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5 min read
Whether you would like to elevate your career, start in a new career or are just seeking better opportunities, Canada is a great place to do just that. The country is on a clear and steady road to recovery since the pandemic has taken over. In July, Canada added 94,000 jobs which is a great indication that the economy is steadily growing.
Making a big move like living in Canada requires some research so that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are 6 things you should know about working in Canada.
Why Should I Work in Canada?
1. Canada has many in-demand jobs
By simply qualifying for a job that is in demand, that immediately opens certain opportunities for you. For one, there would be several vacancies that you would be able to apply for. You would also meet the requirements of certain Provincial Nominee Programs, depending on which jobs are in demand in the provinces. This way you can not only work in Canada but live in Canada permanently too, as you would then gain Canadian permanent residency.
Beyond having the need for foreign skilled workers, Canada also has a high minimum wage of $15 per hour. Here are some in-demand jobs, along with the average expected salary:
| In-Demand Jobs in Canada 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Salary (per year) |
| Sales Associate | $52,277 |
| Truck Driver | $44,836 |
| Registered Nurse | $77,603 |
| General Labourer | $47,678 |
| Welder | $73,504 |
| Business Development Manager | $84,003 |
| Pharmacist | $89,314 |
| Web Developer | $69,305 |
| Human Resources Managers | $89,000 |
2. Great work-life balance
This means you’ll have more than enough time to do the things you love and spend lots of quality time with family and friends. More and more Canadian companies are offering flexible working hours, this comes in handy especially to those with younger children. The benefits of work-life balance are less stress, a greater sense of wellbeing, and a lower risk of burnout.
According to Forbes, 79% of employees in Canadian workplaces that have flexible work schedules reported that they were very satisfied with their work-life balance.
3. Canada offers incredible employee benefits
Mandatory employee benefits in Canada include a pension fund, maternity leave, this includes the fathers as well which is quite special and different. Employees will get a standard 25 days of paid leave, employment insurance. Other benefits may include retirement, healthcare spending accounts, gyms, and workplace canteens.
There are a few Canadian companies that go as far as having nap rooms, hammocks and pet areas for employees. How fun!
4. Paydays are slightly different for federal public service employees
You get two paydays, how great is that! In Canada, payday happens every two weeks, on Wednesday. On the payday, you are receiving payment for the previous pay period that ended 2 weeks before. The payday period is 10 weekdays which starts on the Thursday after a payday and ends on a Wednesday two weeks later.
To find out when you will get paid for a specific workday:
- find the workday you're looking for in the calendar;
- add 2 weeks to that date and find the following payday in the calendar, this is the day you’ll get paid; and
- if the workday falls on a payday, you will get paid for it on the following payday.
5. Cost of living in Canada
The amount you would need to live comfortably in Canada depends on the city you choose to live in. On average, a single person needs about $2,771 per month for living expenses, and for families of four, the needed salary is around $5,230 monthly which is $63,840 per year.
6. Work experience in Canada can get you permanent residency
If you are working in Canada under a work visa or temporary visa, it is possible over time to gain enough Canadian work experience to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, under the Express Entry system.
If you qualify for the CEC program you can move to any province or territory in Canada. The benefit of the CEC Program is that you don’t need proof of settlement funds. So your application process can take as little as three to four months.
Although there are 6 things you should know about working in Canada mentioned, there are still many more to learn of!
How to Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
To be able to work in Canada as a foreign national, you must have a work permit. The two main types are the open work permit and the work-specific permit. The type of visa you’ll need will depend on the type of occupation you’ll have in Canada. The main differences between the two are:
| Work Permit Differences | |
|---|---|
| Open Work Permit | Specific-Work Permit |
| You can work for any Canadian employer | You can work in Canada under specific conditions |
| You can work in any province or territory in Canada | You are generally limited to one employer and position |
| You are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment | You need to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment |
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. If there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a certain position, the LMIA will be positive. Another name for a positive LMIA is a confirmation letter.
When the employer has the LMIA, then only can you apply for the work permit. You’ll need the following:
- a job offer letter;
- a contract;
- a copy of the LMIA; and
- the LMIA number.
An open work permit can be obtained via:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - international graduate students can apply for this visa and work anywhere for any employer in Canada, as it’s an open visa. This permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the graduate’s program.
Requirements for the PGWP:
- Your study permit is still valid;
- You have a valid visitor record;
- You have maintained full-time student status in Canada; and
- You submitted an application to extend your study permit before it expired and no decision has been made on your application; and
- You studied a program at a designated learning institution.
By working in Canada under a work permit, you’ll be able to meet the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class program as mentioned above.
An employer-specific permit can be obtained via:
This can be done through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals who can fill labour shortages, temporarily. Streams that fall under the TFWP are:
- Global Talent Stream - This stream is a service offered to Canadian employers to help them access highly-skilled global talent to expand their workforce in Canada.
- Agriculture - Canadian employers can hire a temporary foreign agricultural worker in occupations and activities related to primary agriculture. The other agricultural stream is Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
- Caregivers - Families can hire foreign caregivers to provide care, in a private residence, to children, seniors or people with certified medical needs. Only if Canadians and permanent residents are not available.
- High and low wage stream - This stream allows employers to hire a temporary foreign worker for a wide range of positions under the high or low wage streams.
Increase Your Chances of Success
The entire work permit application process can be tedious and complicated. Ensuring you’re applying for the correct visa type, filling the application correctly and keeping up to date with everything can become very stressful.
That’s where CanadianVisa.org can help, we work alongside experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who will handle everything little thing when it comes to the visa application process. And you’ll always be up to date with your application as you’ll have access to your own online visa profile builder, which is also the place where you’ll be uploading all your documents. It makes everything hassle-free!
Along with the knowledge of the 6 things you should know about working in Canada and more on the Canadian work permit. All you need to do now is see if you qualify.
Say yes to a brighter future!
