Recipients of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence have various avenues to explore when searching for jobs in Canada.
Many individuals from abroad aspire to relocate to Canada, often through the widely-used Express Entry application management system administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Express Entry serves as the application management system for three prominent economic immigration programs in Canada: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
In essence, once selected in an Express Entry draw, candidates are prompted to submit an Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
Applicants are allotted a 60-day window to send their eAPRs to IRCC, followed by a service standard dictating the expected processing time by IRCC, which currently aims to handle 80% of eAPRs within six months.
During this waiting period, applicants who have submitted their eAPRs and hold a reasonable assurance of approval can begin their job search in Canada, employing the following three strategies:
Networking
Establishing a network holds significant importance, as a robust network is essential for effective job performance and accessing employment opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Networking involves the exchange of information and ideas among individuals who share a common profession or interest, typically in informal social settings.
This practice can assist prospective immigrants to Canada in expanding their connections, even before their arrival, as networking can be facilitated through various online platforms, including social media like X (formerly Twitter) and professional networks such as LinkedIn (more details on LinkedIn to follow).
Networking serves as a means to uncover potential job prospects within the desired industry upon arrival in Canada, while also serving as a valuable resource for staying informed about industry news and trends.
While building a network may seem daunting, particularly for new immigrants to Canada, online resources like this dedicated webpage can serve as valuable tools for understanding the significance of networking, learning how to establish and nurture professional relationships, and discovering resources for effective networking.
Government Canada Job Bank
The Government of Canada Job Bank, managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), serves as a nationwide employment service accessible through both a website and mobile application. Acting on behalf of the Canada Employment Insurance Commission in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, ESDC emphasizes that this platform aids Canadians in securing employment and planning their careers, while facilitating nationwide recruitment for employers.
With access to over 150,000 job postings, the Canada Job Bank offers filtering options based on position title, location, job type (including remote and part-time), and more. These resources empower prospective immigrants to explore job opportunities and plan their careers well before arriving in Canada.
It's important to note that the Job Bank isn't intended for temporary foreign workers; ESDC and the Government of Canada have a separate tool dedicated to assisting temporary workers in finding employment within Canada.
Additionally, the Job Bank features filtering and sorting functions by "best match" and "date posted," which are particularly beneficial for immigrants seeking recently available positions.
LinkedIn
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, a prominent Canadian employment-focused website, offer numerous benefits for ITA recipients seeking employment in Canada.
According to a 2023 study conducted by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), LinkedIn ranked as the second most utilized tool among newcomers seeking information on work prospects before immigrating to Canada.
LinkedIn provides robust job search tools, allowing users to explore thousands of job postings with filters similar to those found on the Canada Job Bank. Additionally, its effective networking features make it an invaluable resource for ITA recipients conducting job searches prior to their arrival in Canada.
The TMU study also revealed that LinkedIn served as the primary information source during the pre-arrival phase for various types of information, including job search advice, job interview tips, salary details, and information on further education or skill training, emphasizing its versatility and utility for prospective immigrants.
Evidence of the effectiveness of social media, including platforms like LinkedIn, as a job search tool is demonstrated in the favorable post-arrival employment outcomes highlighted in the TMU study. Specifically:
Approximately 75% of survey participants who utilized social media prior to arriving in Canada reported that the work they secured was either "very" or "quite" aligned with their skills.
Nearly four out of every five immigrants who obtained high-paying positions were active social media users before their arrival.
Conversely, the study revealed that nearly 75% of immigrants who found themselves in precarious, low-paying employment did not utilize social media prior to immigrating to Canada.
If you have further questions, please contact our team and schedule a consultation with our specialists! e-Visa Immigration is ready to assist you at any stage of your process.
