How to Get a Job in Canada: A Newcomer's Guide

Starting over and moving somewhere new can be a big change. You may need to learn a new language, figure out your finances, and secure employment. But you’re not alone. According to the Government of Canada’s 2022 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, Canada welcomed 431,645 permanent residents as of 2022, or about 1 per cent of the country’s population. In this guide, we share how newcomers can get started and learn how to get a job in Canada.

What jobs are in-demand in Canada?

Finding a job in Canada is about focusing on in-demand fields and careers and knowing where to look. The Government of Canada has a job bank website where you can look at job postings and also explore the job market based on occupation, wages, or job outlook.

You can search by city or postal code.

For job options in Toronto, the following fields and occupations are classified as “Very Good” (the highest level):

Health care

• Managers in health care
• Nursing coordinators and supervisors
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• Specialist physicians
• General practitioners and family physicians
• Dentists

Business administration

• Professional occupations in business management consulting

Education

• Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training
• School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education

Public administration

• Managers in social, community and correctional services
• Utilities managers

Finance

• Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related

• Geoscientists and oceanographers
• Mining engineers

Many of these positions may require specific education and certification requirements. According to the Government of Canada website, positions that have a “Good” outlook and may be more accessible include the following fields and occupations:

Finance

• Financial managers
• Insurance, real estate, and financial brokerage managers
• Banking, credit, and other investment managers
• Financial auditors and accountants
• Financial and investment analysts
• Supervisors, finance, and insurance office workers

Service industry

• Restaurant and food service managers
• Food service supervisors
• Chefs
• Cooks
• Food and beverage servers

Health care administration

• Medical administrative assistants
• Health information management occupations

Administrative

• Couriers, messengers, and door-to-door distributors
• Human resources managers
• Purchasing and inventory control workers
• Customer and information services supervisors

Information Technology (IT)

• Computer network technicians
• Information systems testing technicians

You may want to focus on applying for these jobs to ensure you earn enough to live, and thrive, in Canada, and build a sustainable career. Additionally, the BMO Newcomer Talent Program helps connect immigrants and refugees to employment opportunities at BMO.

What’s the job market like in Canada?

As a newcomer, you may wonder “Is it easy to get jobs in Canada?” Let’s review some key job stats to better understand the market. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website:

• The unemployment rate is 5.1%.
• Average weekly earnings are $1,171.60.
• The working population is made up of 20,715,900 people.
• There are 890,385 job vacancies. 

These numbers are based on recent data from November 2022. If you want more information tailored to a specific province, explore current labour market conditions. 

What are popular cities to work and live in Canada?

For newcomers to Canada, here are the top five cities to work and live in Canada according to Expatistan.

1. Toronto. This bustling metropolis offers lots of diversity and opportunity but at a cost. Toronto is the second most expensive city in Canada and the estimated costs for one person are C$4,515.
2. Montreal. As a cultural hub, Montreal offers art, architecture, and nature. You’ll also find the cost of living is more affordable at C$2,835 for one person.
3. Vancouver. This west coast city offers diversity, stunning views of the ocean and mountains, and more. This desirable location makes it the most expensive city in Canada, with living costs at an estimated C$4,540 per month for one person.
4. Calgary. You’ll find the oil and energy industries based here and the most sunny days in any major Canadian city. Estimated monthly costs for a single person are C$2,855.
5. Halifax. This East Coast port city has a lot of history and a slower pace, plus it’s more affordable. Estimated monthly costs for a single person are C$2,756.

These cities offer different cultural experiences and environments. They are all great options for places to live and work in Canada.

How to financially prepare your family to move to Canada

Moving costs money and it’s important to set up your finances to make a smooth transition. Here are some things you can do to financially prepare so that you’re all set once you’re in Canada.

• Open a bank account in Canada before arriving. Depending on your immigration status, you may be able to open a bank account in Canada before you arrive in the country.
• Set up Global Money Transfer services, so you can send money home quickly and easily when you arrive in Canada.
• Check your credit history and learn how to establish credit in Canada.
• Look into family bundle offers, which makes it easy to set up your family with banking services so you can manage money together, but separately, for just one fee.

Tips for landing a job in Canada

Figuring out how to get a job in Canada can be overwhelming, but if you break it into smaller steps, it can be more manageable. Here are some tips on finding a job in Canada:

• Check out pre-arrival employment programs. There are several organizations in Canada that can help you find a job before you arrive, such as ACCES Employment.
• Learn how to network. Knowing the right people can help you land a job in a new country. That means meeting new people. You can find networking events in your local area, through local organizations such as the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) or the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), and on a community building app called Meetup. You can also find local events via Facebook Events or through online newsletters.
• Boost your interviewing skills. Interviewing is a necessary part of finding a job and doing it well can help you land an offer faster. You can practice with a friend, use resources such as the Practice Interview Program at the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) or do a mock interview. 
• Obtain any required accreditations or licences. Some jobs may require certain accreditations or licences to get hired. For example, nurses may need certain accreditation and education to get hired or if you work in finance you may need specific licences.
• Get positive endorsements from your previous employers. Having strong recommendations from your former employers can make a difference in your job search. You can ask your professional contacts for endorsements on LinkedIn. You can also ask professional contacts if they are willing to be a reference as part of the interview process.
• Be persistent with your job search in Canada. Finding a job in Canada may take some time and effort, but persistence pays off. Continue to apply, follow up, network, and search for your next opportunity.
• Highlight the fact that you’re bilingual. If you’re bilingual, or can speak more than one language, be sure to include that fact in your cover letter, resume, and in job interviews as it can be a selling point. To get a job in Canada as a foreigner, you typically need to know English and/or French. If you need to brush up on your language skills, you can use the app Duolingo and check out resources on the Language Portal of Canada.

Legal rights newcomers working in Canada should know

If you’re a newcomer in Canada, there are certain legal rights you should be aware of. According to the occupational health and safety regimes in Canada, workers have the following three rights:

1. The right to know about health and safety matters.
2. The right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety.
3. The right to refuse work that could affect their health and safety and that of others.

If you are hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker program, you’re also entitled to a workplace without abuse and unsafe conditions. Your employer is required to offer payment for your employment and offer an employment agreement. Learn more about Foreign Worker Rights on the Governement of Canada website.

How to apply for a job in Canada (step-by-step)

Learn how to apply for a job in Canada step-by-step so you can get started.

Step 1: Create a resume

A resume is a way to convey your work experience in a single document. Most employers will request a resume from you as part of the application process. You can access free resume templates from Canva and include your job experience, contact information, and employment history.

Step 2: Confirm you are authorized to work in Canada

Make sure that you’re authorized to work in Canada and are eligible for employment. You can find out more about working in Canada through the Government of Canada’s website. 

Step 3: Sign up for a recruitment platform

You can sign up for various recruitment platforms to find a job in Canada, including Work Global Canada and Job Bank.

Step 4: Apply for jobs that match your skillset

Focus your job search on opportunities that you’re a good fit for, and that reflect your skills and abilities. Set job alerts so you never miss a job posting. Modify your resume and tailor your cover letter to suit the jobs you’re applying for.

Step 5: Set up a personal bank account

Getting a job means getting a paycheck. To help deposit that paycheck, you need a personal bank account. For newcomers to Canada, the BMO NewStart^® Program offers a Performance Plan Chequing Account that has no monthly fee for the first year as well as a no-fee credit card. You can qualify even without a credit history. 

Once your bank account is set up, you can access your funds through your BMO debit card, online, through the mobile app, or via telephone banking. That way, you can manage your day-to-day finances and have a savings account to set money aside for the future.

Final thoughts

Though it may be challenging, there is an abundance of job resources to get started as a newcomer in Canada, including access to the BMO Newstart Talent Program. You don’t have to navigate this alone; take advantage of newcomer banking offers to ensure your finances are taken care of as well.

Learn more about how BMO can support you on your newcomer journey.