How Easy Is It To Find A Good Job In Canada?

Canada has always aimed to maintain an open and accessible job market, and a wide range of job openings exists for people from outside the country. However, the process of finding the right job varies according to the sector in which you want to work. Before starting the process, your first step should be to find a good immigration lawyer here, who will help you understand the basic requirements.

Finding Job Offers

Most Canadian employers require a work permit before they can employ you, and in order to obtain a work permit, you must first have a job offer. Therefore you have start by looking for openings for employment in your field. The easiest ways to do this include:

· Use the Working In Canada tool provided by CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). Here you can research your particular occupation and identify what specific skills you need.

· Job Bank is a Canadian government agency which has a large database of employment openings.

· Many job seekers find that contacting employers directly can be very effective.

Application Process

Once you have your job offer you have to make an application for a work permit to the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). To ensure you get your application right, you should consult a qualified immigration attorney, as approval is by no means guaranteed. The HRSDC will decide whether to accept or reject your application, after assessing the legitimacy of your job offer and also the needs of the employment market at the time.

This process normally takes about four months, though it can take up to 9 months for applicants from the Philippines. However for some sectors with a lot of vacancies, there is the alternative of the fast track option, under which employers can directly select specific immigrants who meet their particular requirements. Ask your immigration law firm if your occupation is likely to fit into this category.

Possible Job Openings

At any time there is usually a selection of opportunities in Canada for temporary and permanent workers.

· One sector that usually has plenty of openings for temporary workers is live in caregivers. To work as a live in caregiver you should make an application directly to the Live In Caregiver Program, and before you can do this you need to obtain a LMO via your employer from the HRSDC – this is a Labour Market Opinion certifying that there is a need for a foreign worker to do the job. If your application is successful you will receive a work permit.

· There are always plenty of openings in retail stores, construction companies and fast food outlets. Those who work in fast food outlets as servers can only stay for two years, but can reapply after four months.

· Those working in semiskilled jobs in hospitality, such as food processing, or hotel front desk clerks, may be able to use the Provincial Nominee Program to apply for permanent resident status. Your immigration lawyers will be able to advise you on this.

· Currently there is a large number of permanent openings for long haul truck drivers. There is a preference for employing workers from countries where English is the first language, and there are strict requirements for licensing qualifications.

The situation concerning employment in Canada of foreign workers is quite complex. There are numerous opportunities, but each sector has its own specific requirements. It is essential to consult a firm of immigration attorneys, who are expert in Canadian immigration and can ensure you get the application process right for your particular occupation.