Looking for work in Canada can be challenging. Learn about regulated and unregulated jobs, the documents you will need to begin your job search, and how to prepare for job interviews.
Learn about job search skills, how to get a job,workplace standards and Canadian workplace culture.
To work in Canada, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply for a SIN as soon as you come to Canada.
Get important information about working in Canada
You have many resources you can use to get help with your job search in Canada, including:
immigrant-serving organizations, who offer:
résumé writing workshops
job search training sessions
other services to help you find work
Job Bank, which offers free occupational and career information about working in Canada, such as:
jobs
wages
main duties
employment trends
educational requirements
Service Canada, which has important information about searching and applying for jobs
your province’s or territory’s website for newcomers
Apply for jobs
Once you find a job you’re interested in, you’ll usually need to apply by sending your:
cover letter, which is a short description of what makes you right for the job
résumé, which is:
also known as a “curriculum vitae” or a C.V.
a list of your qualifications and work experience
The resources listed in the section Get important information about working in Canada can help you:
find information on writing a résumé and cover letter
prepare for an interview
After you apply
Based on your résumé and cover letter, the employer will decide whether to invite you for a job interview. A job interview:
gives the employer a chance to:
meet you
ask questions to see if you’re right for the job
helps you to:
learn more about the job
decide if you want to work for that organization
It’s common for people to send many résumés and cover letters to different places before being invited for a job interview.
You will get a formal job offer if the employer wants to hire you.
Network
It is easier to find a job if you have a set network of contacts. Networking can help you search for jobs in Canada’s hidden job market. It’s also a good way to tell many people that you’re looking for work.
Work as a volunteer to build your resume
Volunteering means you perform a service willingly and without pay. Working as a volunteer can help you:
get Canadian work experience
practice your English or French
build your network of contacts
meet Canadians and make friends
find someone who will be a reference for you
show potential employers that you’re willing to work hard
To find out how volunteering in Canada can help you find a job:
search the Internet for “volunteer” and the name of the city
contact an immigrant-serving organization
visit the Volunteer Canada website
Look for bridging programs related to your job
Bridging programs help internationally trained professionals and tradespeople who want to work in their field in Canada. They can help you get a licence or certification and integrate into the Canadian workplace.
Bridging programs offer different services, which include:
courses
education and skills assessments
practical or workplace experience
exam prep for licences or certificates
language training for professions or trades
action and learning plans to help you identify training you may need
Generally, language and job search services are free. However, there may be a fee for some programs. Usually, classroom training or work experience is part of the program.
To find out about programs in your area, contact:
the professional association or regulatory body for your profession
a local immigrant-serving organization
Consider alternative jobs
Knowing more about jobs related to your profession can give you more options for working in Canada.
Consider working in an alternative job. This way you can continue to learn about your profession or industry in Canada while you get your licence to work in a regulated occupation or trade.
Apply to the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
The Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program provides eligible permanent residents and new Canadians with valuable temporary Canadian work experience and training.
Find out if you’re eligible.
Look for a mentor
Many Canadian professionals and business people give free advice and coaching to newcomers settling in Canada. You can find someone to mentor you through organizations like:
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC)
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC)
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)
Start your own business
If you’re thinking of starting your own business in Canada, you’ll need a detailed business plan. To learn more about starting a business in Canada, contact:
an immigrant-serving organization
BizPal
Invest in Canada
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canada Business: Government Services for Entrepreneurs
Find out about business immigration programs.
Workplace standards in Canada
In Canada, federal and provincial laws protect workers and employers by setting:
hours of work
minimum wage levels
health and safety standards
parental leave and annual paid vacations
Human rights laws protect employees from being treated unfairly because of their:
age
race
gender
religion
disability
sexual orientation
For more information:
Workplace standards
Federal Labour Standards
Workplace Health and Safety
Government of Canada’s Labour Program
Labour Mobility
Your rights as an employee
You should learn about provincial and federal labour laws before you begin work in Canada.
You have the right to join a labour union in Canada. You often have to join a union whether you choose it or not. Union fees will be taken from your salary.
You may ask for advice or help if you feel that your employer or union has treated you unfairly. Contact an officer of the ministry in charge of labour in the province or territory where you work.
You can also visit a Service Canada Centre to talk to a federal government labour affairs officer.
Federal and provincial contacts responsible for labour are:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec (in French only)
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Employment Insurance and other financial support
Employment Insurance
If you’re unemployed, you may be able to get Employment Insurance (EI). EI gives you short-term financial help while you look for work or upgrade your skills.
You may also get EI benefits if you’re:
sick, injured or in quarantine for health reasons
pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child
caring for a family member who is seriously ill with a high risk of death
If you work in Canada, you must pay into EI so that you can use it in a time of need. Your employer will usually take the EI payments from your paycheque.
If you’re self-employed, you can choose to take part in the EI program. To benefit from EI, you must apply and meet certain criteria.
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