Employment assistance

• Research the companies you want to work for:
• Check out the jobs they advertise on their websites
• Contact employers directly to ask if they’re hiring
• Attend job fairs in your city, where you can meet employers and discuss jobs.

Jobs, Internships, Volunteering

THE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE

Since July 2013, however, the “Canadian experience” requirement has been considered discriminatory in Ontario under a new policy set out by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

Under this new policy, the “Canadian experience” requirement can only be used in rare circumstances by employers and regulators.

It’s worth noting that of the 38 professions regulated in Ontario, 26 require work experience, 15 of which require experience in Canada or Ontario.

Here are some ways to gain Canadian experience:

Small jobs
To gain Canadian experience, accept temporary employment, even if it’s not your area of expertise. In addition to the experience you’ll gain, this job will enable you to familiarize yourself with current work practices and meet people who can give you references. For information on how to find a job, see Job search.

Internships
Internships are opportunities to work within a company for a defined period of time. Paid or unpaid, internships are a great way to gain experience. These positions are often filled by students nearing the end of their studies, but are open to everyone. See the useful links in this series of articles for information on departments offering internship opportunities.

TRAINING

For new arrivals, finding a job can be more complicated than expected, whether or not you need to have your previously acquired experience or qualifications recognized. Many of them choose to take their careers in a new direction.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering offers newcomers an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the culture, realities and trends of the job market, and can also facilitate rapid and successful integration into Canadian society. What’s more, by volunteering, newcomers can improve their language skills as needed, develop or acquire new ones, make their mark in non-profit organizations and professional corporations, and above all build a solid network of contacts. In short, through networking, newcomers can avoid isolation, obtain the necessary references and considerably reduce their distance from the job market. In short, a great way to complete your immigration!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

If you’ve just arrived in Canada and want to start your own business, you’re not alone.

In 2010, according to Statistics Canada, 5.3% of immigrants owned a private business nine years after arriving in Canada, compared with 4.8% of Canadian-born individuals.

Despite this, the road to becoming an entrepreneur is not without its pitfalls. You need to be aware of this and be well prepared.

“Anyone going into business faces challenges, but some are unique to immigrants. You’re more likely to succeed in the long run if you keep an open mind and take advantage of our country’s tremendous cultural diversity.”

Three pieces of advice for newcomers wishing to take up these challenges and successfully launch their own business.

1. Build your credit file

Newcomers don’t necessarily have the credit history to obtain the bank loan they need to launch their business. Fortunately, there are ways to quickly increase your borrowing capacity.

2. Open up to Canadian culture

To succeed in business anywhere, you need to understand the local culture: the type of customers, what they like to buy and how they like to shop. The best way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture is to get involved in the community, for example with volunteer organizations or professional associations or places of worship – anywhere you can meet people who have been living in Canada longer.

“The more connections you make, the better. Once you’ve established a solid network where you live, you can start expanding it.”

3. Find a mentor

There’s a lot to take in when starting a business, and even more if you’re new to Canada. A mentor – an experienced person who can guide and advise you – can be a great help. Many organizations and programs offer training, mentoring and advice to new business owners.

Put the odds in your favor

It’s important to have enough savings to cover your personal expenses, because your business won’t be profitable right away. A reserve of at least six months’ expenses is a good starting point. If you don’t have that kind of money, it’s a good idea to save up for a rainy day.

Finally, please consult the Getting Ready for Work page of the Government of Canada website if you’d like to find paid employment while you’re planning to launch your business.