Can I get a Working Holiday Visa and work any job in Canada?
You can work in any industry or organization in Canada if it is not on the ineligible list if you are in the country on a Working Holiday Visa. As part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, the Working Holiday Visa enables youth from 30 nations to temporarily travel and work in Canada. You can apply for the Working Holiday Visa without receiving a job offer because it is an open work permit. You can look for work anywhere in Canada, work for any eligible employer, and even switch jobs.
You can’t work for companies that don’t qualify for your open Working Holiday Visa, like those that provide erotic massages, escort services, and striptease. Because these professionals require a provincial license to practice in Canada, working in certain regulated occupations, such as education and healthcare, may also be subject to restrictions. To work in other fields like law, engineering, architecture, and others, you may also need to be registered with a regulator at the federal, provincial, or territorial level.
Working in Canada can provide you with global work experience as a newcomer and, for many, serve as a stepping stone to permanently settling in Canada. However, not everybody is permitted to work legally in Canada. To be eligible for a work permit, the majority of foreign nationals need a job offer. You can start applying for jobs in Canada before you arrive if you are moving to Canada as a permanent resident and can work for any Canadian employer.
