Canada is a country full of opportunities; its extensive territory requires a constant labor force to continue its economic growth. That is why this country usually welcomes qualified foreign workers with open arms, as long as they meet the due requirements imposed by the Canadian government.
To apply for a work visa in this country, you must meet several requirements, for example, have a job offer, have a valid passport, pass English tests, and many others; But don’t worry, although it may sound overwhelming, at Youthgro we are here to help you, so now we are going to tell you more about everything you need to work in Canada.
What you need to know about Canada
Canada is one of the most recognized destinations for its job opportunities and very high standard of living. In addition, its economy is growing unstoppably, which makes the idea of studying, working, and living in Canada a very fantastic opportunity for those nomads who are looking for a first-world life, with the tranquility of a receptive environment to foreigners, with all the benefits and comforts of modern life, amid a beautiful natural setting.
This fabulous North American country is trendy among numerous young individuals from different parts of the globe who want to take time to work abroad because of its standard of living, good salaries, and excellent job opportunities. It is also one of the destinations most chosen by young families looking to put down roots in a safe environment for their children.
We can’t tell you that finding a job in Canada is easy, but if you have your talents, you may qualify for a career there. The great idea is to start with a study season since, as a student approved by the Canadian government, you can work part-time in classes and full-time on vacation to experience the country’s working environment.
Why choose to work in Canada?
Canada surpassed Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia in world rankings for quality of life in 2021 and 2022. Indicators such as its adaptability to global changes, its broad market, social purpose, cultural influence, business, tourism, history, and quality of life return Canada is considered one of the top locations in the world to study, work and live.
Also, in Canada, you will be able to enjoy a majestic natural environment, and you will have the opportunity to visit wonderful parks, pristine lakes, imposing mountains and forests of all kinds, explore trails in the Rocky Mountains, visit national parks or visit the world-famous Niagara Falls.
In Canada, cultural variety is highly valued. Indeed the Canadian government has promoted multiculturalism as an ideology for decades due to its public emphasis on the social importance of immigration.
Canada also has a very friendly population, and the crime rate in this country is relatively low, especially when compared to other first-world countries like the United States or England.
How much is Canada’s minimum wage in 2023?
A country’s minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer can pay an employee whether they work full-time, part-time, casual or hourly, commission, or product.
This year the Canadian minimum wage is around 2500 Canadian dollars a month. The average hourly wage for Canadian provinces and territories is approximately CAD 15. However, the minimum wage varies depending on where you live and work. The areas of Nunavut, Yukon, and British Columbia have the best basic wages in the country, reaching almost $16 CAD per hour.
After substantial job losses in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rates are finally coming down in Canada. These high wages can see underemployed sectors improve their conditions with a good minimum wage.
Requirements to Obtain Canada Work Visas
Relocation to Canada through the work route can be tricky, but you can always scale out using a temporary work permit process first. After one or more years, you may qualify for a permanent work permit through the Express Entry system online. There are three skilled worker immigration programs available in the permanent work permit category, including skilled federal workers, skilled federal trades, and Canadian experience class. Each Express Entry application has unique requirements, but they usually require the following information:
- Passport or travel document
- Education credential assessment report
- Language test results
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer
- Provincial nomination (if the employee has one)
- Police certificate
- Medical exam
- Proof of funds
Applicant qualifications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program are evaluated based on a point system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded for English or French language competency, education qualification, work experience, age, adaptability, and arranged employment. A score of 67 or higher out of 100 is required to meet the eligibility criteria.
What Other visas can allow me to work in Canada?
Depending on how long you want to be in the country and what other activities you plan to do during your visit, you will need to apply for a visa that suits your needs. There are different options if you are going to study or if you are going to tour, or if you want to work permanently in the country. In any case, these are the most common visas to work in Canada.
Canada Work Visa
The work permit issued by the immigration authorities of Canada can be of two types; the first is the Open Work Permit, which is usually granted to citizens who have already started their permanent residence process and as their name indicates so, it allows the applicant to work in Canada in any field they choose.
The second type of work permit is the Specific Employer Permit, meaning that to apply for a permit; you must already have a job offer. On the table for a job in a specific area of work. Canadian work visas are granted by the TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program) and by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program seeks to facilitate the processes to receive foreign workers to fill the labor shortage in the Canadian labor market.
Study Permit
The study permit s is an excellent option to enjoy a good stay in Canada and also work, as long as you are a student enrolled in an educational institution endorsed by the Canadian government. There need to be more than short language courses to be able to apply for this permit since you are required to be enrolled in a technical course or in a university course.
Career programs are technical training diplomas taught at career colleges, which are private educational institutions in Canada. These educational establishments manage technical education programs and internships in the study area.
The theoretical courses of one of these programs last approximately six months, after which it is required to carry out the practical part over another six months. During the theoretical part, you will be able to work 20 hours a week and in the internship period, you will be able to work full-time.
In this case, you must decide on what you want to study before you start your travel procedures since you will have to prove that you are enrolled in the institution to begin your study permit application.
Working Holiday Visa
This visa is very special since it allows you to work for a stay of 1 year, study for 6 months and you can choose whether to work part-time or full-time. This is one of the most demanded visas, but unfortunately, it is not an option for all nationalities and you must also be between 18 and 35 years old to apply.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
When you finish your studies in Canada and want to work, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This is a work visa that allows you to work part-time or full-time between 8 months and 3 years. If you meet this working time, you can apply for Canadian residence.
Experience Class
This visa category is tailored for proficient employees who possess a high level of expertise in their respective fields. You apply in an online system that processes Canadian residency applications. Through this system, you apply for a work visa in Canada in three categories: Federal Skilled Worker (qualified professionals), Federal Skilled Trades Program (qualified professionals seeking to live in Canada), and Canadian Experience Class (foreign workers and students who have lived or reside in Canada).
To qualify, you must have a minimum of 1 year within the three years before applying; it is possible to complete this time in different ways, for example, full-time in a job for one year, or part-time for two years, the important thing is to have gained work experience working in Canada under the status of temporary resident with authorization to work.
Some Requirements For Your Canadian Visa
Now that you have gained more knowledge about the various visa options, we are going to tell you a little more about the most common requirements that the Canadian government requests from applicants who wish to obtain authorization to work in Canada.
Valid Passport
It’s important to remember one key thing when you travel, you should always carry your valid passport with you, and the validity of your passport should always be longer than the time you plan to stay. In some cases, you must have your passport valid for at least six months to a year after the date of completion of your studies.
Budget
It is necessary to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial funds to travel to Canada and provide support for yourself during the initial months of your stay. It will be necessary to present bank and financial certifications such as account statements or statements of bank movements, the quota of your credit card also counts as a good financial resource.
International Health Insurance
For any visa, it is essential that you have international medical insurance that covers you in case of any eventuality or emergency outside your country of origin. Having health insurance is a mandatory requirement to visit Canada. Let’s remember that although the Canadian health system is excellent, the option of benefiting from its services at no cost exists only for residents of the country.
Have An Intermediate Level of English
Immigration authorities may want to verify that you have an adequate level of English in order to work successfully in Canada. You don’t need to possess any level of expertise in the English language. Just have a conversational level.
Biometric Data
Your biometric data is your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face. This information is essential if you travel to Canada; since many of the procedures to visit Canada are carried out online, this physical data must be attached according to existing protocols. If you want to know where you should go, and deliver your biometric data according to your location, be sure to check the official page of the Canadian visa program.
Have No Criminal Record
It sounds very obvious but it is necessary that you fill out certain forms in which you must declare that you do not have a criminal record in your country or in any other, you affirm that your intentions to visit the country are good and that you are a trustworthy and honest person.
Have your Resume in English
This is not a mandatory requirement, but it is very useful, that before starting your trip and your job search in Canada, you have your resume translated into English, since your resume is essential when applying for a job. Finding a suitable job in a foreign country is not an easy task, but surely a modern, complete and well-presented resume will be an important factor in your search for a job in Canadian territory.
Other Forms and Basic Information
You will also need to fill out many online forms, most of the questions are merely informative and require truthful information about your intentions, whereabouts and other details about your trip, you just have to answer everything honestly and attach the necessary certificates if they are requested. Above all, you must be prepared to give details of your possible place of residence, family contacts, and educational background, among other things.
