Work in Canada

A vast and diverse nation celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and multicultural mosaic, attracting talent from all around the world.

Apply for jobs in Canada

Overview

Canada, an expansive and diverse country located in North America, is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes that range from the Rocky Mountains in the West to the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic in the East. As the second-largest country in the world by land area, Canada is a federation comprising ten provinces and three territories, each with its own unique cultural and geographical features. It is a global leader in sectors such as natural resources, technology and healthcare, and the country's economy is based on services, industry and agriculture. Canada is a major exporter of natural resources, such as oil, gas and timber.

Known for its multicultural society, Canada is a melting pot where indigenous heritage coexists with European roots and a mosaic of immigrant cultures, reflected in its arts, cuisine and social fabric. With a stable economy based on free trade and natural resources, Canada stands as a testament to democratic governance and social inclusivity, drawing people in from all around the world.

Reasons to work in Canada

Working in Canada not only opens the door for international professionals to work and live in a country renowned for its high standard of living and multicultural society, but it can also potentially pave the way for permanent residency and citizenship in the future. Furthermore, working in Canada provides a robust platform for career growth due to its stable economy and myriad opportunities across various sectors, enabling professionals to broaden their skills and expertise in a global context. Below are a few reasons why foreigners enjoy working in Canada.

Multicultural Society: Canada is known for its diversity and inclusiveness, fostering a multicultural environment where different cultures and ethnicities are celebrated and respected.
Stable Economy: With a stable and robust economy, Canada provides ample job opportunities and economic security to its residents.
Scenic Beauty and Environment: Canada boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and is environmentally conscious, providing a beautiful and clean place to live and work.
Career Opportunities: A plethora of industries, such as technology, healthcare and finance, are thriving in Canada, providing vast career opportunities and growth.
Safety and Security: Known for its low crime rate and secure living conditions, Canada offers a safe environment for individuals and families.
Education Opportunities: Access to top-quality education and numerous institutions makes it an ideal location for continuous learning and upgrading skills.
Social Benefits: Canada provides numerous social benefits, such as healthcare, education and social security, ensuring a safety net for residents.

Canada is a great choice for skilled individuals who enjoy nature, diversity and work-life balance.

Getting a Job in Canada as a Foreigner

You will need a permit that allows you to work in Canada to take up employment. Unless you are qualified under the Open Work Permit or other specific programs, such as Express Entry, you will need a job offer from a Canadian employer to be able to apply for a work permit. Finding jobs that are eligible for Employer-Specific Work Permits can be challenging. Companies who agree to sponsor international candidates often require them to demonstrate exceptional skills or expertise that is scarce in the Canadian labour market to justify the investment and the bureaucratic endeavours involved in the hiring process. Securing a visa-sponsored job in Canada can be complex due to the country's complicated immigration system, but you can always follow Opentoworld's simple steps:

Step 1: Find suitable positions on Opentoworld

Vacancies listed on Opentoworld support visa sponsorship for foreigners who do not have an unrestricted right to work in Canada. You can search for jobs based on keywords, location, industry and job level.

Step 2: Submit job applications

Once you have identified the right opportunity, you can submit your applications directly by clicking "Apply Now". When submitting applications, you may need to submit a CV (resume) and sometimes a cover letter. It is important to submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter tailored to the job.

Step 3: Complete the application process

If your skills and experience match the employer's requirements, the employer may invite you to complete assessments and interviews. If you apply for an internship, graduate job or a graduate scheme, you may also need to participate in assessment centres, which may be referred to as assessment days in Canada.

Step 4: Receive a job offer

In order to secure a job, you may need to apply for multiple positions. If you are successful in your application, you will be offered a job in Canada. Without securing a job offer, you may not be able to obtain a work visa.

Step 5: Apply for a visa and relocate

Once you have signed the contract, employers will often guide you through the visa application process. In most cases, your employer will need to provide a copy of the labour market impact assessment, which is similar to a sponsorship letter in some other countries, and you will apply for a suitable employer-specific work permit.

Once you have received your permit, you can relocate to Canada or continue your stay if you are already in the country.

There are some options under the Open Work Permit where you do not need a job offer from employers. You may also be qualified for Express Entry or Nomination. Those programs allow you to stay in Canada or move to Canada permanently or for a certain period of time and look for jobs and be employed. However, these schemes have special requirements that may not be suitable for the majority of job seekers.

Canadian Employment Market in 2023

As of 2023, Canada's employment market is experiencing an upswing, marked by a strong demand for skilled labour and an unemployment rate that has dipped to an encouraging 4.1%, well under its historical average of around 6%. The participation rate—indicating the portion of the population either in work or actively seeking employment—stands at an impressive 66.3%. Recent data shows that employment rose by 82,500 to reach 19,475,000 in February 2023. Within these numbers, full-time positions surged by 60,000 to 14,300,000, while part-time roles saw a modest uptick of 22,500, totalling 5,175,000.

This surge in employment opportunities is propelled by a combination of factors, including a post-pandemic economic revival, demographic shifts like an ageing population, and a burgeoning tech industry. The tight labour market has nudged employers to offer enhanced wages and benefits, including flexible working arrangements, to attract the best talent.

The favourable conditions are predicted to extend through 2023, underpinned by a robust and diversified economy that makes Canada an attractive destination for global professionals.

Top Industries that Attract Global Talent

Canada’s welcoming immigration policies, excellent quality of life and cultural diversity make it a magnet for international talent. The following sectors are particularly noteworthy for their appeal:

Digital Innovation: Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are emerging as global tech powerhouses, with an increasing need for AI specialists, software engineers, and cybersecurity analysts.
Environmental Sciences: Canada's focus on combating climate change opens doors for experts in renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental policy.
Healthcare & Life Sciences: Beyond the usual demand for medical practitioners, Canada's robust biotech scene offers opportunities in pharmaceutical research and genetic engineering.
Financial Technology: Canada's burgeoning fintech sector, particularly in Toronto and Montreal, is ripe for innovation, attracting specialists in blockchain technology and digital payments.
Aerospace and Engineering: With leading firms headquartered in places like Quebec, the aerospace industry offers roles in everything from design engineering to systems analysis.
Education & Academia: Canada's strong academic institutions attract educators and researchers, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines.
Film and Entertainment: Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are growing hubs for the film and digital media industries, requiring a range of skills from screenwriting to video editing.
Agricultural Technology: Leveraging its abundant farmlands, Canada is innovating in agri-tech, creating roles in sustainable farming, crop science, and food technology.
Transport & Infrastructure: With considerable public investment in infrastructure projects, there's a consistent demand for civil engineers, architects, and urban planners.
Cannabis Industry: Given its legal status, the cannabis sector is flourishing, offering roles in cultivation, retail, and regulatory compliance.

Whether it's the lure of Canada's pristine landscapes or its cutting-edge industries, the nation is clearly a compelling choice for professionals across the globe.

Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in Canada:

Financial Services

Energy & Infrastructure

Education

Information Technology

Entertainment & Game Deve...

Science & Technology

Requirements for a Canadian Work Permit

Those looking to move to Canada for employment commonly apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which facilitates the employer-specific work permit or the International Mobility Program (IMP). If someone wishes to permanently reside and work in Canada, the Express Entry system, which encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), can be an attractive option. These permits and visas have specific validity durations and, in some cases, can lead to permanent residency.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP is intended for individuals who have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that there are no Canadians available to do the job.

Main Eligibility Criteria:

Security and Record: Applicants must have no security objections and no record of serious criminal activity.
Educational Background: Typically, qualifications relevant to the job offer are necessary. Work experience in the field can also be beneficial.
Confirmed Employment Offer: Applicants must have a job offer that aligns with their qualifications or work experience, and the employer must obtain an LMIA. You can apply for jobs that hire foreigners at Opentoworld.
Language Proficiency: For most roles, proficiency in English or French is necessary.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA. These are generally roles that bring significant benefits to Canada or are part of international agreements like NAFTA.