Your questions answered: Living and working in Canada as an immigrant
If you’re applying for Canadian immigration or arriving here soon, this article answers some pertinent questions about living and working in Canada. From accessing free services to help you settle in, to applying for jobs, there’s lots to know so read on!
Are there websites/services that provide advice on living and working in Canada, based on one’s skills/educational level?
Yes, you’ve landed on one – at New Canadians, we offer valuable information about immigrant-focused programs and support services and share trusted resources to help you prepare for Canada, settle in, find work, and build your Canadian success story. You’ll also find inspiring immigrant stories, filled with learnings and tips to guide you. Additionally, in Canada, there are free in-person and online services called “pre-arrival services” to help you and your family prepare for and adjust to life in Canada.
The government of Canada sends out an email to eligible candidates who can enroll for one of the services on their list and learn about Canadian culture, how to get your education, work experience and credentials recognized in Canada, connect with employers to find a job, receive language support as well as connect with free settlement services after you arrive in Canada.
Based on the province and city you plan to land and settle in, you can also search the internet for immigrant-serving agencies in your region. Most provide free services and advice for new immigrants in several languages. Their employment services often include job search guidance, resume writing, interview preparation, mentorship, and referrals to other services/organizations based on your needs.
Settlement services also extend to putting your kids into daycare, choosing the right education for your kids, and even where to go, for example, if you want to buy furniture. They also have extended services for refugees.
How can one benefit from all the pre-landing services by not getting overwhelmed with all the services available?
Go with your gut. You know best what you want and what you need. Be proactive and prepare a list of your priorities and questions about living and working in Canada as an immigrant, such as opening a bank account, getting temporary accommodation or renting an apartment/house, getting a phone number, or reconnecting with your profession here. Remember, there are no stupid questions, and no question is too detailed to answer. You are looking to get the best out of this experience, and agencies understand the excitement and stress that comes with it.
What is it that employers look for when it comes to hiring, and what can newcomers do to meet that requirement?
The Canadian workplace might be different from your current/previous workplace. If you speak English (or French) and have professional experience, that is a good start, because you have command over your language, good experience, and have the qualifications. But when employers speak to you, they also want to know more about you. They want to see how the company or your colleagues will be able to work with you in that space. Take a look at our list of things to do for job search success before you arrive in Canada.
Can one apply for jobs before they officially land? Would employers even consider such applications?
While you are legally allowed to look for jobs and attend interviews before you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), when it comes to starting a job, that might be a little tricky: A SIN number is how the government tracks your employment and tax records.
It is up to you and the employer as to whether they are okay with you starting within a month, for example. Some of them might not be okay with that, so it is important to be transparent with your employer and to yourself: do you want to have everything settled before you arrive, or would you prefer to move a bit slower and get used to the idea of employment in general? In short, it is possible but more challenging.
How soon will I need to buy a car after moving to Canada?
That depends on your destination in Canada. As a newcomer in one of the big or medium-sized cities, chances are that you won’t need to get a car immediately. The public transportation system also offers you excellent support. It is just a matter of you planning and checking the timings of the bus, train, or street car, which are relatively regular on any particular day. In some major cities, there are subsidized fares for low-income earners, which you will qualify for as a newcomer because you have zero income at this particular time.
If you’re planning to settle down in the city outskirts or a small town or move with your family, children included, then you may need a car much sooner to commute effectively. However, keep in mind that there are attendant costs that come with owning a car in Canada, such as paying your insurance premiums every month; driving without insurance is illegal. If you have a foreign driver’s license, bring along proof in the form of your driving license extract from your home country to qualify for your years of driving experience. You can ask questions about public vs private transportation to your settlement case worker or pre-arrival service provider when you connect with them.
We hope this article helps answer your questions about living and working in Canada as an immigrant. Remember, however, that perseverance and patience are key to building your immigrant success story here.
Preparing ahead will help you tremendously with your move to Canada. Share these FAQs with another incoming immigrant to Canada!
