Finding Employment in Canada: Helpful Tips for International Students

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As an international student in Canada, you may be keen to enter the job market. Whether you are currently studying or have graduated, exciting opportunities may lie ahead.

However, to land your first job in Canada, it may help to receive guidance along the way. Whatever your career goals, learning about student opportunities and job search tactics ahead of time may be a good way to build your confidence and help you meet your goals.

From securing essential documents to exploring various work opportunities, here are a few tips that can help you kickstart your job search journey.

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Setting up the basics you may need to work in Canada

Before beginning your job search you may want to have the necessary documents and accounts in place. Here are two essential steps:

Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN): First, you'll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a unique identifier required for employment in Canada. You can apply for your SIN through Service Canada.^[1] Find out first if you meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the Government of Canada website. ^[2]
Open a Bank Account: Before beginning your career search, you may also want to open a Canadian bank account. This may help you manage your finances and receive payments from your future employers. When choosing a bank account, you may want to consider fees, features, and benefits. Look for a bank that offers low or no fees for students and plenty of attractive features such as easy online banking and mobile apps that can make managing your finances simpler and more convenient. Consider exploring TD online banking and the TD mobile application that can provide you with a user-friendly experience and banking packages tailored for international students, such as the TD International Student Banking Package which offers convenient features and attractive benefits suited to your needs.

Employment During Your Studies

Working while studying in Canada can provide valuable experience and help support your living expenses. Most international students are allowed to work while studying, with different on-campus and off-campus employment requirements. On-campus work, for example, might be helping at university facilities, offices, or recreational spaces. Off-campus work would be at jobs outside of your school and may typically require full-time enrollment, a valid SIN, and following hourly restrictions set out by the Government of Canada.^[3]

Here are a few options for you:

Co-op Placements: Gain Practical Experience: Co-op placements can offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience relevant to your field of study while earning income, either on or off campus. To qualify for a co-op work permit, make sure a) your study permit is valid, b) the work is integrated into your program, and c) your institution confirms mandatory work placements for degree completion.³Explore co-op placements by first applying for a co-op work permit online. You should be eligible for this permit if your co-op placement work obligations do not exceed 50% of your total study program. Once you have the permit, you may wish to consider on-campus positions first, such as research assistantships or administrative roles that aligns with your field of study and schedule. You can access these through campus career services.
Internships: Get Supervised Training: Internships can provide invaluable hands-on experience in professional settings. By becoming an intern, you can get practical on-the-job training with workplace supervision. You’ll be equipped with essential knowledge and skills that you can apply to your chosen trade or profession. The work permit you will require for internships is the same as that for co-op students.

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Work in Canada After Your Studies

Upon completing your studies, you may wish to explore employment opportunities in Canada. Programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit, Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program may help you in your career journey.^[4]

Post Graduation Work Permit:^[5]

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Eligible candidates can apply for a PGWP, providing them with opportunities to stay and work in Canada after graduation. After receiving the permit, you can explore various job opportunities across the country.

Express Entry:^[6]

Express Entry is a streamlined immigration system that facilitates the entry of skilled workers into Canada. It can also help recently graduated international students. Through Express Entry, candidates are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Successful applicants are invited to apply for permanent residency, offering a pathway to establish long-term residency in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):^[7]

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills and contributions to the local economy. Each province and territory has its own PNP streams and criteria, offering diverse pathways for skilled workers (and recent graduates) to immigrate and settle in specific regions of Canada.

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Helpful Tips for the Post-Study Job Search^[8]

Finished your studies and are ready to find a job in Canada? Here are some helpful tips:

Gather Essential Information:
Start by obtaining essential information about working in Canada. Resources such as government websites, career centres, and online forums can provide valuable insights into job market trends.
Research and Apply for Jobs:
Use online job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies to identify suitable positions. You may also wish to attend job fairs and career events to network with industry professionals and explore potential employment opportunities.
Explore Volunteering Opportunities:
Volunteering can be a valuable way to gain practical experience, expand your skillset, and demonstrate your commitment to your field of interest. Consider volunteering with non-profit organizations, community groups, or industry associations relevant to your career aspirations.
Participate in Networking Events:
Networking can be a powerful tool for advancing your career prospects. Attend networking events, industry conferences, and professional meetups to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. This can be a great way to make new connections while nurturing relationships and exploring potential job opportunities.

As you begin your employment search in Canada, remember that each small step can bring you closer to your goals. Following these tips and exploring the available resources may be able to help you land your first job in Canada. Good luck!

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With over a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience. TD has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking quickly and easily.

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[1] Official website of the government of Canada- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.htm, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[2] Official website of the government of Canada- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/qualify.html, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[3]Official Government of Canada website for international students- https://www.educanada.ca/live-work-vivre-travailler/work-travail/during-pendant.aspx?lang=eng, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[4]Official Government of Canada website for international students- https://www.educanada.ca/live-work-vivre-travailler/work-travail/after-apres.aspx?lang=eng, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[5] Official Government of Canada website for international students- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[6] Official website of the government of Canada- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[7] Official website of the government of Canada- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)

[8] Official website of the government of Canada- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html, (Accessed - October 3, 2024)