If you have been thinking of working in Canada, you may have looked into the various requirements that need to be met in order to do so.
While there are numerous resources you will find online about the topic, it can be difficult to find a single source that compiles everything you need in one place.
Fortunately, this guide will give you all the information you need to start working in Canada, from the specific paperwork requirements to what kind of job options are available. You will also get acquainted with how to start applying for jobs in Canada, no matter your current location.
Overview
Various factors are considered in order to determine whether you can move into Canada. In fact, if you are always thinking about moving here, this is what you need to know.
Firstly, the Canadian government wants to make sure you won’t end up on welfare or take away jobs from Canadians. Therefore, for you to get an approval for residency, you will have to show that you have enough savings- at least $10,000 CAD- or a job offer from an employer who is willing to sponsor your application.
Apart from this, you will also need a clean criminal record and be able to pass the English language proficiency test.
What You Need to Know About Working in Canada
One of the news from the CIC shows that for all foreigners who are working in Canada, a valid work permit issued by CIC is a must have.
In other words, no Canadian employer will employ individual who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident until they have been granted a work permit by the CIC. The individual will also need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
The important of the SIN is that it allows employers to report income taxes deducted from employees’ wages for provincial and federal tax purposes.
After been hired, employers may decide to request for the SIN of their new employee at the time of offering him/her employment.
Once the employee receives their SIN, they should hand it to their employer so that their record of employment form will be complete. For the record of employment, the following information should be included: Employer name, address, phone number, position held, start date of employment, End date of employment, days worked per week, total hours worked per week. All of this information will assist with calculating payroll deductions such as income tax deductions and Canada Pension Plan contributions.
Will I Need a Work Permit?
Generally, for an American citizen who want to work as a freelancer or contractor for a Canadian company, your employer must apply for an authorization to work- also known as Work Permit.
Always note that there are some works in Canada that do not require a work permit like the 7 Nice Jobs in Canada with No Work Permit Requirement- Apply Now, however so long you are coming into Canada to earn a living, you will most likely need a work permit.
If you are coming to visit your spouse or relatives without the intention of working here, you do not need a work permit. For example, many Canadians have spouses who live in the United States who are visiting temporarily. In this case, they can stay with their spouse without a work permit in as much as they are not doing anything that would consider them gainfully employed.
In addition, some U.S citizens might not need to obtain a work permit at all if they meet certain requirements such as NAFTA professionals, academic visitors and cultural exchange participants.
Will I Need to Learn English Language Before Moving to Canada?
There are two official languages here in Canada-English and French. Many people are concerned about learning a new language before moving to Canada.
Although, most Canadians communicate in English, there are still many who speak French. So don’t worry if you can’t communicate well when you first arrive, many will try to help you out. In fact, they can find someone who understands what you mean and ask him to help out.
How Can I Secure a Good Job in Canada?
If you are working on securing a good job in Canada, one of your major worries would be how much work you will have to do when it comes to finding job especially applying from outside Canada.
Although, there are various opportunities for skilled workers from around the world, it is still very essential that your resume pinpoints that you have a number of transferable skills that can apply across industries. this will give you wider scope to apply into several places not limited to your core skill alone.
In order to increase your chances of securing a competitive position, make sure to work on your resume. Consider including some of the following skills: Programming languages, Geographic information systems/Geographic Information Science/Cartography, GIS Data Modeling and Design, Geomatics engineering, Land Surveying Techniques.
Can I Move to Canada Immediately or Wait till I Have a Job?
Once you have a job offer, you can proceed with work permit application. Although there are exceptions, make sure to always check with your immigration representative before you make any move.
Your representative will guide you on how best you can proceed with your application. It is a choice; some people prefer to remain at their home country until their work permit is fully secured.
You can still find out if you have been granted work permit or not even when you have not yet moved to Canada. If you are successful, you can then proceed with your process of relocating to Canada.
On the other hand, waiting may be too difficult for certain reasons; personal reasons or because the Canadian company may be willing to wait a certain amount of time before proceeding to hire someone else.
In these cases, the person may decide to move in immediately in order to not lose their chance of securing employment in Canada.
What Can I do if My Permanent Residence Card Get Expired?
Permanent residence card (PR card) will expire in ten years after you receive it. It is therefore very important that you keep track of its expiration date.
In case your card has expired, but you have not yet applied for citizenship, you will have to renew your PR card before applying for citizenship.
You can apply for renewal here by following the steps below.
- Check if you are eligible for renewal by visitingย IRCC and follow the instructions there.
- Apply for PR card renewal using the form provided onย IRCC.
- Fill out the form IMM 5444E on the government of Canada website.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Moving to Canada?
Firstly, if you are relocating from a country outside the North America, you will have to complete an Immigration process which usually varies based on your current situations.
Some individuals from certain countries must apply for a temporary visa. Always ensure you plan ahead so that you can submit your work permit application as soon as possible.
Don’t forget that visas and permits are only valid if followed by a SIN or proof of sufficient funds to live during your stay in Canada. You will need a Canadian passport before entering the country.
Conclusion
After exploring various ways to get permission to work in Canada in this post, the best option is largely dependent on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you are considering moving permanently to Canada with a family member who has Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status, then you would either sponsor them as your spouse/common-law partner or apply for permanent residence yourself.
On the other hand, if your choice is to visit Canada temporarily with intention of returning to your home country at the end of your trip, then look into acquiring a visitor visa.
Check also:ย Relocate to Canada as a House Cleaner-Apply Now
