How to Get a Job in Canada as a Foreigner

If you’re drawn to natural wanders, vast expanses, diverse cities, and friendly people, Canada might be calling your name. However, you don’t need to limit yourself to a brief visit. Being the second largest country by land mass but with a population similar to that of California, there’s a high demand for workers, making it more possible than ever to work in Canada.

If you’re thinking of making the move to its dynamic cities or snowy mountains, but you’re unsure of what to do for work, read on to find out how to get a job in Canada as a non-resident!

Although there are many benefits to be had by working in Canada as a foreigner, you’ll still need to put in the research to make the most out of your experience. Here are some factors that you need to consider before working abroad in Canada. 

• Skills shortage: Due to an aging population, Canada is in need of workers to overcome labor shortages, especially in industries such as trade and construction, healthcare, IT, and more. Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program grants express entries and permanent residence to skilled workers such as medical professionals, engineers, teachers, and more.
• Language: Both English and French are official languages in Canada. Cities in the east of Canada - especially Quebec - have a population predominated with French speakers. In cities such as Quebec, you may need proof of French proficiency to work there.
• Healthcare: While Canada has universal healthcare, foreign workers should purchase their own international health insurance. Healthcare may be provided by your employer, but foreigners wanting to work in Canada on the International Experience Canada working holiday visa will need insurance which covers medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entirety of their stay.
• Cost of living & salary: The cost of living can be relatively high in Canada, but it’s still much lower than major US cities such as Los Angeles or New York. However, this also means that salaries are slightly lower when compared to the US.
• Work permit: In order to obtain a legal work permit, you’ll need to be sponsored by an employer, qualify as a critical skills worker, or do a work & travel program through an IEC-recognized organization. The IEC work permit for young professionals or working holiday purposes allows foreigners to live and work for up to 2 years in Canada. In fact, there are many IEC approved work & travel programs in Canada right here on Go Overseas!

If you want to work in Canada as a foreigner, your first step is figuring out which type of work visa or permit fits your situation. This depends on whether you already signed a job contract or plan to find one after arriving in Canada.

• Employer-specific work permit: If you’ve successfully interviewed and landed a job in Canada from another country, you’ll need to obtain an employer-specific work permit. Your employer will provide you with an LMIA or an offer of employment number for you to apply for the employer-specific work permit.
• Federal skilled worker: This visa is ideal for skilled professionals with work experience in high-demand industries. You can apply through Canada’s Express Entry system to become a permanent resident with the right to work.
• Work & Travel: Aimed at younger travelers (18-35 year olds) , this open work permit allows you to work for multiple employers while exploring Canada, and enter the country without a secured job. It’s great for a working holiday, but not necessarily a long-term career path in Canada.

Canada offers a wide range of job opportunities across its major cities, but each location has a unique economic focus. 

• Toronto: Canada’s economic and financial hub, ideal for careers in finance, business, and media
• Ottawa: The nation's capital, with many jobs in government and administration
• Vancouver: Home to a booming tech industry
• Calgary and Edmonton: Known for oil, gas, and engineering roles
• Montreal and Quebec: Great for aerospace, gaming, and creative sectors. French proficiency is often a plus!

Job demand and benefits will vary across different locations. So, it’s important that you research the job market in your desired city! 

Working in Canada as a foreigner doesn’t require you to be in-country to find a job. You can begin your search and find plenty of jobs in Canada for foreigners from your own home. 

• Independent search: There are many job boards to find work in Canada for foreigners! The Government of Canada’s job bank allows you to search available jobs and learn about wages and career prospects. Other job boards include Moving2Canada, Indeed Canada, WOW Jobs, Eluta, Jobs.ca, and more. There are also industry-specific job boards, such as EcoCanada for environmental jobs and CIPS for IT professionals. You can also check out our very own job board!
• Work & travel programs: Work & travel programs can make your Canadian transition as an international worker much easier. These IEC-recognized organizations and programs - right here on Go Overseas - grant travelers a 2-year working holiday visa, job support, and more. Some programs even offer guaranteed job placement before you enter the country! This is a great way to not only get your foot in the door, but to meet others and find your feet immediately in Canada.
• Seasonal jobs: If you’re not yet convinced about spending up to 2 years in Canada, consider a seasonal job! There is a high demand for seasonal workers in Canada to cope with its busy tourist seasons, particularly in its snowy ski resorts. From becoming a ski instructor, lift attendant, cook, or front of house, seasonal jobs in Canada come in many different forms.

Once you’ve found the perfect job in Canada, there’s nothing to do but apply! In some cases, the processing time for a working visa in Canada can take up to 6 months, so be sure to gather important documents ahead of time and to ensure that your passport is valid to avoid any issues down the line. 

Here’s how you can apply for your working visa in Canada:

You’ll need to apply online if you’re applying as a federal skilled worker. The FSWP is a merit-based immigration program, using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to determine who qualifies. 

Applicants need to score 67 or more points out of 100 in order to qualify, with points coming from these factors; education, language, employment experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability. Workers who already have a job lined up and a validated offer of employment in Canada are awarded additional points. 

If you’re already in-country on the IEC working holiday permit, you can apply for jobs either online or in-person. You can find work through job boards, recruitment agencies, applying directly to companies, and on work & travel programs here on GO!

When interviewing for a job in Canada as a foreigner, you should follow the basic principles of interviewing as you would in any other country. You should be punctual (or early!), present yourself in smart attire, and be polite. It’s also important that you spend time reviewing the job description and ask more questions about the position to demonstrate your investment. Your employer will also want to know how you will - or have adjusted - to life in Canada.

• Review the job description: Familiarize yourself with each aspect of the job responsibilities. While it seems like a no-brainer, reviewing the job description thoroughly will help you think of details missing from your resume, good questions to ask in the interview, and other aspects of the job.
• Bulletproof your resume: Regardless of your prior experience, tailor your resume to fit the job description. You should highlight any soft skills that you’ve gained from your education or other experience which would benefit you in your new role.
• Ask questions: Asking the interviewer questions will show that you’re invested in the opportunity. You could ask about additional responsibilities, the company’s work ethos or atmosphere, and so on. Be patient when it comes to asking about salary!

Congratulations! Once you’ve successfully been offered a job working in Canada, you’ll need to submit your documents if you haven’t already. Depending on your visa type, document requirements may vary slightly — so read carefully and get everything ready in advance.

If you’re going to be working in Canada as a federal skilled worker, there are a number of documents that you’ll need to submit: 

• Valid passport
• Digital photo of yourself
• Proof of English or French language proficiency (CLB 7 or higher)
• Proof of finances
• Background check and police clearance
• Proof of health insurance

If you’re applying to live and work in Canada on the working holiday program, you may need to submit the following documents: 

• Valid passport
• Digital photo of yourself
• Proof of finances (at least $1,800 USD or $2,500 CAN)
• Background check and police clearance
• Proof of health insurance

Bear in mind that you may also need to show additional documents throughout your application or upon arrival in Canada. You may be asked to show:

• Port of Entry (POE) Letter
• Proof of health insurance
• Departure ticket from Canada or proof of funds to purchase one
• Cash declaration: if you’re bringing $10,000 CAD or more, you must declare it to border officials

Being well-prepared with the right documents ensures a smooth transition into your new life and job in Canada. Keep originals and digital copies organized, and double-check everything before submitting or traveling.

To live and experience the work culture in Canada, you don’t have to only seek employment, there are other ways in which you can work and live in Canada as a foreigner.

• Intern: There are many internship in Canada opportunities which can help you gain valuable experience in your preferred industry. While most internships are unpaid, they offer comprehensive support for your transition abroad, and it can potentially lead to employment!
• Study abroad: International students studying in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during term-time, or full-time for work during term breaks.
• Volunteering: There’s no shortage of opportunities when it comes to  volunteering in Canada, and you may even find it easier to get work experience in your desired industry by doing so. It can also help you network and potentially get sponsorship for future opportunities.
• Digital nomad: While there isn’t a digital nomad visa in Canada, travelers can work remotely in Canada for foreign employers for the duration of their short-term visit. Visitors on the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) can live and work remotely for up to 6 months in Canada.

Searching for jobs in Canada and preparing to move to a new country while living overseas can be a daunting process. But luckily there are countless resources to help you along the way, with travel & work gap year in Canada programs offering planning and visa support, job placement, and more. So, if you’ve been contemplating a new adventure in the land of maple syrup and ice hockey, now may just be the time to see what Canada has to offer!

Read more about life abroad in Canada:

• How to Become an Au Pair in Canada: Requirements, Salary, & Benefits
• 10 Entry-Level Jobs Abroad for Americans: Work Abroad With Little to No Experience
• The Ultimate Guide to Working Holiday Visas for US Citizens