Thinking about the hectic search for employment could be daunting, especially as a foreign national. Working in Canada is a big leap for job seekers who want to permanently immigrate to the country.
However, the applicant;
- Must be at least 18 years with a valid working permit.
- Should not be inadmissible medically or criminally to Canada.
- Can prove their eligibility to work in Canada by providing the requested documents.
Permanent residents in Canada are given the legal right to work and live anywhere in the country and are not required to provide a work permit before being employed in Canada.
What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?
You will be required to provide documents in accordance with the type of work permit you want to apply for. Here are some of the documents you may need for the application:
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Copy of a valid passport
- Proof of payment for applicable fees
- A valid copy of education credentials
- Filled application form
- Résumé/ CV
- The result of a medical exam
- Labor Market Impact Assessment ( if applicable)
- A written offer of employment from the employer ( if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
The documents required may be different from the list. The first step is finding out the type of work permit that suits the job you are going for.
What kinds of jobs are available in Canada?
In every country, there are different levels and hierarchies when it comes to the kinds of jobs available, and Canada is no exception. The variety of jobs you get in Canada depends on your professional skills, background, and academic credentials.
Depending on your level of qualification, you may find positions in health care, finance, sales, IT, and other departments.
We’ve listed some roles that are available in Canada below;
- Financial adviser
- Developer
- Early education professionals
- Transport managers
- Welder
- Developer
- Human resources manager
- Administrative assistant
- Web developer
- Cyber security specialist
While some jobs may look more tedious or attractive than others, they allow their workers more paid time off, employment insurance, a pension, and several other work advantages. However, employers are looking for workers who are highly qualified for the position.
How long are Canadian work permits valid?
A valid and legalized travel document, in addition to your work permit, is required for international job seekers. These requirements grant you permission to work in several places in Canada.
A work permit issued typically becomes invalid after a period of 1–2 years. Although it has some exceptions, a foreign national work permit will not be issued for more than the time applied for to stay in Canada.
The length may even be shorter than one year. The visa officer usually confirms the validity of the applicant’s passport and issues the work permit according to the length of your stay in Canada. The period of work permit validity basically depends on the program the applicant applied under.
Why was my work permit refused?
Receiving a refusal on a work permit application can be devastating. This could be for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons
- The Visa officer was not persuaded that you would do the intended job adequately
- You didn’t meet the application for work permit criteria
- Your reason for working in Canada did not impress the officer.
Another major reason officers refuse work permits is that immigrants are reluctant to leave the country at the expiration of their authorized stay. However, if the reason for refusal is unclear, you may want to apply for GCMS notes to get a better idea if you decide to reapply.
Can I get a Canadian work permit without a job offer?
As international job seekers, you are required to request a written job offer from your employer to be eligible to apply for a work permit.
However, the work permits of some international job seekers are issued with full permission to work anywhere and for any employer in Canada without a job offer. This happens under some special circumstances.
How to find a job in Canada
The first step in finding a job in Canada is to search online for job postings. You can consider using social media, job forums, and job sites to receive first-hand information about open positions and their qualifications. Searching online is very helpful in narrowing your search to your region, industry, and salary expectations.
Here’s a list of steps that you can follow as a job seeker;
- Search for open positions and recruitment companies
- Connect with professionals who immigrated to Canada
- Make sure you meet the linguistics proficiency standard in Canada
- Consider meeting your employers in-person
- Ensure your resume has been formatted correctly
- Attain professional experience by volunteering
Finalize your resume and necessary documents and submit. Stay positive for the role, also consider applying for different positions, and remain enthusiastic. Ensure you frequently check your mail and politely follow up with your prospective employers if you have not received a response from them.
How should my resume look?
Canadian employers have some basic things they are looking out for when going through a job seeker’s resume. You may want to format your resume to their standard if you need a position. For a Canadian resume to be complete, it must include some basic elements;
Header: This is almost similar to a U.S. standard resume. The header must include your full name, phone number, and email. You may also attach an online portfolio or professional website to provide your employer with easy access to your previous work samples.
Professional Summary: You may consider writing a professional summary of at least two paragraphs using the information on your cover letter and old resume objective. Ensure to keep it brief while highlighting your relevant skills and professional experience.
Skills and competencies: This section should highlight your skills and what you have to offer your prospective employer. Ensure it covers your professional expertise and abilities and also demonstrates that you are prepared to fully carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Academic and professional achievements: A Canadian resume format requires you to include some of your previous positions and important achievements. The list should be in reverse chronological order. The top of the list should begin with the most recent achievement.
You do not have to dump your old resume, as the intent is to format it to Canadian standards. You may want to pick some important elements and information from your previous resume as a guideline.
