Work in Canada

If mountains could be built out of molehills, then Canada is an appropriate example of it. From very humble origins, Canada has been catapulted to a position where it has become, not only the second largest country in the world, after Russia, but also attained a superlative stature among the top destinations for working abroad.

Jobs in Canada

How to Work in Canada

If your trip to Canada is going to be of some duration you’re going to need to get a job. Sadly, money doesn’t grow on trees, and Canadian trees are no exception to this rule.

With a relatively stable economy the employment options for someone immigrating to Canada are pretty good and reasonably varied. The majority of jobs available in Canada are in the service sector, with the retail and business sector supplying three quarters of Canadian’s with work. The remaining opportunities are connected to manufacturing and Canada’s vast array of natural resources.

Canada is a huge manufacturing company and is particularly well known for car manufacture. Canada, for example, is responsible for producing the Crown Victoria sedans which make up 90% of the police cars and taxis used in Canada and the USA.

The cities Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are where the majority of the nation’s economic growth is focused. All though often low paid, opportunities for part-time or occasional work are generally good, particularly in the catering sector. If you are looking to boost your practical experience internships in Canada are available. There are also Canada volunteer opportunities throughout the country.

There are several types of employment contracts in Canada including Permanent, Part-Time, Contract and Freelance, make sure you apply for jobs with the most suitable contract time for your needs.

Is it Difficult to Find Work in Canada?

Canadian unemployment is 6.8%, and levels are highest in the Atlantic Provinces (Newfoundland etc). Without a work permit securing a job in Canada is far more difficult. Any prospective employer would have to do the leg work for you, spending time and money to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

The vast majority of employers would be reluctant or unwilling to do this. In manual labour environments, such as construction sites, it is common to come across individuals who work without a permit. This route is not advised, if discovered by the relevant authorities you could face deportation and, in extreme cases, may be banned from returning to Canada.

Required Qualifications and Skills

No matter where in the world you are there are always going to be certain boxes you’ll need to tick in order to land yourself a job. The qualifications required in Canada vary depending on the skill set demanded by the work. An obvious requirement is relevant experience but this might not always be necessary.

The higher paid jobs may expect you to have a University/College equivalent qualification as well as skills in areas such as IT. Voluntary work or internships (whether paid or unpaid) make a candidate stand out. A good command of the English language could prove to be essential, and in Quebec many companies will expect an applicant to have extensive knowledge of French. In the Business sector English-French bilinguals are particularly desirable to employers.

Pay and Conditions

Since 2007 the average wage in Canadian dollars has risen by 10 to 15 %. During your work life in Canada contributions you make to the federal pension plan makes you eligible for pension payment on retirement. The most common taxes in Canada (which pretty much everyone has to pay) are federal and provincial income taxes.

For up-to-date tax rates go to the Canada Revenue Agency website. If you find yourself in need of financial support during a period of unemployment the HRSDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada) is the governing body who can help.

Best Places to Work

Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and is considered the financial, cultural and entertainment capital of Canada. It has one of the safest urban environments in the world, offers a high quality of life and is incredibly culturally diverse, more than a hundred languages and dialects are spoken in the city.

Vancouver
Vancouver is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range and has one of the smallest carbon footprints of any major North American city. It is renowned for its accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity programmes. Vancouver is Canada’s eighth largest city with a population of 580,000, and is part of Metro Vancouver, Canada’s third largest metropolitan area. 25.3 per cent of Vancouver residents list Chinese as their first language.

Montreal
With a metropolitan population of 3,635,571 Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, and the second largest city in Canada. Despite its large population Montreal is often described as clean, quiet and comfortable. French is the city’s official language, spoken by 60% of the population. Montreal blends European and North American cultures, and has a rich history dating back to 1535.

VISAs

Canadian VISA requirements
Whether or not you need a visa to enter Canada depends on several factors including your nationality, your country of origin and the length and purpose of your stay. Below is a simplified guide of the types of visa there are and the requirements you need to meet to get one.

Short-Term VISAs
The CIC, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, is the governing body in charge of regulating student, tourist and worker VISAs and they have a standard application process. The visitor VISA in Canada is called a TRV, or Temporary Resident Visa, and is issued by high commissions embassies and Canadian consulates.

TRV’s cover several categories of visas and permits including Transit VISA, Tourist Visa, Study Permit and Work Permit. A single form from the CIC can be used to apply for any of the above. Bear in mind the fact that Quebec has a separate permit procedure, and you may be required to contact the Quebec immigration office before submitting an application.

Tourist VISAs
In order to qualify for a Canadian Tourist VISA you must be healthy and may need to be examined by a doctor prior to your arrival. You must also respect Canadian laws for the entirety of your stay. A valid passport, identification documentation, and travel documentation are also essential. In some instances you may be asked to prove the purpose of your trip.

Transit Visas for Canada
A traveller stopping in Canada for less than 48 hours may require a Transit Visa in some cases; check if you’re not sure.

Work Permits
As Canada is a highly popular destination for skilled workers applications for work permits are common. The CIC allocate work permits according to the need for the applicant’s skill. In almost every instance of a foreigner seeking temporary work in Canada a valid work permit is required.

Applicants must satisfy certain conditions, such as being in receipt of a job offer from a Canadian employer, before they qualify for a work permit. Furthermore, you must have a Social Insurance Card in order to work legally in Canada.

Permanent Residency
200,000 people a year are permitted to enter Canada as permanent residents. Once a permanent residence application is approved the individual receives a Permanent Resident Card and can expect almost all the same rights as citizens of Canada.

Obtaining permanent Canadian residency is a complex, time consuming process, and one which is often subject to change. There are six categories within which an individual may apply: Skilled Worker Class Immigration, Family Class Immigration, Quebec-Selected Immigration, Provincial Nomination, Business Class Immigration and International Adoption.

Skilled Worker Class Immigration
Evaluation for Skilled Worker Class Immigration is based on language skills, education level, age, work experience and arranged employment and adaptability. An individual’s criminal history is also taken into account.

Business Class Immigration
Classes of individuals in the Business Class category that qualify for permanent residence include self employed persons, investors and entrepreneurs. Each class must meet different requirements.

Provincial Nomination
The Provincial Nomination category is for those individuals who want to reside in a specific province. The province is able to nominate individuals to be considered, and requires the individual to contact the representative immigration office and apply for nomination.

Family Class Immigration
Close family members of an individual might be able to aid their application for permanent residency if they are already permanent Canadian residents.

Québec-Selected Immigration
There is a separate permanent residence evaluation process in Quebec. It is divided into categories such as permanent/temporary workers, businesspeople and students.

Obtaining a Permanent Resident VISA
To begin with contact your nearest consulate, high commission or embassy of Canada. You will be asked to fill in an application, pay the application fee, provide a medical certificate, a criminal record check and attend interviews with immigration representatives.

Subject to the nature and category of your application additional information/documentation may be required. Fees for permanent residency vary according to the category/ class of your application as well as the age/status of the applicant. Fees can fluctuate from $75 to $1,050 and are paid in Canadian dollars.

Working in Canada FAQ

Language
Canada is officially a bilingual country with English and French classed as its official languages.

Money
Money makes the world go round. Before going abroad it’s a good idea to look into the currency of your chosen destination. Canada has a relatively stable economy, and their financial structuring isn’t as complex as other nations.

Although foreign currencies can be changed into Canadian dollars at currency exchange kiosks at airports, banks and border crossings (among other places) transferring your funds at the right time and getting the best exchange rate possible can save you money and really help your global transition. If you’re emigrating it’s really recommended that you seek advice from a trusted currency broker.

Currency
The currency across Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and its value floats against the value of all other major currencies.  The most commonly available Canadian bank notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. They’re brightly coloured and easily distinguishable. The $1 and $2 notes have been replaced with coins (called the loonie and the toonie. No joke). Other Canadian coins include 25¢ quarter, 10¢ dime, 5¢ nickel and 1¢ penny, although the penny is no longer in production.

Banks
If your stay in Canada is going to be of a considerable duration you will need to open a Canadian bank account. Although this may seem daunting it is actually pretty straightforward. The Banks in Canada offer similar services to other western nations, such as online banking and cash machines.

As well as international banks (like HSBC), credit unions and regional banks there are five main banks in Canada. These have offices in the majority of Canadian cities and are listed below.

• Bank of Montreal
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• TD Canada Trust

Canadian banking hours are generally Monday to Friday, 9:30 until 16:30, but be aware that specific branches may trade differently.

The majority of Canadian banks are monitored by The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. The CDIC is a federal Crown Corporation of longstanding which provides deposit insurance and contributes to the Canadian financial systems stability.

Choose your bank based on recommendations and research. It is always a good idea to pick a bank which has a branch in your local area where possible. Before opening an account go to a branch and have a chat with a senior member of staff. Make sure you feel confident about what they’re offering and what sort of account you want to have. If there is a language barrier try to make sure you have someone who can come with you and act as a translator.

In order to open an account you will need to produce two government issued pieces of identification, such as a passport and drivers licence. You will also need to provide prood of address.  Foreign residents are then often asked for a reference from their employer/educational institution/previous bank.

Canadian electronic banking machines are known as Automatic Banking Machine’s (ABM) They’re widely available and give you 24/7 instant access to your cash! The five big Canadian banks previously listed are members of the ‘Interac’ network, which means that no matter which one of the banks you’re with, you’ll be able to withdraw funds and make payments with a PIN number. Usually, using the ABM of a separate financial institution will result in service fees.

In Canada most payments can be made with debit/credit cards or cheques (which are still popular for mail payments). The main credit card companies in Canada are Visa, Master Card and American Express. Keep in mind that credit cards (particular Visa) vary according to the bank you’re with. Scrutinise the terms and conditions and be well aware of the pitfalls and benefits before getting a new card.

Note that new arrivals in Canada often find it difficult to establish credit without prior credit history. Talk to an advisor at your new bank about how initial credit can be established. Having a reference from a utilities provider may help this process.

Canadian Customs
The most common method of greeting in Canada is the handshake, although French Canadians sometimes use the continental custom of kissing each cheek. Also, when speaking to a French Canadian the formal pronoun ‘vous’ must be used until they allow you to switch to the informal ‘tu’.

Generally you should wait until given direct permission before addressing a new acquaintance by their first name, but relationships tend to progress to a first name basis rapidly! In Canada table manners are normally quite informal and continental, although more formality is expected in Quebec.

In Quebec it is also common etiquette to send flowers prior to attending a dinner invitation. Although business relations may be quite reserved at the outset they usually become quite relaxed and friendly over time, although politeness is always expected and communication styles can vary between Anglophone and Francophone parts of the country.

Academic titles are often used, particularly in Quebec. Organisation and punctuality are expected attributes both in business and socially.

Top Tips for Finding Work in Canada

Be Prepared in Advance
Explore the job market before you move, see what career options most suit you and your qualifications. Be aware that you may need to re-qualify or retrain to be applicable for the position you want. See if there are any skills you possess which are in demand. Make yourself marketable by knowing your market!

Refine your CV, and get it out there
CV’s are often formatted differently abroad, make sure yours is up to date and formatted correctly for the Canadian market. Get your CV circulating through as many avenues as possible – utilise connections, new neighbours, local amenities etc. Put your CV on job sights and clearly present yourself to your target employers. Ensure you clearly state when you are available to start, and be realistic about how long it will take for you to be in a position to commit yourself.

Ensure that the appropriate Work Permits and VISAs are in place
Where possible get any and all paperwork out of the way prior to searching for work. Once you have permanent resident status (or are at least in the process of acquiring it) you become a far more attractive prospect for potential employers.

Embrace New Career Opportunities
When beginning a new career abroad you have to be aware that you may not be able to start work at the level you previously occupied. You may have to take a pay cut or demotion and re-work your way up the career ladder.

You may even have to rethink what type of work you wish to do. Don’t be disheartened. The skills you used in your old job might not be in demand in Canada, but maybe they could be differently applied or you could discover new ones!

Network
Starting a new life abroad can be difficult, stressful and lonely. In Canada it can also be super cold. In general the quicker you get to know people the sooner you’ll settle in. Join clubs, or fitness classes, get out and about, socialise.

Don’t be afraid of rejection, for every person who tells you to get lost there’ll be someone else who won’t. Hold a party, get to know you’re neighbours and take advantage of every useful contact you meet. Children are great for bringing people together (as long as they’re reasonably well behaved of course).

Help your child make friends by signing them up for clubs, and help yourself make friends by dropping them off and picking them up. Joining an expat forum can also be an excellent way of meeting people who’ve been in the same position as you, and they can be an invaluable source of comfort and advice.

Similar Activities