In Canada, people who have recently left another country to settle here are commonly referred to as "newcomers to Canada". As a newcomer, one of the most important steps in your transition is finding a job in Canada. On this page, you will find resources and tools to start your job search journey, and information to create a Plus account to be matched to jobs that suit you. If you are currently located in another country, there are steps you need to take before you can live and work in Canada. Canadian employers may not respond to your job applications if you are not authorized to work here. Visit our page for new immigrants to learn more.
To work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You should apply for a SIN as soon as you come to Canada.
In Canada, most occupations are non-regulated. However, some occupations are regulated, which means you need specific professional licenses or certifications to work in those jobs.
Before you apply to jobs in Canada, you should verify if the occupation that interests you is regulated. You should also find out whether your credentials and degrees are recognized in Canada.
You can use the Foreign Credential Recognition Tool to learn:
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Depending on where you want to live and the type of work you want to do in Canada, improving your skills in one or both of these languages will help you get a job.
Newcomers who have a permanent resident or refugee status are eligible for language classes funded by the Government of Canada. Some provinces and territories offer language classes for temporary workers, foreign students and new citizens. You can also consider registering for courses at a private school.
Whether you’re still planning your move to Canada or you’ve already arrived, there are many free services available to help you integrate the Canadian labour market.
Before you come to Canada, you may be able to access pre-arrival services that can help you to:
Once you arrive in Canada, you can get in touch with settlement professionals who will help you to:
Job Bank offers a wide range of free tools to simplify every step of your job search in Canada.
When you create a Plus account, you can:
To find jobs you qualify for, you can try Job Match. Job Match is a service that matches you with job postings based on your work experience, skills, education and credentials. Simply fill out your profile and receive emails when new positions requiring similar criteria are advertised.
Download our fact-sheet in the language of your choice to learn how to use Job Bank:
Video length: 5:48 minutes
Light, upbeat music plays.
A man in front of an empty office smiles at the camera.
Narrator: Bienvenue au Canada ! Welcome to Canada!
A woman in a classroom smiles at the camera.
The shot changes to a second man, who is in a computer lab, smiling at the camera.
The shot changes again to a view of an airport in the evening.
Narrator: Canadians welcome newcomers in both of our official languages: English and French.
People pulling luggage walk in an area.
Text appears: “Some of the people who appear in this video are actors.”
Two Canadian flags on poles float in the wind.
Narrator: The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Settlement Program can help you learn one or both of Canada’s official languages and help you to get settled in Canada, in many different ways.
The men and the woman from earlier are in a computer lab with other people.
The first man and another woman write on a piece of paper.
The shot changes to a professor interacting with her students in a classroom.
Narrator: For example, it can help you meet the language requirements for Canadian citizenship.
A man and a woman talk in a boardroom. The woman takes notes.
Narrator: Improving English or French language skills can also help you find a job, and allow you to connect to people in your community and feel more at home.
Newcomers talking to each other in a computer lab.
People write in a classroom.
Narrator: Everyone has different needs for language learning.
Blurred Canadian flags float in the background.
Text appears: “Types of language training”
Narrator: That’s why the Government of Canada provides different types of language training for adult permanent residents and protected persons
Along with smaller shots of people writing in a classroom, different text appears on the screen.
Narrator: formal language training
Text appears: “Formal language training”
Narrator: job-related language training, also called employment-related language training
Text appears: “Employment or job-related language training”
Narrator: and informal language learning opportunities, such as conversation circles.
Text appears: “Informal language learning”
Students talk to each other in a classroom.
Students and the professor interact in a classroom.
Narrator: This language training is provided at no cost to you, and is delivered by service provider organizations across the country. It’s important to get assessed, to make sure you choose the option that’s right for your language level and learning needs.
Students talk to one another in a classroom.
Along with 4 images of students working in a classroom, the following text appears on the screen: “Formal language training”.
Narrator: Through the Settlement Program, formal language training is delivered as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (or LINC) in English, and Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (or CLIC) in French.
Text appears: “Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)”
Text appears: “ Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)”
Students interact with the professor.
A newcomer writes on a piece of paper.
Narrator: It provides a unique combination of language training, with real-life settlement themes and meaningful tasks, such as visiting a doctor, talking to your child’s teacher, or preparing your résumé. This will help you learn the language skills you need to find work and settle in your community.
A woman types on her laptop.
Newcomers interact in a classroom.
Narrator: Classes are taught by qualified, professional instructors who provide feedback on your progress. English classes use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (or CLB), which provide a common framework for describing and measuring language skills of adult immigrants living and working in Canada.
Text appears: “Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)”
A man and a woman talk in a boardroom. The woman takes notes.
A newcomer writes on a piece of paper.
The same woman from earlier types on her laptop.
Narrator: French classes use Les Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (or NCLC).
Text appears: “ Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)”
The professor talks to different students.
Narrator: Classes are designed to be flexible. You could be learning in a classroom setting, online, or with a mix of both. It could be near your work or in your community, or through online learning. It could be full-time or part-time, during the day, evenings or weekends.
Blurred Canadian flags float in the background.
Narrator: You can choose the course that works best from what is available at the service provider organizations near you.
Text appears: “Why take Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)”?
Narrator: LINC or CLIC courses may be right for you if:
Different images, including text, appear on the screen.
Narrator: You want to improve your understanding of life in Canada, and
Text appears: “Housing and neighbourhood: how to find a place to live”
Narrator: You want to improve your English or French language skills.
Text appears: “Canadian culture and history: learning about Indigenous Peoples, Canadian identity and multiculturalism”
Text appears: “Education: school system for children and adults”
Several people converse actively in a boardroom.
Narrator: Some courses are more focused on improving skills newcomers need to help find a job, or on building their language skills while they work, in addition to addressing settlement needs.
A newcomer sits at a desk, working on a computer.
Text appears: “Employment or job-related language training”
Narrator: Job-related language training will help you build communication skills and learn the terminology you will need at work. Examples include workplace communication skills, interview practice, and how to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds in a professional environment.
An employer gives the newcomer employee a folder.
The same newcomer employee talks to a woman in a boardroom.
Narrator: In some cases, courses may also be specific to your occupation. If you need to improve your interview and job search skills, you can enroll in job-related language training.
Blurred Canadian flags float in the background.
Text appears: “Why take employment or job-related language training?”
Narrator: This type of language training may be right for you if:
Different images, including text, appear on the screen.
Text appears: “Focus on improving language skills to find a job”
Narrator: You need to focus on job-related language training to be employed
Text appears: “Develop specific language skills for work”
Narrator: or you already have a job, and need to improve your workplace communication skills.
Students interact with the professor in a classroom.
Narrator: Another type of language support is called informal language learning. By participating in informal conversation circles, you can improve your conversation skills and make new friends.
Text appears: “Informal language learning”
Students interact in a computer lab.
Narrator: This allows you to learn and practise your language skills in an informal setting, instead of structured lessons in a classroom. There are no formal feedback or assessment requirements.
Through the Settlement Program, you will work with a volunteer, facilitator or moderator, to find the right informal language learning for you.
Images and text appear on the screen. The text disappears, then new text appears.
Text appears: “These may include: conversation circles, community events, drop-in workshops, discussion groups or group study, one-on-one learning, self-study.”
Narrator: These may include conversation circles, community events, drop-in workshops, discussion groups or group study, one-on-one learning, or self-study.
Students interact in a computer lab.
Narrator: At some of these sessions, you can meet other newcomers and learn from their experience in Canada, while you learn useful words and phrases that will help you to get settled in your community.
Two women walk along a downtown street.
The shot changes to the blurred Canadian flags floating in the background.
Narrator: Informal language learning may be right for you if:
Text appears: “Why take informal language learning?”
Different images, including text, appear on the screen.
Text appears: “Learn outside a formal classroom”
Narrator: You prefer to learn outside a formal classroom,
Text appears: “Practise and improve listening and speaking skills”
Narrator: want to learn through cultural experiences, creative activities, social interaction, and personal interests or hobbies. Or, you want to improve your listening and speaking skills.
The professor interacts with students in a classroom.
The music’s tempo increases.
Narrator: There are a wide variety of language training types to suit your needs as a newcomer to Canada.
A woman talks to a newcomer in a boardroom.
The shot changes to people talking in a boardroom.
Narrator: Get started as soon as possible with a language assessment at a local service provider organization, so that you can register for the option that is best for you.
The woman who was in the classroom at the start of the video speaks to the camera.
Woman: Welcome!
The man who was in the computer lab at the start of the video speaks to the camera.
Second man: Bienvenue !
The man who was in front of the empty office at the start of the video speaks to the camera.
First man: Welcome to Canada!
The screen fades to white.
A cursor flies across the screen, and the following text appears: “To find a service provider near you, visit: Canada.ca/newcomerservices”.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada corporate signature appears, along with the copyright message: “Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2019.”
The Canada wordmark appears on a white background.
Video length: 5:47 minutes
Music is heard in the background.
Text appears at the bottom of the screen. It reads, “This video was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some images may not depict current social distancing measures.”
The scene opens with a satellite map of Canada. An animated airplane flies over the country towards the west. The map shifts to the left and 2 different images of a plane landing appear.
Female narrator : Canada welcomes newcomers from around the world and helps them build a new life in Canada.
We transition to a screen split into 3. The top image shows people waiting at an airport. The bottom left image shows a passport with a “Welcome to Canada” stamp. The bottom right image shows a view of Parliament Hill in the National Capital Region.
Female narrator : This includes finding a job so they can contribute to their new country.
The scene cuts to a keyboard. One button has a Canadian flag and another button reads “Find a Job”.
Male narrator : This video will show you how you can find work and settle in Canada.
The image cuts to a screen split into 4 showing 4 Canadians from different ethnic backgrounds, smiling and looking into the camera.
The 4 images are replaced and 4 new Canadians from different ethnic backgrounds are revealed. They are also smiling and looking into the camera.
Female narrator : Planning and persistence are key to finding a job.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Planning and persistence”.
Male narrator : There are lots of opportunities for work in Canada, but you might find that getting a job can be challenging ? the process is probably different from the one you’re used to.
The graphic shifts to the left and we see a crowd of people walking on a busy sidewalk. The scene then cuts to a time-lapse video of a large city.
Female narrator : Also, job titles and duties may be different from where you have worked before.
We transition to a young woman working on a laptop computer. The scene then cuts to 2 women talking during a job interview, followed by a woman doing research on the Internet, followed by a medical professional speaking to a patient.
Female narrator : So, you should research what skills, qualifications and experience are needed where you plan to live, even before you arrive.
The scene cuts to a woman wearing a lab coat and a stethoscope taking notes, followed by an overhead shot of a group discussing pie charts, followed by an image of apartment buildings.
Male narrator : Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Regulated professions and trades”.
Male narrator : That means you need to have a licence before you can work in them.
We transition to a screen that is divided into 3. The top section shows workers on a construction site. The bottom left section shows a patient consulting with a doctor and a nurse. The bottom right section shows a veterinarian examining a dog. The scene then changes to a screen that is divided into 2. The left section shows prescription drugs. The right section show an electrician working.
Female narrator : The majority of these occupations are in the medical, dental, legal, financial and construction fields.
The scene cuts to a nurse talking with a doctor followed by a dental hygienist assisting a dentist. The image shifts to the left to include 2 other images. The top right image shows a man and a woman in business clothing looking through papers and talking. The bottom right image shows a man analyzing financial results on a computer screen. The scene then changes to 2 construction workers discussing a project.
Male narrator : Make sure you have a certified translator provide an English or French translation of your education, training and work certificates.
We transition to a young man speaking with a woman. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on a green background. It reads “Certified translation”.
Female narrator : Getting a licence to work in a regulated job can take time.
The scene cuts to 2 students reading and taking notes.
Female narrator : The earlier you apply to have your credentials assessed, the sooner you may become qualified to work.
The scene cuts to a man handing his resume over to a hiring manager, followed by a different man and woman shaking hands.
Female narrator : In the meantime, you may have to find another job related to your field.
We transition to a screen that is split into 2. The top section shows a man getting into a delivery truck. The bottom section shows 2 women gardening in a greenhouse.
Male narrator : Most jobs in Canada are not regulated.
We cut to a cashier at a grocery store scanning items, followed by a chef in a restaurant preparing a meal.
Female narrator : The fastest and easiest way to look for jobs and connect with people is online. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a great place to start your search.
We transition to an animated map of Canada. Text appears in the middle of the screen over the map of Canada. It reads “www.jobbank.gc.ca”. A sound of typing on a keyboard is heard while the website is revealed.
Male narrator : Learn about online employment and networking websites and if you need assistance, go to a settlement service provider or a government employment agency.
We transition to a woman chatting by video conference in an office. The scene then cuts to a woman working on a computer, followed by a man looking over a client’s resume.
Female narrator : Take the time to create a profile on one of these sites.
The scene then cuts to a screen divided in 2. The left section shows a man doing research on the Internet. The right section shows a woman also working on her computer.
Male narrator : Many local settlement service provider organizations provide workshops and support to help you find a job.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Settlement Service Providers”.
Female narrator : Being able to speak, write and read in English and/or French is essential to finding a job and succeeding in the workplace.
We transition to a saleswoman in a clothing store helping another woman. Text appears on the right side of the screen on a green background. It reads “Speak, write and read in English or French”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a female fitness trainer instructing another woman.
Male narrator : Language training is available for free to permanent residents through local settlement service providers.
We transition to a screen divided in 3. The left section shows a teacher talking to students in a classroom. The 2 sections on the right show students listening to the teacher. Text appears on the right side of the screen on a green background. It reads “Language training”.
Female narrator : And Francophone organizations across Canada offer employment services in French.
We transition to a man attending a community meeting. The scene then cuts to another man speaking to a group in a community meeting.
Male narrator : An effective resume is important to finding work in Canada.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Resume”.
Female narrator : A resume lists your work experience, skills and education related to the job you are applying for.
A checklist appears. It reads “Experience, Skills, Education”.
Male narrator : Some types of job applications also ask for a cover letter. This letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the employer why you are right for the job.
The text on screen disappears, and new text appears. It reads “Cover letter”. A checklist with 2 items appears. The items are “Introduce yourself” and “Why you’re right for the job”.
Female narrator : If you don’t know how to write these, ask for help from your settlement service provider, or look for examples online.
The graphic shifts to the top and we see 2 women chatting over a laptop. The scene then cuts to a man answering questions in an interview, followed by a man doing research on the Internet.
Male narrator : Settlement service providers can also help you prepare for job interviews. The more you know about workplace culture in Canada, the better your chances of getting a job.
The scene changes to 2 women working on a computer. Text appears on the right side of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Prepare for job interviews and learn about workplace culture”. The text remains as the scene cuts to 2 other women also working on a computer.
Female narrator : There are a number of other things you can do to help you find a job.
The scene cuts to a man and a woman working on a computer.
Male narrator : Many jobs are not advertised.
The scene cuts to a man and a woman talking at an event.
Male narrator : Workers often find jobs through the people they know, so it’s important to build your professional network.
The scene cuts to a group of people speaking to one another outside in a park, followed by a group 4 people talking to each other and consulting a computer. Text appears on the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Network”.
Female narrator : Find people who work where you want to work. Ask them how they got their job and what you need to know about working there. Ask them for other contacts.
We transition to a man and a woman having a discussion. The screen then divides itself and another section appears on the right showing a man and a woman having a chat and looking through documents at a coffee shop. A third section pops up in the bottom right corner and we see another conversation between a man and a woman.
Male narrator : While building your network, you might even find a mentor.
We transition to a screen divided in 2. The left section shows a woman and a man analyzing and commenting on a document. The right section shows an overhead shot of the same man and woman. Text appears on the bottom on an orange background. It reads “Mentor”.
Male narrator : A mentor is a person with experience in your area who is willing to guide you.
The screen then splits in 2. The top section shows a woman showing another woman something on her phone. The bottom section shows a man and a woman having a discussion.
Male narrator : Your local settlement service provider can also help with this.
The scene changes to a man in a coffee shop working on a computer and getting help from another man.
Female narrator : If you are invited to a job interview, make sure you do some research about the organization before you go.
The scene cuts to a man speaking in an interview. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Interview”. The text remains as the scene changes to show the 3 interviewers.
Male narrator : Be prepared to tell the hiring manager why you want to work there, the value you will add to the company, and specific examples of how you did well in previous jobs.
The scene cuts to a wide shot of an interview with the 3 interviewers and the candidate, followed by views of 2 different interviews.
Female narrator : Think about a few questions you could ask about the company or the job you are applying for, such as what kind of tasks you would do in a typical day. This is a common practice in Canada.
The scene cuts to another interview. Text appears on the right side on an orange background. It reads “Ask questions about the company and the job”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a woman talking during an interview.
Male narrator : And be ready to give the names of 2 or 3 people, called references, who a hiring manager can call to ask more about you and your skills. Provide Canadian references, if possible.
The scene cuts to a man sitting on a couch talking on the phone. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “References”. The text remains as the scene changes to a woman talking on her cell phone while checking out information on a computer, followed by a man typing on a keyboard.
Male narrator : Don’t be shy. In Canada, it’s important to promote yourself ? your skills, your experience and what makes you the right “fit” for a job.
The scene cuts to a woman consulting a manager in a warehouse, followed by a woman taking inventory in a warehouse.
Female narrator : Canadian employers value their employees’ “soft” skills ? things like being reliable and dependable, being able to work well with others, and being able to quickly learn new things. Be ready to talk about these types of skills during the interview.
We transition to a view of tall office buildings as seen from the ground looking up. Text appears on the right side of the image on an orange background. It reads “Soft skills:” followed by the bullet points “Reliable, Dependable, Work well with others,” and “Quickly learn new things”. The text remains as the scene cuts to 2 employees stocking fruits and vegetables in a grocery store, followed by a man explaining something to a group of people around a computer screen, followed by a man and a woman sitting in a restaurant doing an interview.
Female narrator : Having experience in Canada will help you get a job.
We transition to a screen that is divided in 2. The left section shows an aerial view of a large city. The right section shows the Canadian flag waving in the wind.
Male narrator : Volunteering is a good way to get some experience. It can help you learn about Canada’s workplace culture, practise your language skills and meet people who may be able to help you.
We transition to a group of individuals listening to a man speaking in a community centre. Text appears on the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Volunteering”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a team encouraging each other in a circle, followed by a young woman looking directly at the camera and smiling while volunteers work in the background.
Female narrator : You might also meet someone who can be a reference for you.
The scene cuts to a shot of 2 women collaborating in a clothing design workshop.
Male narrator : Looking for a job can be challenging. Plan your actions, be persistent by trying new things and don’t give up. Take advantage of all the resources available to you in your community and keep networking.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Planning and persistence and flexibility”.
Female narrator : Learn more about looking for work in Canada and how to find a settlement service provider near you on the Government of Canada’s website.
We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Canada.ca/newcomers-employment”.
The image then cuts to the signature of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on a black background and the copyright notice “Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2020.”
The image then cuts to the Canada wordmark displayed on a black background.
