How to Get a Canadian Job Offer in 2021

Finding a job abroad can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before and need to consider your visa application on top of that. But with over 200,000 jobs in Canada currently available, the opportunities are just too good to pass up, let alone not to put your best foot forward in the Canadian visa application process.    

There are certain steps that can and should be taken when applying for a Canadian job that will not only give you a better chance of landing your dream job but will improve your chances of success in the Canadian visa application process. Although there are avenues, such as Express Entry, which does not require a job offer, having one certainly gives you a better chance of being successful.    

Because most of the Canadian immigration programs run on a points-based system, known as the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), and you will be ranked against other applicants, it is important to make every point count in your favour, and having a job offer will do just that.   

Some immigration programs, such as the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program), require a job offer to qualify. 

Getting a Canadian job offer before you go is advantageous as you’ll be able to focus on settling into your new surroundings rather than be pressurized to take a job offer as soon as possible.

In this article we highlight just how having a job offer will improve your chances in the Canadian visa application process, as well as the steps to take when applying for that perfect job in Canada.

To speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants, simply click the link below and complete our online form or keep reading to find out how to make your Canadian dream a reality.   

Why You Should Get a Job Offer Before You Arrive in Canada

Having a job in Canada is a huge plus when you’re planning to live and work in Canada for various reasons.  

Firstly, it will alleviate a lot of stress. Having a job offer means that you can spend your time getting familiar with your new home rather than feeling pressured to take any job that comes your way.   

Secondly, by having a job in Canada before you leave your home country, you will improve your chances of getting permanent residence in Canada. Most of Canada’s immigration programs need you to have a job offer in order to be considered eligible but there are programs that don’t require that you have one but will give you extra points just for having one. For example, the Express Entry system, which doesn’t require a job offer to qualify, will allocate between 50 and 200 CRS points to you if you have a valid Canadian job offer.     

Another advantage is that it will give you more financial freedom. Knowing that you will be receiving a steady income, as soon as you arrive, means that you can put your hard-earned money to better use. Perhaps you’ve always set your heart on a nature lover’s holiday destination in one of Canada’s 13 provinces or would like to set some money aside for your child’s university tuition. Having a job offer will make it easier to make your Canadian dream come true.    

How to Get a Job Offer in Canada in 5 Easy Steps

Getting a job offer in Canada is slightly different from applying for a job in your home country, as there are extra steps that need to be taken in order to qualify. We’ve listed below 4 easy steps to get a Canadian job offer in 2020-21 to help set you on the path to new opportunities and optimize your chances of success.      

Step 1: Research

It is important to get to know the country that you are planning to make your new home. Find out what the benefits are, which province or city is right for you based on your job requirements, and most importantly, which Canadian cities are most affordable to live in in 2021 and beyond.    

Step 2: Choose your destination

Once you’ve done your research on which province or territory is right for you, you will be able to find out which immigration programs are best suited to your individual needs. Canada has over 70 different visa and immigration programs to choose from and without narrowing down your options the task will become very overwhelming. Knowing where your occupation is in demand will increase your chances of being hired and the likelihood that you will receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for permanent residence. A province or territory would rather select your immigration profile if it is in need of your particular skills. Another advantage is that getting a PN (Provincial nomination) means 600 extra points to add to your CRS score which means that you will practically be guaranteed that you’ll receive an ITA.

Step 3: Choose your immigration program

Once you know where you’re headed you can find out what immigration programs and streams are available in your chosen province or territory as well as what the eligibility requirements are. If you chose to immigrate to Canada through a PNP, it is important to note that each one has its own set of criteria and specifications.

There are also pilots, which are community-specific, to consider such as the RINP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot) which allows skilled workers to immigrate to 11 different communities in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. 

Another program that has been hugely successful is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, which is aimed at helping skilled workers relocate to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. A great new program that was launched in March 2020 is called the Agri-food Pilot, which can help you immigrate to Canada if you are highly skilled and experienced in the farming and meat processing sectors.    

Step 4: Localize Your Resume

It is important to have a professional resume that not only highlights your strengths and experience but is relevant to the place that you are planning to relocate to. It is important to make sure that you have reference letters for each of your places of employment that qualify as valid work experience. This will need to include your duties, working hours, and be signed by your employer. Having a professional resume of an international standard will help put you ahead of the pack and increase your chances of living your Canadian dream.   

Later down the line, you will also have an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) to verify your qualifications as well as ensure that your Canadian employer gets an LMIA (unless it is stipulated that your occupation does not require one). An LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment gives your employer permission to hire you as a foreign worker. 

Step 5: Start the Job Hunt

Finding a job in Canada can be quite overwhelming but knowing where to look is one of the most important factors. There are various job portals that have thousands of job postings online for you to choose from, such as:

• Glassdoor.com
• Monster.ca
• Indeed.ca

Alternatively, you can also find job listings on the Canadian government job site, Job Bank, or Provincial websites. The RINP (the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot) also has designated web pages with jobs specifically tailored to the needs of the program.    

How We Can Help You Land Your Dream Job in Canada 

With so many jobs in Canada to choose from and 70+ immigration programs and visa options to choose from, the process can become quite overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only improve your chances of success in the Canadian visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the Candian government to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them for you.