3 Ways to Kickstart Your Job Search in Canada | Canada Immigration Updates
When individuals receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence, there are several methods to initiate the job search process in Canada.
Gurmeet Sharma
Foreign nationals often pursue immigration to Canada through the Express Entry application management system administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Express Entry encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
In summary, successful Express Entry candidates are invited to submit an Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) after receiving an ITA from an Express Entry draw.
Applicants have 60 days to submit their eAPRs to IRCC, after which IRCC is expected to process 80% of eAPRs within six months, according to its service standard.
During this six-month waiting period, applicants who have submitted their eAPR and are confident in their application's success can start job hunting in Canada using the following three strategies:
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Online Networking: Establishing a network is crucial, as it enhances job performance and provides access to employment opportunities not publicly advertised. Networking involves sharing information and ideas with individuals in the same profession or with similar interests. Prospective immigrants can expand their network in Canada even before arrival through various online platforms like social media sites and professional networks such as LinkedIn.
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Government of Canada Job Bank: The Job Bank, operated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), assists Canadians in finding employment and planning their careers. It offers over 150,000 job postings, which can be filtered by position, location, job type, and more. The Job Bank is a valuable resource for prospective immigrants, providing job search and career planning resources before their arrival in Canada.
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LinkedIn: LinkedIn, one of Canada's top employment-related platforms, offers job search tools and networking capabilities to help ITA recipients find employment in Canada. Through its job search platform and networking features, LinkedIn allows users to browse thousands of job postings and connect with professionals in their field. Pre-arrival immigrants can leverage LinkedIn to gather information on job search and interview advice, salary information, and further education or skill training opportunities.
In a study by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), LinkedIn was identified as one of the most popular tools among newcomers for obtaining information about work prospects before coming to Canada.
Pre-arrival social media users were more likely to secure high-paying jobs compared to those who did not utilize social media. Therefore, leveraging online networking and platforms like LinkedIn can significantly benefit ITA recipients in their job search efforts before arriving in Canada.
