How to Find a Job in Canada

The Canadian job market offers many opportunities for non-residents seeking jobs abroad. Canada is also welcoming to immigrants and offers a variety of work permits for diverse individuals, from students to caregivers, agricultural workers, business people and more.

A large country with both rural areas and urban metropolises, Canada further provides opportunities in many fields. Vital sectors include education, health care, tourism, energy, manufacturing, mining, fishing and agriculture. Whether you dream of teaching at a university or working on a farm, there are options in Canada.

This guide provides tips on how non-residents can find work in Canada and explains what to consider as a foreign job seeker.

What to Consider Before Your Canadian Job Search

Non-residents who want a job in Canada have to take a few extra steps before they can legally work in the country. Here are some of the hurdles you may have to overcome.

Where to Find Jobs in Canada

There are many online job portals that can help you find work in Canada. Here are some reliable resources to get you started.

The Canadian Government Job Bank

If you’re interested in a government job, check out the official job bank of the Government of Canada. It features a diversity of jobs at both federal and provincial level. There is a desktop and mobile search option.

You can browse more than 90,000 current job postings using keywords like job title and location, and you can narrow filters using parameters like full-time versus part-time jobs. Finally, you can set job alerts to get notified about new opportunities.

Canadajobs.com

Canadajobs.com is another Canada-specific job search engine that allows you to search either by location or sector. This platform also offers general career and job-hunting tips, like how to find unadvertised jobs or handle a telephone interview.

Tips for Getting a Job in Canada

Any job hunt you undertake should be tailored to your target, including the job post, company and location. Here’s how to prepare yourself for a successful job hunt in Canada.

Determine What Visa Is Right for You

Canada offers many types of visa options. Before commencing your job hunt, it is helpful to determine whether you will need an employer-specific work visa or if there is an open work permit you may qualify for. While you are not legally required to communicate that you will require a visa when first applying for jobs, it is good to know whether you will need one when the question comes up.

Research Your Desired Province/City

When determining which visa is right for you, consider your target city and/or Canadian province. For example, if you are fluent in French, you may find more opportunities available to you in the predominantly Francophone province of Quebec. In some instances, French language skills can even help improve your chances of acquiring certain types of province-specific visas, like the Quebec Skilled Workers Program (although they are not a legal requirement).

The type of work you are pursuing will also play a role. If you are interested in working in the film industry, Toronto, Ontario or Vancouver, British Columbia (both major hubs of film and TV production) are prime targets. The job opportunities here will vary from what you may find in more rural areas like Calgary, Edmonton, or Manitoba. Likewise, the types of visas available to you will vary. Depending on your chosen province, for instance, you might apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) visa. These are skilled worker visas specific to defined provinces or territories.

Read more about getting a work visa in Canada.

Make a Favorable Impression as an International Applicant

While Canadian companies legally cannot discriminate against an applicant on the basis of their nationality, it is important to recognize the fact that most companies inevitably prefer local applicants. Hiring someone who does not need a visa spares the company significant administrative burden. If an international applicant already has authorization to work in Canada and does not need an employer-sponsored visa, there is the question of physically getting them to the country — which can entail a longer wait time, relocation costs, and other inconveniences.

As such, you should present an impeccable application as an international person. Write a compelling cover letter and resume, and make sure your documents are proofread. Highlight any special skills or qualifications you have that will help you stand out from the crowd. This can be valuable in helping you obtain a skilled worker style of visa. Ideally, you will bring something to the table that a local candidate cannot — such as a certain degree, language skills, or international expertise.

Connect with an Immigration Advisor today at Relocate

Relocate connects globally-minded workers to qualified advisors who can help you with future plans for relocation and immigration We believe in breaking down the barriers of entry to the job-market and helping individuals get the advice they need from trusted advisors. Learn more about about relocating to Canada and get answers by browsing Canadian Advisors, submitting general inquiries or connecting directly with qualified professionals in Canada.