In Canada, people who have recently left another country to settle here are commonly referred to as "newcomers to Canada". As a newcomer, one of the most important steps in your transition is finding a job in Canada.

On this page, you will find everything you need to know to start your job search journey.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number

To work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You should apply for a SIN as soon as you come to Canada.

Check if your qualifications are recognized

In Canada, most occupations are non-regulated. However, some occupations are regulated, which means you need specific professional licenses or certifications to work in those jobs.

Before you apply to jobs in Canada, you should verify if the occupation that interests you is regulated. You should also find out whether your credentials and degrees are recognized in Canada.

You can use the Foreign Credential Recognition Tool to learn:

  • If the occupation that interests you is regulated, and how to contact the regulatory body or apprenticeship authority.
  • The steps, time and cost involved in getting your credentials recognized for that occupation.
  • The job prospects and average salary for that occupation across Canada.
  • If there are similar jobs that you could consider until your credentials are recognized in Canada.

Foreign Credential Recognition Tool

Improve your English or French

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Depending on where you want to live and the type of work you want to do in Canada, improving your skills in one or both of these languages will help you get a job.

To get started with language training:

  1. Get a formal language assessment or take an online self-assessment test.
  2. Start improving your listening comprehension skills with free online content.
  3. Contact an organization that helps newcomers to get signed up for language classes.

Newcomers who have a permanent resident or refugee status are eligible for language classes funded by the Government of Canada. Some provinces and territories offer language classes for temporary workers, foreign students and new citizens. You can also consider registering for courses at a private school.

Find services for newcomers

Whether you’re still planning your move to Canada or you’ve already arrived, there are many free services available to help you integrate the Canadian labour market.

Before you come to Canada, you may be able to access pre-arrival services that can help you to:

  • Prepare to live and work in Canada.
  • Get your education, work experience and credentials recognized in Canada.
  • Connect with Canadian employers.

Once you arrive in Canada, you can get in touch with settlement professionals who will help you to:

  • Look for work in Canada.
  • Get a language assessment and register for language classes.
  • Find a place to live and access community services.

Create an account for your job search

Job Bank offers a wide range of free tools to simplify every step of your job search in Canada.

When you create a Plus account, you can:

  • Create a skills-based profile and get matched to jobs.
  • Build a resume based on your skills.
  • Apply to jobs directly on Job Bank.

To find jobs you qualify for, you can try Job Match. Job Match is a service that matches you with job postings based on your work experience, skills, education and credentials. Simply fill out your profile and receive emails when new positions requiring similar criteria are advertised.

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