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WORK IN CANADA

Whether you be a foreign worker or an employer, it is crucial to go through the proper channels before temporary employment in Canada may begin and obtaining a work visa.

Canada is pro-actively seeking foreign workers and professionals to help grow its strong national workforce and supports its bustling economy. In this section, you may find all the most up-to-date information on working in Canada for your particular situation.

In most instances, in order to work in Canada, the foreign worker will need a work permit. There are, however, a number of circumstances where you may be able to work in Canada without a work permit. Additionally, there are number of other ways to work in Canada without undergoing the traditional work permit application process, including work permits granted for working holidayspost-graduate work permits or permits issued under international agreements, such as CUMSA.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

These are just some of the work scenarios and situations that take place in Canada.

CUMSA WORK PERMITS

These permits are issued under the Canada USA Mexico Agreement, allowing work without a LMIA.

LMIA

EXEMPTIONS

Certain circumstances allow for individuals to work in Canada without first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

LMIA BASED WORK PERMITS

These work permits require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment as part of the process.

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFERS

These permits will allow a company to bring certain employees to Canada from its offices abroad without a LMIA.

BUSINESS

VISITORS

In many cases, business visitors may work in Canada without a work permit, so long as they don't enter the Canadian labour market.

POST GRADUATION WORK PERMITS

After graduating from a designated Canadian educational institution, international graduates may work in Canada for up to three years.

Tools to assist you with your Job Search

Many job seekers don’t get enough interviews even after applying for dozens of jobs. Why? Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to search and filter resumes by keywords. Canada is a country that most certainly makes use of multiple different forms of ATS systems, so having just one resume is not the answer, as you need to be able to overcome the over 60 versions of ATS.  This is why we have partnered with JOBSCAN, and why we think you should really consider using these tools to improve your strategies.

What is Jobscan?

Jobscan helps you optimize your resume for any job, highlighting the key experience and skills recruiters need to see.

 

Scan your resume to see how it performs vs the job you are applying to before applying. Many job seekers don't get enough interviews even after applying for dozens of jobs. Why? Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to search and filter resumes by keywords. Jobscan will tell you what is missing from your resume, so that you can add it in before applying.

 

An all in one Jobsearch tool that provides the following functions:

Jobscan tools offer everything you need to save time and get more job interviews. Your resume is just the beginning!

DIY Résumé Development and Optimization with REZI

One of the most difficult challenges of the immigration process is finding a job before you arrive.  Not having the right tools in place to help you put your best foot forward and garner those much needed interviews or job offers, really leaves you behind the trend with the express entry pool growing week by week, meaning more and more people are looking for opportunities in Canada.  You have to be better, you have to look better. The tools we provide below are modern, new age, cutting edge tools that empower you the applicant to take control of your resume and the job application process, which will ultimately yield the results you seek.

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Recommended by the ICL Immigration CEO, Clinton Emslie

Having handled and dealt with thousands of clients, the hardest part of any immigration journey is no doubt the part where finding a job is needed to activate a process for a client to be able to apply for either a Work Permit, or Permanent Residence.  After doing a lot of research and playing with many different softwares, Jobscan comes highly recomended for our clients to make use of.  Its really a tool you need to use everyday to see the power it contains and how it can help you get those much needed interviews.

It by no means replaces the traditional role that resume writers have, as writing is a fine art, but this tool takes all of that 10 steps further by giving you the tools that actually work to your advantage, and allows you to adapt, bend, and work your resume on the fly to exactly what the specific ATS system is looking for, how it it reads and interprets information, or likes to see certain words or acronyms used or not used, so that the odds are stacked in your favour when you click on that apply now button.

What have you got to lose? Go and Try Jobscan today or use the Rezi DIY Resume Builder

PREPARE BETTER FOR INTERVIEWS

n today's competitive job market, interviews are more than just a casual chat; they are the gateway to your next career opportunity. It's not hyperbolic to say that each interview is a golden ticket—a singular chance to demonstrate your value proposition and secure your place in a desired organization. Thus, being 'super ready' is non-negotiable.

This platform provides a comprehensive interview training program, including mock interviews.

Particularly for tech roles, this offers mock technical interviews with engineers from top tech companies.

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Delving Deeper into Interview Preparation: Making Every Moment Count

Aplatform for mock technical interviews.

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Dress Code:

•    Understand the Company Culture: A tech startup might have a different dress code compared to a corporate law firm. Do your research. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.


•    Neat and Tidy: Ensure clothes are ironed, shoes are polished, and your overall appearance is groomed. 
 

Smells & Scents:

•    Less is More: Opt for subtle fragrances over strong perfumes or colognes. Remember, some people are sensitive or allergic to strong scents.


•    Fresh Breath: A simple mint can work wonders. Avoid strong foods like garlic or onions before the interview.

Body Language:

•    Firm Handshake: It portrays confidence. Ensure it's not too tight or limp.


•    Maintain Eye Contact: This indicates attentiveness and honesty.


•    Good Posture: Sit up straight; slouching can be perceived as a lack of interest.

Mindset & Demeanor:

•    Stay Calm: Deep breathing techniques can help alleviate nerves.


•    Focus on the Present: Be in the moment. Avoid thinking about past mistakes or future questions. Listen actively.


•    Exude Confidence: Believe in your skills and experiences. Remember, they called you for the interview for a reason. But be cautious not to be overly confident or vain.


•    Be Happy and Positive: A genuine smile can make a world of difference. It portrays enthusiasm and positivity.

Recognizing & Responding to Cues:

•    Engagement Signs: If the interviewer is nodding, leaning forward, or maintaining steady eye contact, it's a good sign. Respond by matching their level of engagement.


•    Distractions: If they seem distracted or distant, it might be a cue to re-engage them. Perhaps, pivot to a more engaging topic or ask a clarifying question.


•    Mirroring: Subconsciously, people tend to mirror body language they find agreeable. If you notice this, it's a positive sign.

Behaviour during and Interview:

•    Active Listening: It's not just about your answers. Listen to the questions carefully, showing that you're fully engaged.
•    Ask Questions: It portrays interest and enthusiasm for the role.
•    Avoid Negative Talk: Don't speak ill of your past employers or colleagues. It reflects poorly on your professionalism.

An interview is a two-way street. It's not just about them assessing you, but also about you assessing if the company aligns with your values and aspirations. Go in with an open mind, prepared, and confident. Remember, every interview, whether successful or not, provides a learning opportunity for the next.

Overcoming Application Lethargy with Coaching Tools:

The monotony of job applications can lead to lethargy. After dozens of applications, it's easy to treat interviews as just another step in the process. But they're not—they're the culmination. Coaching tools are invaluable in this regard, helping applicants switch gears from the passive act of applying to the proactive mindset of interviewing.

  • Mock Interviews: Practicing in a simulated environment can be invaluable. It helps in identifying potential pitfalls, refining answers, and building confidence. We recommend Mockinterview as a tool here.

  • Behavioral Coaching: Beyond the technical aspects, interviews assess cultural fit, interpersonal skills, and character. Behavioral coaching tools can help refine this less tangible, but equally critical, side of interviewing. We recommend Pathrise as a tool here.

  • Feedback Platforms: Getting objective feedback can uncover blind spots in interview performance. We recommend Hirevue as a tool here.

Places to search for Jobs in Canada

The following sites a known to have the majority of job postings on the internet.  You will need to register on each one of them, create or upload an electronic resume and setup job alerts that can be emailed to you when they are posted.

Its important to understand that most Canadian employers will hire local, but in the rare instances they will seek further afield when their local needs are not met.

Find a Job using Jobbank
Find a Job using Indeed
Find a Job using Workopolis
Find a Job using Monster
Find a Job using Linkedin
Find a Job using Career Builder
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Find a Job using Eluta
Find a Job using Glassdoor
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Find a Job using Robert Half
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Which Canadian work solution will meet your needs?

You are looking for work in Canada

If you are looking for work in Canada or already have a job offer from a Canadian employer and are unsure of what to do next, our team of professionals are here to help you figure it out, contact us for more information.

You already have a job offer in Canada

If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer and are unsure of what to do next, check out our Work Permit Services to get an introduction on what you need to acquire the proper authorizations to work in Canada. We would be happy to assist you with the process from beginning to end. Please contact us so we can help you explore your options.

You are a Canadian business looking to hire a foreign worker

If you are a Canadian employer who is looking to hire a worker from abroad, we would be happy to advise you on the proper steps to bring that worker to Canada. Our Work Permit specialists will discuss your business needs with you, the qualifications of the worker that you have in mind, and the options that you have for getting that worker to Canada. Depending on your needs, you may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Alternatively, there may be specific programs that are geared toward addressing your needs on an expedited basis through an exemption, such as through an intra-company transfer. To see what options are available to you, contact us today and let us know about your business needs.

You are currently studying or have recently graduated from a Canadian educational institution

Depending on the amount of time that you have studied in Canada, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit in Canada. This program is an excellent opportunity for you to develop Canadian experience, especially if you are looking to apply for Canadian immigration under the Canadian Experience Class or Quebec Experience Class programs. Start your free assessment and be sure to let us know about your Canadian education.

You would like to work in Canada as an entrepreneur

In addition to Entrepreneur Work Permits, be sure to look into Canada's Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program if you have business management or entrepreneurial experience. You should also explore our page about International Business Start-ups In Canada to learn more about using an intra-company transfer work permit to start a new business in Canada.

You would like to work in Canada as a self-employed individual

There are a number of programs that allow self-employed individuals to work in Canada under certain circumstances. If you are looking to work in Canada on a self-employed basis, the process may be a bit complicated. However, we would be happy to assess your qualifications for working in Canada. Contact us to learn more about your options.

You are a citizen of the United States or Mexico

Canada has a special relationship with the United States and Mexico that allows certain individuals to work in Canada. The Canada USA Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUMSA) allows individuals to work in Canada under a CUMSA work permit. CUMSA is broken down into four categories, covering professionals, intra-company transfers, traders and investors, and allows such individuals to circumvent the traditional work permit process. Contact us, and be sure to note that you are a citizen of the United States or Mexico.

You have a job offer in the province of Quebec

The province of Quebec has its own requirements for working Quebec. To start, you are required to obtain a document called a CAQ as part of the process. You should also note that Quebec has its own list of occupations that allow for an expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment to be issued. Contact us and be sure to let us know that you have a job offer in the province of Quebec.

Still have questions about working in Canada? Contact us here

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