Job Opportunities in Canada: Two Essential Strategies for International Job Seekers

Now that you understand the work permit options, let’s explore the important documents required for applying for your first job in Canada.

• Social Insurance Number (SIN):

A SIN is a crucial identification number for both Canadians and foreign workers.

It is essential for employment, government benefits, and programs.

• Work Permit
• Labour Market Impact Assessment
• Resume

The Importance of Positive LMIA Employers List

One of the most significant roadblocks for international job seekers in Canada is finding employment opportunities that are open to foreigners. To address this issue, you need to look for jobs that come with a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). But what is LMIA?

What is LMIA?

A Labor Market Impact Assessment is a document for employers to hire foreign workers. A positive LMIA indicates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill a specific job role, and no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for that position.

How to Find Positive LMIA Employers:

Start by conducting a Google search for the “Positive LMIA Employers List.”

Ensure you access the official government website, which is canada.ca.

Navigate to the “Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Positive Labor Market Impact Assessment Employers List.”

Look for the most recent year (e.g., 2023 Q2).

Download the list and explore the companies that have a positive LMIA.

The list will provide you with valuable information about companies seeking foreign workers, the number of LMIA positions they have, and more. While it may require some effort, going through this list can significantly boost your chances of finding a job in Canada.

While you don’t apply for an LMIA personally, potential employers will require it to hire international employees.

Resume (CV):

Crafting a Canadian-style resume is vital for your job search.

Key elements include highlighting relevant skills, education, work experience, and transferable skills.

Spotting Scammers and False Job Offers:

It’s imperative to be vigilant and avoid scams when seeking employment in Canada. Recognizing scams and taking precautions is crucial:

Beware of job offers that require payment for assistance or guarantees that sound too good to be true.

Legitimate job offers should be on official company letterhead.

Be cautious if job postings contain errors or if recruiters use unusual email addresses.

Where to Find Jobs – Job Listings in Canada

As a newcomer to Canada, finding job opportunities becomes easier with online platforms and job listing websites dedicated to helping individuals like you in your job search. Here are some reputable websites:

Job Bank Canada: The official website offers an extensive database of job listings from employers across Canada.

Indeed: A global job search engine with a user-friendly format, providing various job listings, including positions suitable for newcomers.

LinkedIn: A professional networking site with job search features and opportunities to connect with recruiters.

Glassdoor: Offers job listings and valuable insights through company reviews and salary information.

Government Websites: Many provincial and territorial government websites feature dedicated job boards and resources for newcomers.

Utilize the Government Job Bank

Another powerful resource for international job seekers is the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website (www.jobbank.gc.ca). This platform allows you to search for jobs that are open to applicants from outside Canada.

How to Use the Job Bank

Create an account on the Job Bank website.

Utilize advanced settings to narrow down your job search.

At the bottom of the advanced settings, select options like “open to applicants outside Canada” or “open to international applicants.”

Further refine your search by specifying your job role, location, and other preferences.

The Job Bank is a treasure trove of job listings that cater to international job seekers. Using this platform can simplify your job search and connect you with opportunities within your reach.

Understanding Work Permits Based on Your Status

Working in Canada is contingent on your status, and your eligibility for a work permit hinges on your particular circumstances. Various types of permits are available, depending on your status:

Working Under a Study Permit:

International students in Canada can gain valuable work experience while studying.

On-campus work: Full-time post-secondary students at public institutions can work on campus without a separate work permit.

Working Under an Open Work Permit:

Open work permits are versatile and allow you to work for any employer in Canada.

Unrestricted open work permits offer greater flexibility.

Restricted open work permits may have specific restrictions based on factors like medical status or work permit category.

Working Under an Employer-Specific Work Permit:

If you have a specific job offer in Canada, you may need an employer-specific work permit.

Your employer must provide you with relevant documentation, including an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or an offer of employment number.

Working with a Tourist Visa:

A visitor visa does not grant you the right to work in Canada.

If you receive a valid job offer while in Canada as a visitor, you can apply for a work permit without leaving the country.

Working Under ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

An ETA is required for air travel to Canada, but it does not grant work or study authorization.

You must apply for a separate work or study permit before your trip.

Canadian job market

Things are good in the Canadian job market. This is thanks to a strong economy. The Canadian economy will grow in 2021. At the same time, the unemployment rate fell from 7.0% in 2020 to 5.6% in November 2021. It’s the 10th largest nominal GDP country.

Some of the strongly represented sectors are:

In 2019, the service industry was employing around 79.24% of the population.

The logging and oil industries, traditionally the country’s primary sectors, remain crucial for the economy.

Canada also has one of the leading entertainment software industries.

The high-tech industry is also strongly represented in the country’s economy.

By the end of Q4 2021, Canada had over 900K unfulfilled positions due to the lack of skilled workers and fast economic growth, which is also the highest number of unfulfilled jobs ever recorded in Canada.

What is Canadian immigration policy like?

Over the years, the migration process to Canada became increasingly easier.

One of the key immigration documents was announced back in September 2017. It was the first time that ministers agreed on a multi-year immigration plan instead of just a single year.

It also set a new immigration goal:

In 2019, Canada was ready to welcome 191,600 foreigners and 195,800 in 2020.

In reality, this number was a little lower by a couple of thousand.

However, in 2021, more than 400K of immigrants entered Canada.

These numbers give you a pretty good chance of getting in, right?

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Immigration programs

Generally speaking, most Canadian immigrants come from the so-called Family and Economy classes.

The Family Class program is here to help families reunite. If you want to be eligible for this program, you need to have a Canadian permanent resident (who is your family member) to support and sponsor until you become a Canadian permanent resident as well.

The Economy Class program supports professionals and skilled workers to come to Canada and potentially obtain permanent residency.

By applying to one of these programs, you may be able to obtain a visa to legally stay and work in Canada.

Work visa in Canada

Generally speaking, it’s important to demonstrate that you have ties to Canada to be eligible for a legal stay and work visa. Moreover, it would help if you convinced the immigration officer that:

• you already have a job offer confirmed
• there are no criminal records
• you have no visa violation track
• you have valid documentation such as a passport, etc. Find more

How to get a job as a foreigner in Canada

Local differences

There are, however, differences based on the location in Canada as some of the provinces are also implementing their plans for the employment of skilled workers from abroad, taking the situation into their own hands.

For instance, British Columbia lacks one person for every 25th job. That is also part of the reason why the government has decided to run a program called Tech Pilot to attract new employees from foreign countries.

Regional immigration policies

Various provinces and territories of Canada can also act on the immigration policy separately, inviting and setting up their conditions for skilled workers to come and live there.

Essential websites for immigration to Canada

Canada.ca

Probably the most useful one is the official government site Canada.ca. Here you can find most answers to any questions you can come up with — from employment insurance, through getting a passport and finding a job, to immigration and citizenship in Canada.

If you’re planning for more than just a tourist stay in Canada, head straight to the Immigration and Citizenship section.

Moving2Canada.com

A community website of like-minded people who moved to Canada from abroad and want to share their knowledge and everything they have learned.

“We remember the uncertainty and the excitement of the new and unknown. We secured work permits and jobs and discovered neighborhoods and places to live and we get what it takes to make a successful transition from other countries,” reads the site.

Canadainfonet.org

In case you need help and support in finding a job or you want to get more first-hand information about relocation, employment, and education in Canada, Canada InfoNet is the way to go.

Funded by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada bureau, it can connect you with Canadians who work in the same profession as you, and they’ll become your mentors, thus helping you integrate better.

Zero2Hired.com

Zero2Hired is a project founded by John Ribero and Connel Valentine who both come from the recruiting industry and try to support people looking for a job in Canada.

Connel himself came to Canada as an immigrant, which gives him a unique advantage. He knows what he talks about and shares his valuable know-how on Quora.

CareerEdge.ca

CareerEdge is a platform that wants to help “break the no experience, no job cycle” by connecting Canadian employers with talent looking for work experience in the country.

The goal is to help newcomers to Canada get a paid internship and help them launch their careers. The internships come from various engaging industries such as business, finance, HR, public services, etc.

CanadaExpressEntry.org

We’ve already mentioned the new options for foreigners to get a work permit in Canada through the Canada Express Entry platform.

Everything is explained here — from what the system brings in, various articles and updates, all the way to the workings of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In your pursuit of working and living in Canada, you should never lose hope. By following these two key strategies, you can overcome the challenges that many international job seekers face. The Positive LMIA Employers List and the Job Bank website offer valuable resources to help you discover job opportunities in the Great White North.

Remember, the path to finding your dream job in Canada may not be straightforward, but with determination and the right strategies, your dream of working in this beautiful country can become a reality. Good luck on your journey to building a brighter future in Canada!