How Can I Secure a Job in Canada from India?

As many Indians dream of starting a new life in Canada, getting a job offer there becomes a crucial step. It's not just about career growth – a Canadian job offer can make it easier to qualify for immigration programs and bring you closer to becoming a permanent resident in Canada. If you already have a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), looking for a job in Canada before you move can make settling in smoother. Let's explore how this process can be a key to fulfilling your dream of living in Canada.

Additionally, numerous Indians opt for temporary work in Canada through a work permit. This provides a chance to add global professional experience to your resume, work in a diverse setting, broaden your perspectives, and gain a new outlook on your career.

Various options for Indian professionals

Indians looking to work in Canada have various avenues available. They can work as permanent residents or acquire a temporary work permit for short-term employment. Additionally, Indian nationals can work while studying as international students in Canada. Learning about these options is crucial for making informed decisions about one's career path in Canada, whether aiming for long-term residency or seeking temporary work experience.

Working as an Indian Permanent Resident

Indians who become permanent residents in Canada can work freely in the country. You can start looking for a job while in India. Still, you can only work for a Canadian employer after arriving in Canada and getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Work Options for Indians in Canada

Indians can work in Canada without being permanent residents through a work permit or a study permit. These permits offer opportunities for employment without the need for permanent residency status.

1. Canadian Work permits

Non-Canadian residents typically need a work permit to work in Canada, which comes in two types: Open and Employer-specific permits.

Canadian Work Permits

• Open work permit : An open work permit permits work for any eligible employer in Canada. It is obtainable under specific conditions such as being a recent graduate eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a permanent residency applicant or family member, or a spouse/partner of a skilled professional or international student in Canada.
• Employer-specific work permit:An employer-specific work permit enables you to work exclusively for one employer at a specific Canadian location. To obtain this permit, securing a job offer from a Canadian employer is essential, often requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring. Individuals working for multinational companies in India and Canada may qualify for this permit through an intra-company transfer.

2. Canadian Study Permit 

For those studying in Canada, a study permit often permits part-time work without needing an additional work permit. International students can work on or off-campus to finance their education and gain Canadian work experience. Typically limited to 20 hours per week off-campus, this restriction has been waived until December 31, 2023.

After completing studies at a Canadian university or college, graduates with programs lasting at least eight months may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit allows work for eligible Canadian employers across various industries. It's advisable to wait until you have a class schedule to assess available time before seeking part-time student jobs in Canada.

Study in Canada

Strategic Steps for Preparing Your Job Search in Canada

Before you start applying for jobs, preparing ahead can improve your chances. Finding a job in Canada from India might be challenging, but if you learn about the job market there, improve your resume, and upgrade your skills to match what employers want, you might land your dream job. Here are some essential steps to take before you begin looking for jobs in Canada:

1. Understand Canada's Job Market

There is a vast difference between the job markets of India and Canada. Before applying for any job, it's always better to learn about industry employers, recruitment procedures, and required valued skills in your field. Much of Canada's job market is hidden, with only a small portion of available positions advertised publicly. Thus, knowing where to search for jobs and being ready to network with Canadian professionals becomes crucial for job seekers.

2. Enhance Your Professional Skill Set

Despite years of work experience in India, Canadian employers often seek candidates with different or additional skills. Thoroughly researching the job market and studying job listings in your industry can help identify sought-after skills. By doing so, you can build new skills or enhance existing ones, positioning yourself as an attractive candidate. Whether self-learning new technologies or enrolling in certificate courses, showcasing these in-demand skills on your resume significantly boosts your prospects of securing employment.

3. Create Your Canadian-Style Resume

Adapting your resume for the Canadian job market from an Indian background is essential to stand out effectively. Canadian resumes come in three formats: reverse chronological, functional, and hybrid. The suitable resume format depends on your relevant experience, industry change, or employment gaps. Adding a cover letter can highlight your skills and suitability for the job, even if not requested.

In India, resumes often detail job tasks, whereas Canadian employers prefer details of accomplishments in each role. Also, in Canada, including personal information like photos, age, or marital status on your resume is discouraged due to laws prohibiting hiring biases based on gender, ethnicity, or relationship status.

4. Build Networks

Networking holds immense significance in the Canadian workplace, where recruiters frequently tap into their networks to fill job vacancies. For Indian professionals, establishing a Canadian network proves invaluable, providing access to hidden job opportunities, industry insights, sought-after skills, and diverse employer hiring practices. Initiating your Canadian network before arrival through platforms like LinkedIn, virtual networking events, and online meetups is advantageous. Upon arrival, consider a blend of in-person and virtual networking strategies.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile before networking, as it heavily influences employers' initial perceptions. Seeking a mentor who can offer guidance during your job search and aid in comprehending the Canadian job market is also highly beneficial.

5. Connect with Job Portals in Canada

Familiar job portals like Monster, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor in India also remain popular in Canada. Consider registering on the government's Job Bank (available with an open work permit or PR) and Canadian platforms like GrabJobs. Some portals offer personalized job alerts, streamlining the job search process by delivering listings matching your criteria directly to your inbox.

Canadian employers often hire employment agencies like Robert Half, Randstad Canada, and Hays Canada to assist in candidate selection. Registering with these agencies and submitting your resume can lead to receiving job alerts. Additionally, it may result in potential contacts concerning suitable job openings from their clients.

6. Begin Your Canadian Job Application Journey

After spotting job opportunities that interest you and adjusting your resume, the next step is application. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job by using keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) many employers use. In Canada, the hiring process often involves multiple interviews to assess your skills, experience, and how well you fit into the company culture. Boost your chances of being chosen by rehearsing responses to frequently asked interview questions.

In-demand jobs for Indian Professionals

There are many job opportunities available in the manufacturing and construction industries. In the Information Technology (IT) industry, demand exists for software engineers, AI, web designers, and development professionals. Professionals with expertise are in demand within service sectors such as financial services, marketing, sales, human resources, hospitality, and administration.

Educators at all levels and healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and healthcare aides, are in high demand. However, these roles typically require a provincial or territorial license in Canada due to regulations in the healthcare and education sectors.

Essential documents required for Working in Canada

Apart from the paperwork required for permanent residence, study, or work permit applications, specific essential documents are necessary to work in Canada. While securing a job offer might be feasible without certain documents like the Social Insurance Number, providing them before commencing employment is mandatory. Below is a list of essential documents needed to work in Canada:

• Proof of Legal Work Authorization: Possession of a Canadian permanent residence card, COPR, Canadian work permit, or a study permit permitting work in Canada is necessary.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN): Mandatory for both permanent and temporary residents, the SIN is essential for employment. It's required before commencing work, even if a job offer is secured outside Canada.
• Employment Documentation: Previous work experience evidence like employment reference letters, joining and resignation letters, tax returns, pay stubs, etc., is vital.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Verification of education credentials (degree, diploma, certificate) to ensure equivalence to Canadian standards.
• Identification Documents: Employers may request a passport or other identification documents, essential also for PR or work permit applications.

Canadian Hiring Practices for Foreign Nationals

Securing a job in Canada from India can pose challenges as employers generally favour candidates who are physically present and authorized to work immediately. Recruiters prioritize candidates available for immediate employment to fill current or upcoming vacancies rather than those who require months or years to navigate the Canadian immigration process.

Typically, Canadian employers resort to hiring foreign nationals when unable to locate suitable local candidates. Before hiring a foreign national, Canadian employers must showcase attempts to hire Canadian residents and acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirming the unavailability of domestic candidates.

Securing a job in Canada from India becomes more feasible if you belong to an in-demand occupation.

Can a Canadian Job Offer Secure PR?

As an Indian citizen, securing a Canadian job doesn't guarantee automatic qualification for permanent residence in Canada. However, during the PR application process, a Canadian job offer can significantly enhance your chances of qualifying.

For instance, Express Entry applicants may earn up to 200 CRS points with a valid job offer. Moreover, several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams mandate a Canadian job offer for candidate eligibility within the province.

Furthermore, Canadian work experience attained through a work permit can contribute to your future PR eligibility. Gaining Canadian work experience can earn you between 40 to 80 CRS points. Additionally, after a minimum of one year working in Canada, you might meet the requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration program.

Spotting a Fake Canadian Job Offer: Tips for Authenticity

As an Indian seeking employment in Canada, you might not be familiar with Canadian hiring norms, increasing your vulnerability to job scams. Here are some ways to confirm the legitimacy of your job offer:

• Standard Hiring Process: Ensure completion of the application and interview stages. Authentic Canadian employers undergo rigorous screening and multiple interviews.
• Company's Official Letterhead: Check if the offer is on the official letterhead. Plain emails or unconvincing letterheads might indicate a dubious offer.
• Language Accuracy: Look for grammatical or spelling errors that might signify a fraudulent job offer.
• Joining or Training Fees: Be cautious if asked to pay any fees. Genuine employers cover training expenses and cannot demand LMIA processing fees.
• Solicitation of Sensitive Information: Exercise caution with requests for sensitive data. Authentic employers ask for your Social Insurance Number after hiring.
• Employment Agencies: Exercise caution if an agency asks for payment or guarantees a job. Legitimate Canadian employers pay their agencies, and no agency can assure employment.

If you need clarification on a job offer's authenticity, contact the organization from their official website, avoiding those provided in the offer itself. This step helps verify the offer with the company's HR department.

When you're looking for jobs in Canada from India, it's important to stay cautious and do thorough research to ensure that job offers are genuine. ImmiLaw Global stands as a trusted expert in immigration services. Whether you seek job verification, legal guidance from our seasoned immigrant lawyers, or a seamless visa application process, ImmiLaw Global stands ready to pave the way for your success. 

Embrace a brighter future – contact us today to embark on your journey to Canada with confidence.

Read To Know: Top Canadian Provinces for Pursuing a Career in Social Work