Do you want to move to Canada?
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For foreign nationals looking for employment abroad, Canada is a great destination. This is because Canada has competitive wages, plenty of opportunities for professional development and growth, a high standard of safety in the workplace, and a strong, diverse economy. For those who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, working there is a great first step.
Working in Canada without the proper authorization has serious consequences on future immigration applications, so it is essential to make sure you have official authorization. Below you will find plenty of helpful information on different options for becoming a temporary or permanent worker in Canada:
Searching for work in Canada might feel intimidating at first. However, there are plenty of resources if you are looking for a Canadian employer to give you an official job offer. Take advantage of our various job hunting resources listed below and make sure to give yourself enough time to get your resume ready. You will want to make sure to review your social media presence prior to applying to jobs as well.
You may need to know your National Occupation Classification Code (NOC Code) for certain positions in Canada. All types of employment are classified by Canadian standards using this code. Here at KCIS, we are working on a tool to help you find your NOC Code - it should be ready soon. In the meantime, please visit the NOC Code database on the Canadian Government website.
There are many benefits of working in Canada. The country’s labour laws make sure that every workplace has a high degree of safety and that certain laws and regulations are followed by all employers. This ensures the well-being of the workers. Wages are competitive in Canada and foreign nationals are given the same wages as their Canadian counterparts by law.
Additionally, there are Canadian work permits that allow workers to be accompanied by their spouse and children. By gaining work experience in Canada, a foreign national can increase their eligibility for other Canadian permanent residency programs, which is another great benefit. These other programs which value work experience in Canada are:
To obtain a work permit in Canada, you have many different options. Where some work permits require that the employer provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), others require a job offer from a Canadian employer. Others require that the employee have a connection to Canada, including a spousal sponsorship, previous education, or other connection. The categories below will help you determine which work permit is right for you and your qualifications.
Helpful tip: If you are already a Canadian permanent resident, you do not need a work permit to work in Canada legally because your permanent resident status includes the right to work and live anywhere in the country. To learn more about immigrating permanently to Canada, please see our Professional and Skilled workers page (coming soon).
Depending on the work permit you are applying for, the process for obtaining one varies greatly. An example of this would be an international student who is studying in Canada. They will often be given work authorization to work part-time as part of their student visa.
Foreign nationals are often required to have an official job offer from an employer in Canada to apply for a closed work permit. The employer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Those who are exempt from requiring work permits or are LMIA-exempt should know the specific documentation they must prepare to ensure they are given entry to Canada. The two distinct pathways for getting a work permit in Canada are a closed work permit and an open work permit.
Closed work permits are associated with particular employers. If a foreign national has a closed work permit, they must continue working with the same employer in the same location unless the work permit is changed.
