Find a Job in Canada

Looking for work can be stressful and exhausting. Canadian citizens will have a leg-up when it comes to networking and in-person search activities and only need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) once they’re hired. Immigrants will need to apply for a work permit and a SIN after receiving a job offer (but won’t need those to find and apply for work). If you’re highly skilled in manufacturing, service, communications, or real estate, you won’t have much trouble finding work once you’re in Canada. Luckily, there are tons of job search platforms and organizations that can help you find the perfect job from anywhere.

Steps

Applying for a Work Permit

1. Find out if you’re eligible for a work permit. You can apply for an employer-specific permit if you only plan to work in Canada for a limited period of time, or an open work permit if you’re staying longer or applying for permanent residence. Certain occupations (like foreign representatives, emergency service providers, and media crews) don’t require a work permit, but may still need to acquire a temporary resident visa (see http://Immigration.ca for specifics). You’re eligible if you:
   • Prove that you’ll leave once your permit expires;
   • Provide proof of adequate income to take care of yourself (and your family) while in Canada and in order to leave;
   • Have no criminal record (immigration officials may ask for a police clearance certificate);
   • Are not a danger to security in Canada;
   • Are in good health (a medical exam may be required);
   • Do not plan to work for an employer who has failed to comply with immigration policy in the past;
   • Do not plan to work for an employer who offers erotic or illicit services;
   • Comply with requests for documents to prove you’re allowed to enter the country.
2. Ask your employer to submit an LMIA if you need one. Determine if your prospective employer needs to submit an LMIA. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that your prospective employer must obtain in order to hire you as a temporary worker before you can apply for your work permit.
   • An LMIA shows that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker and that no Canadians are able to do the job.
   • Thanks to the North American Fair Trade Agreement, citizens of America or Mexico can obtain a temporary work permit without having to obtain an LMIA which greatly simplifies the process.
   • You may qualify for an exemption code from the International Mobility Program depending on the type of work that you do and your country of origin.
   • If you are not exempt, all you need to do is tell your prospective employer to submit an LMIA request online to Employment and Social Development Canada as soon as possible.
   • If you don’t have a job lined up yet and know that you’re not exempt from the LMIA, focus on your job search first and foremost! You’ll need the LMIA in order to apply for a work permit.
3. Collect all of the necessary documents. In addition to the application, you’ll need to provide documents to verify your identity and intent to work in Canada. Necessary documents include proof of identity, proof that you’re eligible for the job (or jobs that you’ll be applying to), proof of relationship (if applicable), proof of immigration status (for non-citizens), and other documents as needed.
   • Your proof of identity should be a valid passport and 2 additional passport-regulation photos of yourself.
   • To prove you’re eligible for the job, you’ll need to either submit a Canadial Provincial Trade Certificate or your educational requirements and past work experience (outlined in a resume).
   • If you’re bringing family members with you, you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate as well as birth certificates for each person.
   • If you’re not a citizen of the country or territory to which you’re applying to work, you must send proof of your current immigration status as well!
   • Apply for a work permit before you come to Canada either during your job search or after you’ve found work.
4. Apply online or via mail and pay the fees in full. Applying online (at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html) is going to be the faster, easier route, but you must have a scanner or quality digital camera to upload all the necessary documents. You’ll also need to pay a few application fees in full (listed in Canadian dollars):
   • $155 fee per person (including extensions)
   • $465 fee for 3+ persons who are performing artists (including extensions)
   • $100 fee open work permit holder fee (refundable if declined)
   • If you pay online (via credit or Canadian debit card), you must print out the receipt and attach it to your application as proof of payment. It’s wise to make a second copy to keep for your records.
   • If you’re in the United States, send your complete application and accompanying documents to:
     Canadian Visa Application Centre
     W 45th St. 4th floor
     New York, NY 10036
5. Wait for processing and approval or refusal. It usually takes about 3 weeks to process work permit applications (and longer if you’re outside of the US). If your application is approved, they’ll send you an introduction letter as well as any documents that you sent in with your application (like your passport). If your application is refused, they’ll return all of your application documents as well as a letter explaining why your application was declined.
   • If you have any changes in your contact information (like your mailing address, phone number, email, or fax), tell them as soon as possible.
   • Processing may take longer if you have a medical condition that requires more testing or if more information is needed in regards to a criminal record.

Getting Your Social Insurance Number

1. Gather all of the necessary documents to apply. Everyone working in Canada needs a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to get paid, receive government services, and pay taxes. Canadian citizens and non-citizens can apply for a SIN card by presenting a primary document.
   • For Canadian citizens, a primary document can be an original birth certificate, a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or a Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad (issued before 1977 by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).
   • If you’re a permanent resident, provide an original of your Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (within 1 year of residency) accompanied by a passport or driver’s license, or Record of Landing (issued before June 28, 2002).
   • Temporary residents should present a Work Permit, Study Permit (and a letter from the IRCC issued before February 11, 2015 that states you can work off campus), Visitor record, or Diplomatic Identity Card (along with a work authorization issued by Global Affairs Canada).
   • If you live outside of Canada and are not a Canadian citizen, provide an original birth certificate and a letter stating you’re eligible for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, or Régime des rentes du Québec (RRQ).
   • If your name on your primary document is different from your current name, you also need to provide a supporting document to validate your identity (like a marriage or divorce certificate, legal change of name document, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document).
2. Submit your application in person or by mail. After gathering all the necessary documents, go to the nearest Service Canada office to get your SIN that same day. If you live over {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} away from the nearest office, you can find the SIN application form online, print it out, complete it, and send it to the Service Canada office along with the required documents.
   • Send your application and documents to:
     Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Office
     PO Box 7000
     Bathurst New Brunswick E2A 4T1
     Canada
   • Apply online at: https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/content/EForms/en/CallForm.html?Lang=en&PDF=nas-2120.pdf
   • Note that photocopies are not accepted so you must send originals! They’ll return them after your application is processed but do not assume responsibility for lost documents.
   • It should take about 20 days for you to receive your SIN card via mail if you apply via that method.
3. Keep your SIN number a secret. Your SIN number is a confidential code that’s used to verify your identity so you can earn money from work, pay taxes, receive government services, and contribute to pension plans. You do not need to provide it when applying for a job but an employer will ask you for it after you’re hired so you can get paid.

Searching for Jobs Online

1. Use online job search platforms to search for work before arriving. Canada has tons of job search platforms that you can tailor to fit your employment needs and preferences. Of course, lots of companies use common platforms like Monster, CareerBuilder, and Indeed, but some smaller and local businesses may use homegrown platforms like Workopolis, WowJobs, and Eluta.
   • You can also use platforms that cater to certain territories like Jobboom (Quebec) or TorontoJobs.ca (Ontario).
   • Be sure to use advanced filters to make your job search highly specific. For example, if you need to make a certain amount of money, check the appropriate “minimum salary” box.
   • Sign up to receive notifications of job openings in your chosen field so you won’t have to redo the same search later.
2. Search your niche if your work is unlikely to appear on basic job boards. Some industry employers and employees will have formed organizations to support that community. Searching for these organizations will likely steer you in the right direction, especially if what you do is highly specific.
   • For instance, if you’re an environmental graphic designer, you could refer to the Graphic Designers of Canada website to search for openings.
   • These types of organizations may also hold networking events that you can attend to make connections. However, some may require a membership fee to join.
3. Look up specific companies if you know where you’d like to work. Research companies that you already know of to get more information and see if they’re hiring. For example, if you’re a chef, check the websites of restaurants, hotels, and catering companies in the area. Look to see if they’ve posted any jobs or contact them to ask if they’re hiring.
   • Some companies and startups also have social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), so be sure to check those as well to see if they’re hiring.
   • If your current or former job has associations with a particular Canadian company (like advertising agencies or media companies), use that connection to your advantage by asking your current or former boss for a lead or Ask for a Referral.
4. Update and post your resume to various platforms. Write a professional resume and post it on various job sites so employers can review it. Be sure to tailor your resume to each job you apply to, listing achievements, skills, and work experiences that are directly relevant to that position.
   • Look for keywords and phrases in the job description and tailor your resume according to that. But don’t just copy and paste the words. For example, if the phrase “Displays strong leadership skills” appears in the description, you might mention how you managed a team of coworkers as one of your job responsibilities.
5. Refer to an immigrant-serving organization if you need more help. If you’ll be immigrating to Canada, an immigrant-serving organization can help you finesse your resume and search for jobs in your particular field. They can also help you find a place to live, fill out immigration applications and forms, and learn the ins-and-outs of living in Canada.
   • Immigrant-serving organizations are especially helpful to immigrants that have language barriers.
   • Some organizations will offer pre-arrival services to help you prepare for your big move and find a job beforehand. However, they only offer this for people who have had their Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada approved.

Networking with People in Canada

1. Connect with friends, family, and acquaintances who live in Canada. If you know someone who lives in the particular city or territory you’d like to work in, touch base with them and let them know you’re looking for work in their area. You might get lucky with a referral.
   • Look at your friends on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and make a list of all the people you know who live in Canada. Reach out to the people who you think would be willing to help you.
   • Ideally, you might know someone who immigrated to Canada from your same country of origin. If that’s the case, contact them first! Ask them about how they found work and if they know of any opportunities.
2. Use an online networking platform like LinkedIn. If you have a LinkedIn account, look through your connections and see who you might know that is currently living or working in Canada. You can also perform a job search and reach out to hiring managers. Just make sure your information and resume is up to date!
   • If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, create one and alter your privacy settings to allow employers to see your full profile. You might also change your summary to say that you’re currently looking for work in Canada.
   • Choose a high-quality profile picture where you look professional and friendly.
3. Contact potential employers online. Many networking platforms allow you to directly message an employer on the platform. Or, if the recruiter listed an email, you can write a message expressing your interest in the position. You could write: “Dear Edward Jossen, I’ve been hoping to have the opportunity to work for Exostar Systems ever since I started my coding career. I’m curious if you have any positions available or any that might be opening up soon…”
   • If you’re not a Canadian citizen, explain your intent to move and work in Canada in the message. You could say something like, “Dear Mrs. LaFrennet, my name is Bart Kline and I’m currently looking to work as a technical writer in Toronto. I currently live in Chicago, IL, but am planning to move as soon as I secure a job. I see you’ve listed an opening on the job board and I’m interested in hearing more about the position.”
   • Be sure to mention your country of origin so if they do offer you an interview and decide to hire you, they’ll know whether they have to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If you’re a citizen of America or Mexico, you can get a temporary work permit without an LMIA.
   • If the hiring employer has their work phone number listed, you can call to ask about job openings as well.
4. Go to job fairs in Canada to connect with potential employers. Search for job fairs online in the area where you live or where you want to live. If you don’t currently live in Canada, take a trip for the sole purpose of finding a job. If you’ve already moved, go to a job fair as soon as you can. Make sure to look at the details to ensure that recruiters in your industry will be there.
   • Practice approaching prospective employers before you go so you’ll feel confident and be more likely to impress them!
   • Two good places to start are http://canadajobexpo.com/ and http://careerfaircanada.ca/.
   • If you attended university in Canada, look to your university’s alumni services to find out about fairs. The career services sector of your university can also help you connect with employers.
   • Wear professional-looking interview attire and carry business cards and copies of your resume with you along with any other supporting materials (like your portfolio).
5. Meet new people in Canada for advice and referrals. If you don’t currently live in Canada, it’s a good idea to visit before you move. Plan a trip to the city you’d like to live in and make an effort to mingle with locals. Mention your industry and that you’re looking to immigrate and find work–they might refer to you places that are hiring. And if you really hit it off, they might become a life-long friend!
   • Have business cards handy in case you meet someone who works in the same (or an associated) line of work.
6. Volunteer in Canada to build your resume and network. While you won't be getting paid, volunteer experience will show potential employers that you are dedicated and passionate about any work you take on. Plus, most hiring managers agree that volunteering “builds leadership skills.” And who knows, you might meet someone who can refer you to more opportunities!
   • Do a quick search for volunteer opportunities in the area where you live or would like to live.
   • Tailor your volunteering to your industry to meet people in your field. For example, if you’re a fitness instructor, volunteer to teach classes at a local community center.

Tips

• Be clear about what kind of job you want. Recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and what kind of work you enjoy doing.

Warnings

• Don’t try to enter Canada illegally and work without proper documentation. The penalty is deportation and exclusion, meaning you cannot return to Canada for 1 or 2 years.
• Watch out for employers who only pay in cash as avoiding a paper trail is a red flag that they’re employing people illegally (even if you have a work permit or visa). If caught, they face serious penalties and your place of work will be shut down.

References

See also

• Get a Temporary Job Over 50
• Speed Up Your Job Search
• Search Global Jobs From Your Mobile Phone
• Get a Job During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Prepare for an Informational Interview
• Make Money in the Winter (Kids and Teens)
• Look for a Summer Job
• Find a Job for Your Skill with SkillLot.com
• Find a Job on GAPbuster
• Apply for a Job via Careerbuilder

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