Live and Work In Canada – A Guide to Land Your Dream Job!

Working in Canada is an exciting prospect for many newcomers. Moving to a new country is a time for new beginnings, cultural experiences, and rewarding career opportunities. It’s also a time when you’ll face many changes. Like many courageous newcomers seeking an exciting change, you may take the leap, move to Canada, and deal with challenges as they arise. However, this approach can hinder your success in integrating into Canada.  A better approach is to prepare to work in Canada before you arrive. With many resources, programs, and services to take advantage of, you’ll achieve the success you desire faster!

Discover how you can better prepare yourself to work in Canada! This article provides you with the essential activities, resources, tools, and steps to take before and after you arrive in Canada. You’ll understand how to gain a competitive advantage and land your dream job in Canada with this three-step approach:

A common challenge newcomers face is that Canadian employers may not recognize their foreign credentials. This can happen when newcomers work in regulated professions such as healthcare, engineering, and some trade occupations (i.e. electricians). Without credential recognition, you may face challenges working in your profession or:

• Unemployment

• Underemployment (working in jobs not commensurate with your skills, education, and experience).

Beyond credential recognition, newcomers also need help to overcome barriers such as a lack of “Canadian work experience” or gaining relevant work experience. These challenges are frustrating and can lead to financial difficulties and disappointment when you arrive in Canada. However, there are many free employment programs and services that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funds to help newcomers overcome these barriers. These supports can help you prepare to work in Canada. Taking advantage of employment services can eliminate the stress of navigating your job search.

Determine if You’re Eligible to Work in Canada

An important first step is to determine if you’re eligible to work in Canada and what you require to work in your profession or trade. Most occupations are non-regulated, however, about 20% of occupations and trades are regulated in Canada. If you work in a regulated profession, you require a license or certification to work. Knowing what skills, knowledge, licenses, language requirements, etc, you require before you arrive will make it much easier to continue your career in Canada.

Are You Eligible to Work in Canada?

To determine if you are eligible to work in Canada, it’s important to consider these questions:

• Is your profession or trade regulated in Canada?

• What designation, license, or certificate do you need to obtain?

• How long will it take to complete the licensing process and how much will it cost?

It takes time to complete the licensing process for regulated professions. And, it will cost money. Therefore, it’s important to understand the education and work requirements before you arrive in Canada. When you know what to expect, you can prepare financially, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Are Your Work Qualifications Recognized in Canada?

While you may have extensive experience and training, you need to know if Canadian employers recognize your qualifications. If employers do not recognize the value of your international experience, this can be a frustrating barrier to face.

Getting your foreign credentials and work experience recognized is a large factor in how quickly you can continue your career in Canada. You will need your credentials assessed if you:

• Immigrate to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker

• Work in a certain profession or trade.

Getting your credentials and skills assessed will help you understand what types of jobs you may be qualified for. Or, you may discover that you require more training, education, or Canadian work experience. Related to this are two important processes: education evaluation and credential recognition. These are two separate and distinct processes. In some cases, you can begin these processes before you arrive in Canada.