How to Find a Job in Canada As a New Immigrant
Summary of Key Points:
New immigrants to Canada can utilize regional immigrant-serving organizations like the Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council and Service Canada's Job Bank for job search assistance, résumé writing workshops, and other employment-related services.
To apply for jobs via Service Canada's Job Bank, prepare necessary materials like your résumé and cover letter, create an account on the Job Bank website, search for jobs, apply for relevant positions, and follow up on your applications.
Networking and volunteering can supplement your job search efforts as they can provide Canadian work experience, help you practice language skills, and allow you to build connections that may lead to job opportunities.
Bridging programs and the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program offer additional resources for you to gain relevant Canadian work experience and a more in-depth understanding of hiring processes.
For entrepreneurial immigrants, starting your own business is also an option. To do this, you’ll need to develop a business idea, pick and register a unique business name, apply for necessary permits and licenses, secure financing, and seek free tax assistance.
How to Find a Job in Canada As a New Immigrant
Once you’ve completed the lengthy process of immigrating to Canada—from scheduling your Immigration Medical Exam to receiving the results of your application—you’ll need to make sure you can find a job in Canada. As a new immigrant, the job market can seem like a challenging landscape to navigate successfully, but that’s why our team is here to provide you with assistance.
Below, you’ll discover several key programs and resources you can use to power your job search, along with a description of the steps involved to use them. Take what you learn here and take a step closer to setting yourself up for success when your new life in Canada begins.
Helpful Resources for Your Job Search
There are numerous resources to help you with your job search in Canada. These include:
Regional immigrant-serving organizations, such as:
Your province or territory’s website for newcomers
These resources offer a wide range of services, such as:
Résumé writing workshops
Job search training sessions
Providing occupational and career information about working in Canada, such as:
Jobs
Wages
Main duties
Employment trends
Educational requirements
Applying for Jobs Through Service Canada's Job Bank
Service Canada's Job Bank is a comprehensive resource for individuals looking for work in Canada. This online portal allows job seekers to search for jobs, learn about occupational trends and requirements, and submit job applications directly to employers. To effectively utilize this resource, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Preparation
Before you begin the application process, prepare as many of the necessary materials as you can. These include:
Your résumé, which lists your qualifications and work experience
Any relevant portfolio or sample materials related to the kinds of jobs you will be applying for
A generic cover letter—a brief description of why you are the right fit for the type of job you are seeking. You should adjust this letter as needed to fit specific employers and positions once you find them on the Job Bank.
Various resources are available to help with résumé writing and cover letter preparation—refer to the immigrant-serving organizations listed above and other resources listed on Service Canada’s website.
Step 2: Create Your Account on Job Bank
To apply for jobs via Job Bank, you will need to create an account on the Job Bank website. There are two types of accounts: Standard and Plus.
Both account types allow you to customize your search, create job alerts, mark favourite jobs, build a resume, track your job search activity, and connect your account with the Job Bank mobile app. The Plus account offers additional features such as getting matched to jobs, letting employers invite you to apply, and submitting your application directly on Job Bank.
Creating an account on Job Bank is simple—you will need to include your email address and your Social Insurance Number or Express Entry profile number.
Step 3: Search for Jobs
Job Bank allows you to search for jobs in a variety of ways. Over 2,000 new jobs are posted to the site every day, and you can utilize its search functionality to find jobs that match your qualifications and interests.
Job Bank also offers advanced filtering for your search, which lets you customize your results by:
Job Title
Employer Name
Location
Date Posted
Employment conditions
Language requirements
Hours
Employment period
Salary
Remote opportunities
Employment group
Job type, source, category, and more
Once you’ve narrowed down your search criteria, the tool will provide you with a list of open positions that match.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs
Once you've found a job you're interested in, you can apply directly through the Job Bank if you have a Plus account. The application process typically involves submitting your résumé and cover letter, which should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for. If you do not have a Plus account, most postings will include an external link or contact information where you can submit your credentials.
Step 5: Follow-Up
After you apply, the employer will decide whether to invite you for a job interview based on your résumé and cover letter. It's common to apply to many jobs before receiving an interview invitation. If the employer decides to hire you, you'll receive a formal job offer.
Additional Tips for Finding a Job in Canada
In addition to these steps, there are several other strategies that can enhance your job search. Networking is important as some jobs are not advertised and can only be discovered through connections. Volunteering can provide Canadian work experience, practice language skills, and help you build this network of contacts.
You may also want to look into bridging programs related to your profession, apply for programs like the Federal Internship for Newcomers, or seek mentorship. Starting your own business is also an option.
Network & Volunteer
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.
Working as a volunteer can help you get Canadian work experience, practice your English or French, and meet Canadians who can become your friends and form the basis of your job-seeking network. The people you meet may be willing to provide a reference for you, which will give you additional credibility with potential employers.
Explore Bridging Programs
Bridging programs help internationally trained professionals and tradespeople who want to work in their field in Canada. They can help you get a license or certification and integrate into the Canadian workplace. These programs offer different services like courses, education and skills assessments, practical or workplace experience, exam prep for licenses or certificates, and language training for professions or trades.
Explore the Ontario Bridge Training Program here.
Use the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
The Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program offers eligible newcomers a chance to gain valuable temporary work experience and training opportunities with Canadian federal, provincial and municipal organizations. Through the FIN Program, candidates are hired as temporary employees and gain experience in understanding job application and hiring processes, Canadian workplace culture, networking with professionals, and attending training sessions.
Find 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 many of the immigrant-supporting organizations listed in the first subsection of this guide, or inquire at local businesses that you regularly visit.
Start Your Own Business
If you’re thinking of starting your own business in Canada, you’ll need a detailed business plan. The Government of Canada recommends taking the following steps:
Develop Your Business Idea: Evaluate your readiness, choose the structure of your business, conduct market research, and draft a business plan.
Pick a Name for Your Business: Choose a unique and effective name, check its availability, register it, and safeguard your business name.
Register Your Business with the Government: Go through the procedures of registering or incorporating your business, and learn how to apply for a business number or tax account.
Apply for Necessary Business Permits and Licenses: Understand and acquire the permits and licenses your business might need from all three levels of government.
Secure Business Support and Financing: Seek out national and regional business support, including financial aid for immigrant and aboriginal entrepreneurs.
Get Free Tax Assistance for Your Business: Schedule a meeting with a liaison officer to gain insights into common mistakes, best practices for bookkeeping, and possible deductions.
The Value of Patience & Dedication
Remember, while the job search can seem daunting, there are many resources available to assist you. You're not alone in your journey, and with patience and persistence, you'll be able to successfully navigate the Canadian job market.
Lastly, if you’re still in the process of applying to come to Canada, make sure you finish every step in order.
Book your Immigration Medical Exam with us if you haven’t already done so, and make sure you submit a complete application so that you can find your new livelihood here.