Finding a mentor is vital for newcomers to achieve career goals in Canada. Mentoring is a process where someone shares their skills and knowledge (the mentor) to guide another (the “mentee”). A mentor will share their experience, help you build confidence, and succeed. Discover the benefits, how to find a mentor, and the key elements of a successful mentor and mentee relationship.
A mentor can help newcomers understand the Canadian workplace culture.
What are the Benefits of Mentoring?
For newcomers, finding a mentor from your profession or trade can provide many benefits. For example, a mentor can:
Provide insights about what’s happening in your industry in Canada (i.e. growth, technology, or regulatory changes)
Introduce you to others in your field to build your professional network
Help you achieve your career goals faster and more easily.
Where to Find a Mentor in Canada?
Settlement agencies, employment councils, and professional associations are ideal places to find a mentor in Canada. You can also tap into your network, including friends, family members, and others willing to share their time and knowledge.
Newcomer Settlement Services
Settlement agencies provide many free services to help you navigate the Canadian job market. This includes finding a mentor from your professional background. You can find free newcomer employment services here.
Many professional associations offer mentoring and networking programs.
Professional Associations
Associations also provide mentoring programs. To learn more about occupation-specific associations in Canada, visit Career Pathways for more than 20 occupations in Canada. For each occupation, you’ll discover associations and immigrant networks that can help you to find a mentor in Canada.
What Makes a Great Mentor and Mentee Relationship?
The most successful mentor and mentee relationships occur when both know the skills, qualities, and role each plays.
Mentor Skills and Qualities
A great mentor listens. You may have concerns and issues about your job search and career development in Canada. However, you also have ideas about how to overcome obstacles. A good mentor will listen to your concerns so you can jointly create options.
They are excited to help you achieve career success in Canada. Mentors maintain a positive outlook about your skills, talent, and experience and appreciate the skills you offer. They also have these mentoring skills:
Values learning and helping others
A good mentor wants to share knowledge and experience. A mentor doesn’t have to be an expert. Rather, they should be able to help you access resources to find the answers to your questions.
Recognizes strengths
You have many strengths, skills, and knowledge that you bring to your profession in Canada. A good mentor will encourage you and believe in your ability to continue and excel in your career.
Provides feedback
Providing genuine and constructive feedback can help you learn, grow, and develop your skills. A good mentor provides specific, honest, and clear feedback.
Understands the newcomer experience
It can take newcomers longer than expected to find a job in their profession. If you are getting licensed to work in a regulated profession, it takes time and money. It can be a lengthy and frustrating experience. A good mentor will recognize these challenges and encourage you to achieve your goals, despite obstacles.
What a Mentor is Not
While a mentor can share their experience and guide you, you must also know what they won’t do. For example, a mentor will not:
Offer you a job
Have all the answers, or
Provide support unrelated to your career goals.
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Knowing how to build your relationship once you find a mentor is the key to success! Here’s how you can be a great mentee:
Have a Mentoring Goal
With a clear goal in mind, your mentor will be able to help you reach your career goals. Setting goals will help you achieve concrete outcomes.
A goal may be: “To achieve credential recognition to advance my career opportunities.” You may also want to develop a specific skill to achieve a career goal.
Be open and honest
Share your professional goals, issues, and concerns. Discuss issues and obstacles to identify options and build a solid action plan.
Commit to the mentoring relationship
Mentors usually volunteer for a professional association or community group. So it’s important to respect their time and effort. Prepare, be punctual, and follow through on commitments after the meeting. Discuss how and when to contact your mentor to avoid misunderstandings.
It’s helpful to set the length of your mentoring relationship. The match can be from 4 to 12 months, depending on the organization.
Be open to feedback
While a mentor provides feedback, the mentee must be open to feedback. Constructive feedback is a gift that can help you grow.
Keys to a Successful Mentoring Relationship
These factors ensure success:
Compatible Mentor and Mentee Relationship
A successful partnership is based on a great match between the mentor and the mentee. You’ll connect easily when you have a genuine interest in each other. A compatible match can be formal or informal.
Clear Expectations
Realistic expectations will guide the relationship in the right direction. A mentor is there to guide, not tell the mentee what to do. Mentorship requires buy-in and commitment from both sides.
Two-way Contribution
The benefits of mentoring flow both ways. Mentees can contribute to the relationship in a meaningful way and give back. For example, you can share a book title or an article you think your mentor may be interested in.
Finding a mentor can help you achieve career success in Canada more easily and faster. With commitment, you’ll build skills, confidence, and grow your network. In time, you may become a mentor and help future newcomers excel in their careers!
On April 28, 2025, Canada elected Mark Carney as its new Liberal government Prime Minister. Does this mean you can expect new immigration rules in Canada because of this change? Canada’s immigration system is recognized as one of the most welcoming in the world. With the new Liberal government, you can expect new rules and slight changes to Canada’s immigration policy. However, any new immigration rules and changes will ensure they benefit the economy and jobs. The new Liberal government will focus on balancing its approach while maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming nation.
The immigration policy changes reflect both opportunities and challenges for immigrants. Prospective immigrants must stay informed about key changes and adapt their plans. From adjustments to permanent residency admission levels to temporary resident restrictions, navigating Canada’s immigration system today requires careful planning. Discover what Canada’s new Liberal government will mean for those immigrating to Canada.
New Immigration Rules in Canada and Changes to Existing Rules
The previous Liberal government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, introduced several changes to Canada’s immigration system in response to housing challenges, labour market demands, and demographics. The new government and new Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan, will focus on the following changes:
1. Stabilizing Permanent Resident Admissions
Unlike previous years, when Canada steadily increased its permanent resident (PR) targets, the Liberal government reduced admission levels in October 2024. The change would balance population growth with infrastructure demands and ensure cities could support newcomers with housing, healthcare, social services, and jobs.
IMMIGRATION CLASS
2025
2026
2027
Economic
232,150
229,750
225,350
Family
94,500
88,000
81,000
Refugees, Protected Persons, Humanitarian, Compassionate and Other
This new immigration rule will balance population growth with infrastructure demands to ensure Canada can support newcomers. The plan calls to stabilize permanent admissions at less than 1% of Canada’s population beyond 2027. This approach aligns with immigration targets set in October 2024:
2. Reducing the Number of Temporary Residents
The government plans to gradually reduce temporary resident levels, affecting international students and temporary foreign workers. This change will ease housing pressures and prevent labour market imbalances. However, industries reliant on temporary workers, such as hospitality and construction, may face workforce shortages.
The new Liberal government expects existing temporary residents to transition to permanent residents, reducing the number of temporary residents. Immigration caps will likely remain in place until Canada expands its current housing levels. Building housing is a key priority for Mark Carney and the new Liberal government.
International Students and temporary workers may find that these changes will make it more difficult to secure permanent residency.
Working in Canada | How To Get Your First Job In Canada
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The Liberal government’s francophone immigration policy intends to grow French-speaking communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba. policy. This immigration rule provides opportunities for francophone immigrants to settle outside of Quebec.
4. Introducing Tighter International Student Rules
To prevent abuse of student visa programs, new immigration rules will place enrollment caps for certain schools. With many post-secondary institutions over-enrolling international students, it added pressure on rental markets. New immigration rules in Canada will cap international student permits according to regional housing and employment capacity.
How to Navigate New Immigration Rules in Canada
For individuals thinking about immigrating to Canada, here are some suggestions to navigate the immigration rules changes:
1. Prioritize Permanent Residency Pathways
Given the focus on stabilizing permanent resident numbers, opt for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or Family Sponsorship routes where possible.
Improve factors that can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Criteria that can lead to a higher score include work experience, education, and language skills.
2. Monitor Temporary Resident Requirements
Those seeking temporary work permits or student visas must be aware of potential restrictions or caps. Exploring alternatives like job-specific work permits or employer sponsorships may provide better entry routes.
3. Consider Regional Immigration Options
With the government encouraging settlement outside major cities, exploring regional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) can increase immigration chances.
With a new Liberal government, immigration rules and policies are shifting. However, there are still opportunities to navigate the changes. Staying informed and adapting to new policies will allow prospective immigrants to build successful futures in Canada.
A LinkedIn profile is vital for professionals who want to build their brand, expand their network, and find the perfect job. These LinkedIn tips help newcomers create a professional profile to showcase achievements, highlight international experience, and connect with others in specific industries. Get tips on creating a personal profile address, using endorsements, and adding a professional LinkedIn photo to propel your job search in Canada.
We spoke to BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government-funded, free, nationwide employment coaching service for eligible skilled immigrants looking to transition careers into Canada’s construction industry. This program is available to construction professionals immigrating to Canada and Permanent Residents who have recently arrived in Canada.
10 Tips to Craft a Professional LinkedIn Profile
The BCCA-IN team specializes in helping newcomers plan for and achieve employment success. When looking for a career, BCCA-IN provides tips for using LinkedIn effectively.
1. Create or Update your About Section
Your LinkedIn profile represents your brand. Therefore, a professional profile is the best way to project your unique brand and positive image.
The About section combines your career biography and value pitch to potential employers and contacts. Be concise so the reader does not have to click the ‘More…’ button. It will take time to get this right, so write, proofread, and rewrite it several times.
Once you have it right, you can add to it and reuse your pitch on your resume, in networking conversations, interviews, etc. The key things you should describe are:
Your profession e.g., Civil Engineer, Accountant, Business or Project Manager, etc.
Education level
Industries you’ve worked in, e.g., construction, healthcare, logistics, etc.
Size and scope of projects you’ve been involved in (quantify them)
Membership with a relevant professional association in Canada
Legal status in Canada, e.g. “Canadian Permanent Resident”.
You can also list if you are acquiring or ‘challenging’ credentials with a relevant professional body in Canada.
2. Use a Professional LinkedIn Photo
Adding a professional LinkedIn photo to your LinkedIn profile will make you more visible to employers searching for people with your skills and experience. According to LinkedIn, members with a high-quality profile photo receive up to 21 times more profile views than those without one.
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Do you want one-on-one coaching to help you continue your construction career in Canada before you arrive?
The Integrating Newcomers program is for you if you’re a technical professional e.g. tradesperson, engineer (in any discipline), architect, technician, technologist, project manager, estimator, or analyst. This Canada-wide service can help you get started!
Keep your LinkedIn profile headline shorter than 120 characters. Include relevant keywords used in your profession. This will allow potential employers to find your page with ease.
Ensure your summary is short, concise, and interesting. A hiring manager will read hundreds of headlines, so make yours stand out!
4. Highlight Relevant Work Experience
Listing your experience is vital to your LinkedIn profile. However, some of your past experiences may not relate to the career you want to pursue in Canada.
List past jobs that are relevant to your career goals. Focus on the workplaces, experiences, and credentials that directly relate to the jobs you want to pursue.
It’s also vital to update your current position. For example, did you receive a promotion, win an award, publish an article, or complete an innovative project? If so, update your profile to reflect these achievements.
Showcase your professional career, growth, and accomplishments in the Summary and Experience sections.
Newcomers often apply for many roles and seniority levels to test the job market. It’s an understandable tactic and a valuable learning exercise, but don’t spread yourself too thin. Be careful about the range of roles you apply for. The ‘Experience’ section in your LinkedIn profile should support the roles you apply for.
“Less is more” when listing ‘Experience’ details. It’s better than providing too much information. Include three to five bullet points that sell your unique achievements, seniority, and technical skills.
5. Update Your Professional Skills
Certifications are eye-catching. So add notable certificates, skills, or abilities that you possess. Many training programs or skills will have badges to add to your LinkedIn profile.
Update this section regularly or whenever you learn a new skill. These skills could be terms that the LinkedIn algorithm will pick up and help recruiters search for and find you. Delete outdated skills and skills no longer relevant to your career interests.
6. Update Your Location
Providing your location is vital when building your LinkedIn network.
We live in an era of increased remote work possibilities, but listing your home country as your location will hinder rather than help you. Recruiters, employers, and professionals in your industry want to connect with ‘local’ peers, so the more local you seem, the more relevant you are.
If you have not yet landed in Canada, you can:
List ‘Canadian Permanent Resident’ or other relevant legal status on your profile (in the Name/Title section)
Change your location to the city and province you are moving to, or
State you are “Relocating to X” if you feel that more accurately reflects your location.
7. Ask Others for a LinkedIn Endorsement
A LinkedIn endorsement makes your profile come to life. It’s persuasive when your network endorses and recommends you.
But you should only ask people who know your work well to endorse you. Otherwise, you risk putting people in your network in an awkward position. If they don’t know you well, they won’t be able to give a strong recommendation that reflects your experience. The same applies to you when others ask you to provide recommendations.
Prepare to write a factual recommendation and approach a past manager or colleague to see if they would be willing to post it on your LinkedIn profile. It’s easier if you write a recommendation that they can edit and use.
For recruiters, a LinkedIn endorsement indicates the truth in a candidate’s resume. It can take time to gather endorsements, so the sooner you invest energy to get them, the better!
8. Create a Personal LinkedIn Profile Address
By default, LinkedIn will give you a URL that can be clunky. However, you can edit this to make it cleaner. For example, you can use your full name if someone else hasn’t used the same URL.
If your full name is already in use, add your middle initial. You can add your personal LinkedIn profile address to your Canadian-style resume and online job applications. To edit your profile address:
Click the ME icon at the top right-hand corner of your profile
Click View Profile
On your profile page, click Edit Public Profile and URL
Under Edit URL, click the Edit icon
Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box
Click Save.
9. Engage and Share Content to Build LinkedIn Relationships
LinkedIn helps you network and build relationships with peers in the location or industry you want to enter. You can share, learn, and connect with others by:
Making meaningful and polite comments on articles
Adding positive comments to other people’s comments
Using the Like icons on posts or articles.
LinkedIn is a professional forum, so avoid getting involved in political debates, opinion snowballs, or contentious conversations.
10. Know How to Connect with Others on LinkedIn
When you add someone new to your network, add a message to explain why you would like to connect with them. People will likely ignore your request if you don’t know them and only send a default request to connect.
Your message does not need to be long or detailed. Adding a personal touch ensures the person will see value in the connection.
When requesting to connect with a recruiter about a job, summarize why you’re a solid fit for the role they’re advertising and ask, “If it’s possible to connect to learn more”.
Sample LinkedIn Connection Requests
Hi <insert first name or contact>, I am moving to the area and would value some local industry insights. Any thoughts?
Hi <insert first name of contact>, it looks like we share similar project experience. Look forward to connecting. Thanks!
I’m impressed by your career trajectory. Would you be willing to share two or three tips on what you did or didn’t do that’s helped you most? I’d value your advice.
An effective LinkedIn profile will help you create your professional brand while you conduct your job search. These tips will also propel your job search and build your network in Canada.
Learn More about BCCA-IN
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a government-funded, free, nationwide employment coaching service for eligible skilled immigrants looking to transition careers to the construction industry in Canada. Services include one-on-one career guidance, resume and cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials, and connections activities.
Driving in Canada and a new country can be stressful until you become familiar with the rules and other requirements. Whether you’re moving or have recently arrived, you’ll find vital information, from getting your driver’s license to road rules in Canada to car safety. This overview will help you understand 10 key things to know and do to drive safely in Canada!
The Trans-Canada highway in Alberta, Canada.
1. Each Province Issues Licenses to Drive in Canada
You must obtain your driving license from the province where you plan to live. If you move to another province, you must get a valid license from that province.
The process to get your driver’s license varies by province. Check the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (links provided below) for specific requirements where you plan to live. You may need:
Personal identification such as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence Form or Permanent Residence Card
Documents from your home country, including your driving license extract
Proof of residency in Canada, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
Additional documents required by the province.
Gathering the documents you need from your home country before you arrive in Canada to save time and money.
2. Canada has a Foreign License Exchange Agreement
The foreign license exchange agreement allows people from specific countries to exchange their license for a Canadian permit without taking a knowledge or road test. This can save time and enable newcomers to adapt to life in Canada while ensuring they meet driving regulations.
You may be able to take advantage of the Foreign License Exchange Agreement if you have a valid driving license from one of these countries:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
France
Germany
Isle of Man
Great Britain
Hungary
Ireland
Japan
South Korea
New Zealand
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States
You can also use an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP allows licensed drivers from other countries to drive in Canada without testing or applications. However, an IDP is primarily useful for drivers who are visiting Canada.
Permanent residents can only use the IDP for a defined period. This usually varies from 60 to 90 days, depending on the province. You must obtain an IDP from your home country.
Credits for previous driving experience can reduce the time to get your driver’s license in Canada.
3. You May Be Eligible for Foreign Driving Experience Credits
You may be eligible for credits for previous driving experience if your country is not recognized in the foreign license exchange agreement (i.e. India, Nigeria, Philippines). The driving credits will reduce the time and cost to get your full license in Canada.
To apply for foreign driving experience credits, you must:
You may be eligible for credits for previous driving experience if your country is not recognized in the foreign license exchange agreement (i.e. India, Nigeria, Philippines). The driving credits will reduce the time and cost to get your full license in Canada.
To apply for foreign driving experience credits, you must:
Have proper documents, including a current license, proof of identification, and driver’s extract
Pass a vision test, written test, and one or two driving tests depending on the number of years of driving experience and documents you have
Provide a Letter of Authentication as proof of your driving experience.
Research documents you may need to get driving credits. You can obtain this information from the provincial ministries of transportation (see section: Provincial Ministry of Transportation).
Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
4. You Must Meet Minimum Requirements to Drive in Canada
While minimum requirements may vary by province, generally, you must:
Be of legal age to drive, which is 16 in most provinces
Pass medical health tests, physical, vision, and hearing requirements
Complete driver testing, including written and in-car driving tests, to ensure you know the road rules in Canada.
Visit the Provincial Ministry of Transportation to confirm the specific requirements (see links below).
Taking advantage of the foreign license exchange or obtaining foreign driver experience credits may reduce the time and cost to get a full G license.
5. Canada has a Graduated Licensing System
Each province uses a graduated licensing system to ensure drivers have the skills and knowledge to drive safely. The system has three levels:
G1 learner’s permit: allows you to drive with a fully licensed driver
G2 probationary license: permits drivers to practice driving independently with some restrictions
G full license: removes most driving restrictions.
Moving from a G1 to a full G license can take up to two years. However, you have five years to get your G license from the day you pass your G1 test. Taking advantage of the foreign license exchange or obtaining foreign driver experience credits can reduce the time and cost.
While car insurance may be expensive, it is a legal must-have. However, insurance companies want your business, so shop for the best rates.
6. You Must Have Car Insurance to Drive in Canada
Every province and territory in Canada requires drivers to have car insurance. It is illegal to drive in Canada without car insurance, and you can face penalties, including:
Fines from $5,000 – $25,000 for a first conviction
Fines from $10,000 – $50,000 for a second conviction
Suspension of your driver’s license
Seizure or impoundment of your car for up to three months.
The minimum requirements for car insurance also vary in each province. So, verify what insurance you require with the provincial Ministry of Transportation websites and insurance companies.
While car insurance can be expensive, it is a legal must-have if you want to drive with peace of mind. Also, many insurance companies want your business, so shop for the best rates.
7. Driving Rules and Laws Vary in Each Province
The driving rules are similar in most provinces, but there are differences. You can research the driving rules before you arrive to avoid facing tickets and penalties. This will reduce the stress of driving in a new country, increase safety, and prevent accidents.
Become familiar with the laws in the province where you intend to get your driver’s license to ensure your safety.
Rules of the Road When Driving in Canada
While laws may vary in each province, the basic rules of the road remain the same across Canada.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are vital road rules in Canada. Pay attention to posted speed limits. Common speed limits are 50 kilometers per hour in cities, 80 on two-lane highways, and 100 on most highways.
Seatbelts
Buckle up! All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts for safety or get a fine. Children must be in child safety seats until they meet age and weight requirements.
Cell Phone Use
You can only use your cell phone using a “hands-free” device (i.e. Bluetooth) or a mounted device. Texting or holding your phone will result in hefty distracted driving charges and increase your car insurance rates. Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers on the road. Learn more about what counts as distracted driving in Ontario.
Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious offense in Canada. With a DUI, the police can suspend your license, impound your vehicle, or arrest you. It is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Avoid drinking and driving and opt for a taxi, UBER, or public transit.
Learning to Drive
If you want to learn to drive, consider taking lessons from a recognized driving school. When you take driving lessons, you can also lower your insurance rates. Completing driving lessons shows insurance companies that you have received professional training and can drive safely. In turn, they will reward you with lower insurance rates. Click here for government-approved driving schools in Ontario.
Driving conditions vary in Canada depending on the season. So, you must prepare your car for both summer and winter driving conditions. Your car may have all-season tires, but winter tires are safer when driving in snow, freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions.
8. Driving Conditions Vary in Canada
It’s also helpful to prepare for winter conditions and carry additional provisions in your car, such as:
Blankets and extra hats and gloves.
Ice scraper/brush to remove snow and ice before you drive
Snow shovel
Jumper cables.
9. Children Must Be in Child Car Safety Seats
Another road rule in Canada is that children must be in a child car safety seat from birth until they meet age, height, and weight requirements. Four stages of child car safety seats include:
1. Rear-facing infant seats
2. Forward-facing child car seats
3. Booster seats for children who weigh 18 kg (40 lb)
4. Seat belts for children who have outgrown their booster seats.
Operating and maintaining a car in Canada is expensive. From regular maintenance to annual car insurance, costs add up quickly. However, if you must have a car, you can get a loan from the bank or lease a car. Or, you can pay cash if you readily have cash. A car is a big purchase, so most people get a car loan or lease a car.
Whether you finance a car through a loan or a lease, there are key differences to know and understand. So, carefully consider each option to help you make the right choice.
If buying a used car in Canada, there are additional things to know and do to ensure you get the best value.
These 10 facts will increase your safety and make it easier to drive in Canada confidently.
Contact the Provinical Ministry of Transportation
Click on the province where you intend to live to learn how to get a driver’s license.
Lawyer careers are held in high esteem in Canada. Those who hold lawyer jobs put in years of education, articling, and work to get into the profession. It’s a career that can take you in many directions and lawyer salaries are higher than average in Canada. If you’re an internationally trained lawyer interested in continuing your law career in Canada it’s vital to research the profession in Canada and understand job requirements. Continue reading to learn more about the law profession in Canada, job requirements, law salaries, job search techniques, and much more!
Lawyers in Canada require two to three years of undergraduate studies, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized law school, successful completion of the bar exam, and must complete an articling period. In addition, every lawyer in Canada and notary in Quebec is required by law to be a member of a law society and to be governed by its rules and the provincial laws that regulate entry into the legal profession.
How to Immigrate to Canada for Lawyer Careers
You can immigrate to Canada and become a lawyer, but you have to complete a series of steps to get accredited before you can practice law. The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) which is part of the Federation of Law Societies in Canada (FLSC), assesses the qualifications of all internationally-trained legal graduates, whether they are Canadian citizens who have obtained their legal education abroad or newcomers to Canada with an overseas legal education. You can start the assessment process before moving to Canada. The NCA will not process your application until they get all your documents and the required fees.
Before You Move to Canada to Continue Your Law Career
If you have international qualifications, it’s helpful to know how your qualifications will be assessed. It’s also important to research the Canadian labour market to identify if there is a demand for the type of law that you want to practice. Ensuring that a demand exists will go a long way to continuing your law career in Canada.
There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing law in Canada:
Attend the webinar How to Find Your First Job in Canada as a Newcomer to learn about job search strategies.
Contact the provincial or territorial law society where you plan to settle in Canada to find out about the:
The process to follow to obtain a law license, and
Steps you can take before and after you immigrate to Canada
Improve your language skills and enroll in language classes while still in your home country and continue them after moving to Canada. You’ll need to prove your English or French (depending on your destination province) language competency or be tested. Good communication skills are essential in lawyer careers.
Understand how the law is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the provincial legislation where you’ll settle.
Research lawyer salary, benefits, and compensation. Lawyer salaries can change a lot based on where you live.
Know the name of your job title in Canada so that you know what job titles to search for.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Lawyer Career in Canada
If you want to continue your law career in Canada, it’s essential to research what’s required. You may need to upgrade your skills and prepare for licensing exams.
Lawyers and notaries belong to a regulated profession in Canada. This means that you must be licensed by the provincial or territorial law society where you settle. It can take both significant time and money to prepare to work as a lawyer in Canada and you need to plan for that reality.
The FLSC is the national body that coordinates the provincial and territorial law societies that exist in the country.
The English-speaking provinces of Canada follow the English common law traditions, while in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the legal tradition is based on civil law.
To practice law in the province of Quebec, a bachelor’s degree in civil law from a recognized law school and a master’s degree in notarial law are required along with licensing by the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
Employment Outlook for Lawyer Jobs in Canada
The labour supply and demand conditions for lawyers in Canada are balanced.
The labour market conditions (supply and demand) for lawyer careers in Canada are balanced. It’s expected that 39,200 lawyer jobs will become available from 2022-2031 and there will be enough job seekers to fill these roles, including new immigrants. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a valuable resource with key facts and figures about working as a lawyer in Canada. You’ll also find information about wages (national, provincial, and regional averages) job prospects, and a summary of labour market conditions.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Lawyer Jobs in Canada
To begin your research, you can refer to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 41101 for Lawyers and Quebec notaries. Here you’ll get a profile and overview of the main duties, employment requirements, and other job titles that employers may advertise for. This is helpful to know when you begin your job search in Canada.
Use the NOC to gain general information about the role, example titles, and employment requirements.
Requirements to Become a Lawyer in Canada
Whether you are an internationally trained lawyer immigrating to Canada, a Canadian citizen who has obtained a legal education abroad, or even a prospective immigrant, the NCA will assess your qualifications. You can apply while still in your home country – your citizenship, nationality, and residency are not factors in the assessment process.
5 Steps to Accreditation as a Lawyer in Canada
1. Apply for a Certificate of Qualification
Submit your application to the NCA with the right documents and payment.
2. NCA Assessment
The NCA assesses each application on an individual basis, taking into account legal education and professional experience, and determines what further education is required.
3. NCA Assignments
The NCA will tell you what you must do to qualify for law society bar admission (known as “assignments”). Applicants from a common-law jurisdiction may be asked to take several NCA exams or equivalent courses at a Canadian law school. Applicants from a non-common law jurisdiction, who have had minimal or no exposure to common law, are usually required to obtain a Canadian LLB/JD degree.
4. Complete Your NCA Assignments
The NCA will send you a letter to describe the legal education you need to complete your assignments. These assignments ensure that your knowledge of Canadian law is similar to someone who got their degree from a Canadian common law program.
5. NCA Issues a Certificate of Qualification
When you meet the requirements successfully, the NCA will issue you a Certificate of Qualification.
With your NCA Certificate of Qualification in hand, you can apply for student-at-law status with the Law Society of your province (see section: Law Societies and Associations below).
Documents Required for the NCA Assessment
To apply for an NCA assessment, you will have to submit some or all of the following:
An original set of your final academic transcripts (copies will not be accepted)
A current detailed Curriculum Vitae (your education and work experience)
Payment of a non-refundable application fee.
As well, the institutions referred to below must send the following documents directly to the NCA:
An official copy of your academic transcripts issued by the institution where you obtained your legal education
A certificate or letter of membership in good standing issued by the local regulatory authority which governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction (if applicable)
An official copy of your transcripts issued by the local regulatory authority that governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction (if applicable).
While language competency is not a requirement, NCA exams require a high language competency both in reading and writing. As well, to practice law in Canada you need to have high competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing communication skills.
Once the NCA receives all your documents, it can take up to three months to process your application. The NCA will mail their assessment to you.
Credentials Assessment Services for Lawyers
If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills before pursuing a lawyer career, you may have to get an educational evaluation. However, before you spend any money, contact the school to find out if they have a preferred credential assessment agency that you should use. This step can save you money.
To find more organizations and agencies providing credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Lawyer Job Requirements
In addition to accreditation, upgrading your skills through a bridging program or other courses and workshops is an important part of your journey to becoming a lawyer in Canada. You must have strong communication, legal research and writing, and technical skills. Canadian legal employers also expect you to be resilient, flexible, assertive, and innovative.
You may have strong technical skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it afterward. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially your soft skills. Any additional skills you add will help your chance of success in your lawyer career.
Language Training for Lawyers in Canada
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable English as a Second Language or French as Second Language classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.
And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better lawyer career opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Canada
Bridging programs are a helpful way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. You can find more information about bridging programs for lawyer careers in Ontario and Alberta:
This course is designed for foreign-qualified lawyers planning to write the NCA exams. It offers instruction in: Foundations of Canadian Law; Constitutional Law; Administrative Law; and, Canadian Criminal Law.
A no-cost program that helps internationally educated professionals (IEPs) understand and navigate the licensure and credential process in Canada. Bredin staff will support IEPs through the process and assist them with finding employment that is related to their education.
CRIEC helps internationally trained lawyers to navigate the accreditation process including mentoring, workshops and observerships in legal workplaces and more.
Law Schools in Canada
There are several law school programs to help internationally trained lawyers with the accreditation process.
There are 23 law schools in Canada: seven in the Western Region, eight in Ontario, five in Quebec, and three in the Atlantic Region.
All these schools offer a professional degree in one or both of Canada’s two systems of law (Common Law; Civil Law). They also offer a variety of programs: the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and traditional Bachelor of Laws (LLB); professional degrees leading to the practice of law, graduate studies in law, and various joint programs. Some offer their programs in English only, others in French only, while others offer partially or fully bilingual programs.
In Ontario, several law schools offer programs to help internationally trained lawyers with the accreditation process:
In B.C., the University of British Columbia offers the Master of Laws (Common Law) Program LL.M (CL). This year-long, l program provides foundational training in common law and in Canadian law for foreign-trained or non-common law trained lawyers.
Learn more about Canadian law school programs and admission criteria:
The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education and networking opportunities.
Professional immigrant networks are volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals that seek to:
Create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities
Provide opportunities for members to find employment and achieve their professional goals.
These groups organize networking events, mentoring, information sessions, and professional development opportunities that can be beneficial for your job search. Here are some networks you can consult:
Lawyers in Canada are paid well. Lawyer salaries are much higher than average compared to other professions. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, lawyer salaries can range from $27,446 to $423,922 annually. The lowest median lawyer salary is $79,485 in New Brunswick. The highest median lawyer salary is in Alberta at $140,808.
Lawyer Salaries in Canada
Lawyer salaries in Canada depend on where you live. Your lawyer salary can vary depending on the province where you practice. So, consider lawyer salaries and earning potential when choosing a location. Here are the most recent Lawyer salary numbers in Canada:
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Lawyer Based on Salary and Lifestyle
Demand for lawyers is linked to population growth and the volume of business activity, such as real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy, and can therefore be cyclical. Demand for legal services involving real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, for instance, tends to decline during a recession, while those involving bankruptcy activities increase. One growing area of demand in today’s complicated business environment is corporate regulatory compliance – helping companies keep up with government and other regulatory rules.
Because job prospects can vary, it’s best to research national, provincial, and regional job prospects for the legal profession in Canada before you arrive. You can find labour market information and job prospects for lawyers at the Canada Job Bank site.
You can research different cities in Canada to learn which ones would best match the personal, professional, and cultural needs of you and your family. Other important factors to consider when choosing a city in Canada, are the costs for housing (both rental housing and home buying) and other costs such as insurance and other recurring monthly expenses.
While wages for lawyers in Canada are lucrative, living in larger cities such as Toronto and Vancouver can be quite expensive. So when you research possible cities to settle in Canada, you may discover secondary cities such as Edmonton, Alberta where housing costs are more affordable. This means you can probably rent or buy a larger house at a lower cost.
Major Employers for Lawyer Jobs in Canada
The federal, provincial, and municipal governments employ lawyers. So do prosecutor’s offices, educational institutions, and private businesses, particularly businesses providing scientific or technical services. In addition, lawyers can join partnerships or law firms, or open their own private practices.
Some of the biggest law firms in Canada are:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Fasken LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP.
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website to check for law firms. This special designation recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity, inclusion, and equity. On the list, you’ll find many law firms, and large organizations that would have a legal function.
How to Find Your First Job in Canada as a Lawyer
Research your profession to ensure you meet Canadian and provincial job requirements.
The Canadian job market can be competitive, so you need to understand the job search process and prepare for job interviews. And because you must register as a lawyer in the province where you plan to live, you need to search for jobs in that province.
Take your time to research job requirements in different regions throughout the province and develop a plan to find work.
There are many job-finding techniques to help you search for a job in the legal profession, for example, you can:
Join legal job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
Attend career job fairs and search online job boards to learn about job requirements and pay. When searching job boards pay attention to any skill gaps you see in job postings and address them if possible.
Seek out a mentor in the legal sector who would give you valuable insights and advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Have a strong and active presence on social media channels like LinkedIn. Join groups, where you can contribute content, ask questions, build connections, and also learn about law in Canada.
Use Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country and you may need help to find job vacancies, update your resume, write cover letters and prepare for interviews. Settlement agencies can also help you to understand what Canadian employers look for.
Networking is all about meeting people, building relationships, and sharing information. It’s also a vital activity that will help you to expand your professional network in Canada. By connecting with others, you can learn more about what it’s like to practice law in Canada, get advice or information about a specific law firm, and even discover job leads. Often, many job vacancies are not advertised. This is known as the “hidden job market”. Making connections through networking is a good way to learn about available jobs.
Good places to network include conferences, law associations, and schools. LinkedIn can also be helpful for online networking. With LinkedIn, you can connect with former colleagues and employers, look for jobs, and search for employers. You can also get introductions to people in the legal field and join related professional groups.
Conduct Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a brief (20–30-minute) meeting you schedule with a lawyer to learn more about the field in Canada. Your goal should not be to obtain a job or to ask the individual for a job. This allows you to learn about the profession and meet others working in the law profession with no pressure on either you or the other individual.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can be an excellent source of career information. You also benefit from hearing their first-hand experiences and personal impressions of practicing law in Canada.
Resume Writing for Lawyers in Canada
Besides your name and contact information, your resume should begin with a brief profile of your legal experience. Be sure to highlight any bar admissions you have at the top of your resume. The legal experience section of your legal resume should be separate from your work history section. Writing your resume in this way will highlight your experience and help potential find information about your achievements and transferable skills.
After your work history and education sections, list any associations you are a member of as well as work you’ve done within the legal community. When writing your resume, use the active voice to make it easy to read.
Interview Techniques for Lawyers in Canada
Interviewing for a law position can be competitive. So, be well-prepared to be a successful interview candidate. It’s helpful to prepare and practice responses to some of these common interview questions:
What interests you in this law firm/organization?
What sets you apart from your peers?
What are your strengths?
In what areas of your profession do you excel?
Describe a challenging case that demonstrates your analytical skills.
Research the law firm or organization. Find out what the firm does, the types of law it specializes in, and what it does not do. Some do corporate law, some do litigation. Some are big, some are small. Not to mention how their organizational culture may vary. So, try to find out what you can about the firm, and tailor your interview responses. Present yourself in a favourable light but be careful not to embellish your accomplishments.
With a balanced outlook for lawyer jobs in Canada, it’s wise to carefully research job prospects to ensure that you can continue your career in Canada. Labour market conditions vary by province and city, so carefully examine where the outlook is good.
If you are interested in IT jobs in Canada, the technology industry is strong and continues to grow. Canada is regarded as a leader in technology, and it’s one of the best countries in the world to pursue an IT career. There are many opportunities for different IT jobs, and IT professionals are paid well in Canada.
The job requirements for many IT occupations usually require a university degree or college diploma, and related employment experience in a specific area of IT expertise. Most information and communications technology occupations are non-regulated in Canada. However, many employers require a professional IT certification. This depends on the type of IT job. For example, to practice as a software engineer (NOC code 21231) or computer engineer (NOC code 21311), you require a provincial or territorial license from a professional engineering association.
The great thing about working in IT is that Canadian companies are very open to hiring immigrants and newcomers. You just have to follow the proper steps to ensure you’re qualified. Prepare yourself for an IT job in Canada with this helpful overview.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an IT professional
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue an IT Career
The steps you need to complete to work in an IT job in Canada will depend on your career path. It’s important to research the specific requirements for the job you want. For example, if you want to work as an app developer, research the career requirements for software app developers in Canada.
To improve your chances of finding an IT job in Canada, there are general steps that you can take even before you arrive:
Improve your English or French language skills (depending on your destination province). You will need to prove your language competency or be tested.
Take language classes while you’re in your home country and continue them when you arrive in Canada.
Understand how your IT occupation is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the laws and legislation that govern it in the province where you will settle.
Know the name of your job in Canada and learn about the specific IT job requirements in Canada for your job title.
Look into certification requirements and skill development options if you need to upgrade.
Check our resources available from the Information and Communications Technology Council to develop your job search plan.
Research Canadian companies and join IT groups on LinkedIn to learn about the industry in Canada.
Working in Canada | How To Get Your First Job In Canada
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
What to Expect When Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
There are dozens of IT career paths to pursue in Canada. Each one has different qualifications and requirements. You need a general overview of how your international qualifications may be viewed in Canada. As well, it’s important to have a general sense of the Canadian labour market and workplace culture. Understanding the current job market and employment outlook will help you set realistic expectations for your job search.
Employment Outlook for IT Jobs in Canada
There is a positive outlook for the information technology industry in Canada. The information and technology (IT) sector is a major employer in Canada and contributes about $150 billion a year to Canada’s economy. There are more than 41,000 IT firms, with 86% having 10 or fewer employees.
According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), forecasts show the tech industry is in a growth phase. It’s predicted to grow by 22.4% from 2021-24.
BDC has a positive outlook for employment in IT. “Forecasts show that employment growth in the digital economy will continue to outpace that in the general economy. By the end of 2025, employment in the digital economy will reach 2.26 million people, reflecting the addition of 250,000 jobs since 2020.”
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for IT Jobs in Canada
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals work in a variety of occupations. Some of these occupations are regulated. However, others may require certification or licensing, or a combination of education and work experience, but no certification or licensing.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference for occupations. The NOC code provides standard definitions of the occupation. For job seekers, you can also learn about other titles that are commonly used for your NOC code. This can be helpful when applying for jobs in Canada. The NOC code also outlines the IT job requirements in Canada for specific IT occupations.
The Canadian IT sector includes the following NOC groups:
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, commerce, or engineering is usually required. Employers usually require several years of experience in systems analysis, data administration, software engineering, network design, or computer programming, including supervisory experience.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer security, computer systems engineering, or information systems or completion of a college program in information technology, network administration, or other related computer science program. Some employers may require certification or training that is provided by software vendors.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, business administration, information systems, or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science. Some employers may require certification or training from software vendors.
Information Systems Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst
Systems Auditor.
Information System Specialist Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline, or computer science at the college level. Employers usually require computer science experience to meet IT job requirements in Canada. Some employers may require certification such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or another IT designation.
A bachelor’s degree or college program in computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics. Employers usually require computer programming and related experience to meet IT job requirements in Canada.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, or mathematics, or completion of a college program in computer science. Some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field.
In addition, software engineers belong to a regulated profession in Canada. Therefore, they require a license from a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers to practice as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.). Engineers are to register upon graduating from an accredited engineering program, completing three to four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice exam.
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics, or computer science. A master’s or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Computer engineers must have a license from a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as Professional Engineers (P. Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration upon graduating from an accredited engineering program, completing three to four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice exam.
Completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming, or network administration. College or other courses in computer programming or network administration. Some employers may require certificates or training provided by software vendors to meet IT job requirements in Canada.
Requirements to Become an IT Professional in Canada
In Canada, the requirements to work in information technology will depend on your job type. Companies can request different education, skills, certifications, and experience based on the role. Therefore, you need to research the IT jobs you want to pursue.
Credential Recognition to Meet IT Job Requirements in Canada
Several agencies assess international education credentials to help newcomers to Canada access the education and employment they need. Most IT occupations are non-regulated in Canada. However, if you intend to practice as an engineer, it is important to know that it is provincially regulated. You will need to have proof of your credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency. To avoid wasting valuable time and money, make sure you first contact the relevant regulatory organization to find out which credential assessment agency you should use.
The same rule applies if you are applying to college or university to upgrade your skills. First, contact the school to find out what steps to take, and the credential assessment agency you should use.
Make sure to highlight your international education and skills. Build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding if you need to pursue further education. Use your international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions. You may be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits and benefit from prior learning assessment options. This will allow you to complete your program more quickly, without wasting money and repeating the education you already have.
Credentials Assessment Services
There are several places where you can inquire about the steps to take to have your IT credentials assessed in Canada:
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Information Technology Job Requirements
You may need to upgrade your skills, especially your soft skills, to meet IT job requirements in Canada. Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is important for career success. Whether you choose to focus on improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Or you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.
Canadian employers look for friendly and assertive professionals with strong communication skills. They also look for people who will fit into their workplace culture and will become leaders over time. In the IT field, they expect employees to have a strong understanding of the business in addition to the technical aspects of the job. They encourage employees to upgrade their existing skills and acquire new skills.
Bridging Programs to Help IT Professionals Meet Job Requirements in Canada
Bridging programs are a good way to transition your international experience to the Canadian workplace. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer IT bridging programs, and you may be eligible. Here are some programs to consider:
The GO Talent program helps IEPs immigrating to Canada as permanent residents and are still in their country of origin. IEPs receive assistance to ensure they are job ready when they arrive.
This IT bridging program allows you to complete three university-level courses to ensure your soft skills and IT program skills are top-notch. It also helps IEPs to transition into jobs that match their education, credentials, and experience.
This successful program with 98% of graduates securing jobs in their field within six months of graduating. It is a bridging program for internationally trained computer programmers. This program provides participants with the advanced concepts, skills and knowledge required to work as .NET Solution Developers.
This bridging program is for internationally trained immigrants with education and experience in information technology, computer science, or engineering (computer, electronics, or electrical). You’ll learn advanced concepts and gain skills in computer networking, information security, installation, and configuration of servers in a virtual environment with an emphasis on operating systems. Graduates from this program work as Systems Analysts, IT/Network Administrators, Network Analysts, and more.
This free technology training course provides immigrants with the workplace culture and language skills to communicate effectively on the job. All Humber OSLT graduates earn a certificate.
A no-cost program that helps internationally educated professionals (IEPs) understand and move through the licensure and credential process in Canada. Those who are not part of a regulated profession will be provided with up-to-date information about their career. Bredin staff will support IEPs through the process and help them find jobs that directly relate to their education.
Continuing Your IT Education in Canada
Some companies provide financial support to employees for professional development. Because IT technology changes so rapidly, you need to upgrade your skills regularly to stay relevant and competitive in your field.
Colleges and universities offer many IT continuing education courses. Taking these courses is a good way to upgrade your skills. And often these courses are offered after business hours which makes them easy to attend after your workday. If you want to make a career change or enhance your career options, you may be interested in pursuing further education in Canada. Click here for links to Canadian Universities and Colleges.
IT Schools in Canada
There are over 50 schools in Canada offering IT courses, programs, and degrees. They are available at the college, university, and graduate levels.
World University Ranking for Computer Science 2023
World University Ranking 2023
University
City
27
18
University of Toronto
Toronto
51 (tie)
191
University of Waterloo
Waterloo
56
35
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
74
156 (tie)
University of Montreal
Montreal
100 (tie)
136 (tie)
University of Alberta
Edmonton
111 (tie)
54
McGill University
Montreal
166 (tie)
317 (tie)
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby
285 (tie)
526 (tie)
Carleton University
Ottawa
298 (tie)
215 (tie)
University of Ottawa
Ottawa
309 (tie)
1,338 (tie)
Ecole de Technologie Superieure – Canada
Montreal
Best universities in Canada for computer science degrees 2023
Information Technology Associations in Canada
The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
CIPS – Canadian Information Processing Society: a non-profit professional association for IT practitioners. It offers networking opportunities, certification (I.S.P. and ITCP), accreditation of IT post-secondary programs, a niche IT job board, and represents Canadian IT professionals in international forums.
Hispanotech.ca brings Hispanics in Canada’s technology markets together, to help them enter the workforce and recognize their contributions to the technology field.
How Much Do IT Professionals Make in Canada?
IT professionals are well paid. How much you can make depends on your job title, experience, skills, and your location. IT jobs are mainly full-time positions, but they can also be part-time jobs, contract jobs, or project-based jobs.
The average annual salary for an IT professional is just over $70,000 annually. This is about $36 per hour. Salary can range from about $50,000 to over $100,000 per year.
Best Provinces to Work in IT in Canada Based on Salary & Lifestyle
You can find IT jobs in most Canadian cities, however, the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa offer the highest concentration of IT jobs. Other cities to consider for IT jobs include, Markham, Kitchener-Waterloo, Montreal, and Vancouver. Montreal is the heart of the gaming industry in Canada and Vancouver has many companies in the commercial/entertainment development sector. Markham is the second-largest tech cluster in Canada.
Pursuing an IT Career in Canada
There are many ways to start an IT career in Canada with the right academic credentials, relevant work experience, and a plan for where you want to work. Below is valuable information to help you pursue an IT career in Canada:
Major Employers for Information Technology Jobs in Canada
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, about 45,000 companies operate in the Canadian IT sector. 91% of these companies are in the software and computer services industries, 4% are in the IT wholesaling industries, and 2% are in manufacturing.
Canadian IT companies employ around 555,978 employees and generate about 168 billion dollars. As well, many people work in the information technology departments of Canadian companies that use technology such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and retail.
You can also learn about Canadian companies by visiting Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website. These employers have been recognized for exceptional diversity and inclusiveness programs in the workplace.
Here are some of the top IT companies in Canada:
Snapcommerce
Google
Microsoft
Intuit
Infosys
Apple
Sage
SAP
Salesforce
Ericsson
Computan
Cisco
Intel
Oracle.
How to Become an IT Professional in Canada
If you are a new immigrant to Canada and have an interest in working in IT, these are important steps to follow:
Choose an area of interest: What type of IT job would you like to pursue? Do you have an interest in web development, coding, database management, or software development?
Get an undergraduate degree/diploma: Choose a college or university program to help you get the educational background you need for your chosen IT career.
Complete post-graduate education: Some professions will require you to complete a post-graduate diploma. Complete this if required.
Get certified: Complete any certification courses and complete all requirements. This may be ongoing. You can add additional certifications as you progress in your career.
Search for IT jobs: Start your search for your first job in IT.
How to Find Your First Canadian IT Job
Searching for an IT job in Canada is unique based on your chosen career. The job market in Canada is competitive for IT careers.
Job Search Techniques for IT Professionals
You may need some help, especially since finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country. Fortunately, there are many settlement services to help you search for jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for job interviews. Click here to find immigrant services in your area.
There are many that you can search for IT jobs in Canada:
Broaden your search and include other geographical areas, alternative careers, and companies outside the sector, as a lot of them have IT departments or positions.
Join job-finding or networking groups in the IT sector through settlement agencies.
Attend career/job fairs, info sessions, and conferences related to the IT sector.
Do volunteer work to gain Canadian work experience.
Seek an IT mentor who could give you valuable advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Resume Writing Tips for IT Jobs in Canada
It’s best to write your resume with prospective employers and hiring managers in mind. Your resume should show that you can participate in project planning activities with your team and as a group and be able to peer review your team members to help each other reach the end goal.
Suppose you are a Software Developer, for example. In that case, your resume should show your ability to contribute to the design, development, and release of software updates to a product that’s used by thousands of customers.
Resume Tips:
Have a portfolio and include samples of your work.
Highlight your technical skills and your teamwork, leadership, communications, and business experience.
List specific skills such as database design, Linux, software development, HTML, JavaScript, technical support, etc.
Ask someone to review your resume and provide feedback.
Below are some examples of common phrases that your resume should include:
Develop and analyze technical designs and requirements to meet functional specifications.
Review programming code to ensure development standards are compatible with the software.
Adapt to changing technology by learning and applying new methods to achieve organizational goals.
Provide technical support to ensure the stability of networks and applications; diligently respond to user issues.
Interview Techniquesfor IT Jobsin Canada
IT professionals work in dozens of fields. Therefore, how you prepare for an IT job interview will depend on what type of position you are pursuing.
One way you can separate yourself from the pack is by creating a work portfolio. It expresses what you may not be able to put into words. In addition to taking your portfolio to the interview, you can send a link to the interviewer ahead of time. This way, they can review the portfolio and you can discuss it during the interview.
Informational Interviews Can Help You Learn More About IT Job Requirements in Canada
An informational interview is a helpful way to learn more about the IT industry or a specific employer in Canada.
Reach out to people you might know who work in IT companies or other organizations that you’re interested in working for. Ask them if they will be willing to connect you with someone in the company who works in your related field of expertise. Contact the individual and ask to meet with them at their convenience.
Connecting with people will expand your professional network, give you an insight into their company and help you understand IT job requirements in Canada.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether a particular position or employer fits your skills, experience, and interests.
An information interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. In addition to gaining information about the IT industry, you’ll also benefit from learning about their first-hand work experience.
Networking
Networking is a key activity that can help you to find job leads, and gain insights into specific companies and the IT industry. Often, many job vacancies are not advertised, so, connecting with other IT professionals is a great way to discover jobs in what’s known as the “hidden job market”.
Ideal places to network include conferences, association events, and social mixers where you can meet people, build relationships, and share information.
LinkedIn is another important tool for networking and it’s a great way to reconnect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies and jobs, and get helpful introductions to others in the field. Also, you can join related IT groups and engage in group discussions.
Note that it’s not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any job leads, they’ll likely share that information with you. Your network can be a great source to learn about IT jobs in Canada.
Remember, that you must allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Be patient because these relationships take time.
With a positive outlook for IT jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options.
Accounting jobs are a popular career choice that employs more than 200,000 people in Canada. Prepare yourself to continue your accounting career in Canada with this helpful overview of job requirements, salaries, and job search techniques. Accountants play an essential role in helping organizations manage the financial function of their business. Currently, many companies need professionals to fill accounting jobs. So, there is a great opportunity for newcomers and internationally trained professionals.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an Accountant
Accounting is a professional career that requires certification. Accounting job requirements in Canada for chartered professional accountants (CPA), and chartered accountants (CA) require a university degree. Also, you must complete a professional training program approved by a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants. Some provinces will also require either two years or 30 months of on-the-job training and membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon completing the Uniform Evaluation Exam.
If you plan to continue your career in Canada, getting organized before you arrive is important. If you plan to offer public accounting services, such as auditing the financial statements of corporations, each province and territory has different licensing requirements. Inquire about this when you contact the regulatory body in the province where you plan to settle.
Things To Do Before You Move to Canada to Continue Your Accounting Career
There are steps that you can take before you move to Canada to improve your chances of continuing your accounting career when you arrive in Canada:
Attend the Working in Canada webinar to learn about the labour market.
Contact the provincial or territorial accounting regulatory body in the province where you intend to settle. They can provide details about the accountant licensing process and job requirements.
Check with the regulatory body about other documents you need to bring and verify if the documents need to be translated. You may need to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country.
Research information about accounting salaries and benefits.
Improve your language skills in English or French and enroll in language classes while you are in your home country.
What to Expect When Pursuing an Accounting Career in Canada
Understanding accounting job requirements can help you find work faster when you arrive in Canada. Newcomers to Canada often discover that they struggle to find work in their chosen profession after they arrive. This is also true for accountants who will have to get accounting qualifications recognized and gain Canadian work experience.
Financial auditors and accountants belong to a regulated profession in Canada. And each province and territory regulate the profession. In Canada, the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is a highly sought business and accounting designation.
Working in Canada | How To Get Your First Job In Canada
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Job prospects for accountants can vary in Canada. Therefore, it’s vital to research provincial and local job prospects and labour markets carefully. This will allow you to match your skills and experience with the accounting job requirements across Canada. This knowledge may even inform the city that you choose to settle in Canada.
Based on the prospects from the Government of Canada Job Bank, the market for accounting jobs is relatively balanced. But there are still a lot of opportunities for newcomers looking to start accounting careers. Projections are good in all provinces and territories across the country. Plus, accounting salaries in Canada are excellent.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Accounting Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for financial auditors and accountants is NOC 11100. The NOC provides a standard definition of accounting jobs in Canada and is used by various groups, including job seekers. Before searching for an accounting job, it’s helpful to read the NOC description to ensure that you perform similar job duties in your home country. You can also find example job titles that accountants use in Canada. This will be helpful when you begin your job search.
Use the NOC to research job requirements and accounting titles in Canada.
Requirements to Continue Your Accounting Career in Canada
The process to become an accredited accountant in Canada depends on your status.
Are you a professional accountant in your home country?
Are you a new graduate from an international accounting school?
Do you have foreign accounting work experience?
Are you licensed in another country?
Your current status will determine your next steps. These steps could involve credential recognition, upgrading your skills, completing a bridging program, or pursuing further accounting education.
Credential Recognition to Meet Accounting Job Requirements in Canada
Provincial and territorial accounting associations provide information about the steps you must take to practice accounting in Canada. However, in most cases, they cannot assess your credentials before you arrive in Canada. For this purpose, you need to contact the national association that governs your branch of the accounting profession. Either they offer the assessment services or they can recommend evaluation services.
Credential Assessment Services
If you are applying to a Canadian university, you may need your academic credentials assessed. And in some cases, an employer may request your academic assessment. You can contact one of the following agencies for assistance:
To find more organizations and agencies that provide credential evaluation, assessment, and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Accounting Job Requirements
To become a licensed accountant, you will have to complete an accredited program of study, supervised work experience, and a professional ethics exam. Skills upgrading courses and bridging programs can help you to obtain your license.
Employers in Canada require accountants to have advanced math and finance skills. You are also expected to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, business and report writing skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also be expected to be familiar with accounting software programs and applications.
You may also need training or skills upgrading to enhance your “soft skills”. Soft skills can help you to get a job and successfully achieve your career goals. For example, in Canada, effective communication skills are essential and are as important as hard skills. And, if you are applying for a management position, soft skills are even more valuable than technical skills. Having strong soft skills can also help you increase your accounting salary.
Language Training for Accounting Careers in Canada
Even though accountants work with numbers, communication is a vital part of working in accounting careers. Improving your verbal and written language skills can help. You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes at school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses that teach professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training andoccupation-specific language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Accounting Careers in Canada
Bridging programs help internationally educated and trained accountants develop the professional competencies required to work in Canada. Here are some of the schools and organizations offering bridging programs:
Canada offers accounting programs at the college, university, and post-graduate levels.
More than 100 post-secondary institutions offer college, university, and post-graduate accounting programs. You can choose programs that specialize in specific types of accounting. Some of the top 10 accounting schools in Canada:
WORLD RANKING
UNIVERSITY (CITY)
11
University of Toronto (Toronto)
42
University of British Columbia (Vancouver)
56
University of Alberta (Edmonton)
76
University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
82
McGill University (Montreal)
98
McMaster University (Hamilton)
99
Western University (London)
104
York University (Toronto)
105
Queen’s University (Kingston)
106
University of Calgary (Calgary)
Best Universities for Accounting in Canada: Source: EduRank, 2024
Accounting Associations in Canada
Canadian accounting associations can provide information about certification, professional development, education, and accounting job requirements.
AFCA is a non-profit organization based in Toronto. AFCA is affiliated with the National Council of Philippine-American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA), an umbrella organization of Filipino accounting associations from 10 major cities in North America. Membership includes designated accountants and students with various accounting bodies in Canada, the United States and the Philippines who work in various accounting capacities.
CCPAA-ON provides a medium for its members to share views and experiences. Its members include professional accountants and students from all three of Canada’s accounting bodies (i.e. CA, CGA, and CMA). Other financial professionals who have joined CCPAA include actuaries, bankers, and financial advisers.
ICAI – Toronto Chapter is a not-for-profit organization in Toronto, Canada for the Alumni (i.e. Associate and Fellow members) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The primary objective of the Toronto Chapter is to provide networking and professional development opportunities to its members.
SAAC works to enhance the knowledge of its members and provide professional development activities, job opportunities, as well as social interaction for members.
How Much Do Accountants Make in Canada?
The average accounting salary in Canada is $38.46 per hour, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. How much you make per hour ranges from $19.95/hour in Nova Scotia to $90.98/hour in Northwest Territories.
The highest average accounting salary per hour is in Northwest Territories ($90.98/hour). Alberta follows at $44.18/hour, and Saskatchewan at $40.87/hour.
When you what to expect to earn as an accountant in Canada, you can assess a fair market rate for your skills and experience.
Accounting Salary in Canada
In Canada, the average salary for accounting jobs can vary based on factors such as your specific role and the city you reside. However, salaries can be quite high and many positions have opportunities for advancement over time.
As well, accountants are in demand across Canada and this will also influence salaries. For immigrants to Canada, this can be a benefit as companies will look to recruit new employees from around the world.
Below is accounting salary information by province.
To understand what you can expect to earn, it’s important to research all of these factors. Your research will give you a better understanding of the salary ranges. This information will also be helpful when you apply for jobs in Canada and negotiate your salary.
Additional Compensation for Accounting Jobs in Canada
In addition to a yearly salary, you can expect to receive a benefits package from your employer. Most employers offer accountants a generous benefits package as part of a total compensation package.
These benefits may include things such as:
Dental insurance
Supplemental medical insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Pension plan for your retirement
Bonus pay
Stock options
And other incentives.
With these additional benefits, an average salary for accounting jobs in Canada is very rewarding.
Best Cities to Work in Canada Based on Accounting Salary & Lifestyle
Since every business needs accountants, most Canadian cities offer employment opportunities in the accounting sector. However, large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have a higher concentration of financial companies. So, there will be more accounting career opportunities in these areas. Larger cities also typically have a higher average accounting salary than smaller cities.
Pursuing an Accounting Career in Canada
In Canada, accountants can work in different types of organizations and perform many functions. Accountants can work in:
Accounting firms
Banks
Financial institutions
Government
Education institutions
Hospitals
Tax preparation companies
Law offices
Private businesses.
Some of the main functions include:
Creating financial statements
Taxation
Manage banking
Bookkeeping
Invoicing
Accounts payable and receivable
Financial audits
Consulting
Payroll.
Major Employers for Accounting Jobs in Canada
There are more than 28,000 businesses offering accounting services in Canada. Some of the top accounting employers in Canada include:
Deloitte LLP
KPMG LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Ernst & Young
MNP LLP
BDO Canada LLP
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. The award recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity and inclusion programs.
How to Find Your First Accounting Job in Canada
To continue your accounting career in Canada, your first step is to ensure you get credential recognitions for your international education and experience.
The next step is to look for an accounting job in Canada. However, looking for an accounting job in Canada may differ from your home country, but these tips can help you with your job search.
Job Search Techniques for AccountingJobs
The Canadian job market is very competitive, so prepare and understand the steps to follow to gain employment. As well, finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country.
Here are a few helpful ways that you can search for accounting jobs:
Connect with settlement agencies to learn about job-finding or networking clubs for accounting professionals.
Attend accounting-related career fairs and information sessions and regularly check online job boards.
Seek out a mentor in the accounting sector who can give you valuable advice and probably introduce you to their professional network.
Have a strong and active presence on social media channels such as LinkedIn.
Join accounting groups on LinkedIn where you can contribute content, ask questions, build connections, and also learn about the profession in Canada.
Settlement Agencies
Finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country and you may need to find jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Most settlement agencies provide free employment services to help with your job search.
Writing Your Accounting Resume
A strong resume can help you to stand out among other job applicants. These tips can help you to highlight your specific traits and abilities clearly and concisely. Importantly, you want to describe your career accomplishments and the results that you achieved.
Include an Objective statement below your contact information. This statement clearly outlines your professional objectives, career goals, and specific areas of interest in the accounting field.
Include a summary of your qualifications below your objective using three to five bullet points.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order.
Identify your achievements instead of listing job responsibilities. Employers want to hear about your achievements, and listing tasks will not make you stand out from other job seekers.
Include titles that pertain to the accounting industry and show your tax, management, and leadership competencies.
List your professional experience at the top of your resume if you have extensive experience.
List your education in reverse chronological order and include the school(s) you attended, your location, graduation date, and any professional qualifications you hold.
Ask someone such as an employment counsellor or job developer to review your resume before you begin to apply for jobs.
Informational InterviewsCan Help You Learn about Accounting Job Requirements in Canada
An information interview is a great way to learn about accounting job requirements in Canada. Typically, this is a 20 – 30 minute meeting you schedule with an accountant to learn more about the profession in Canada.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether or not a particular position or industry might be a good fit for you, An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. For example, in addition to gathering industry information, you also benefit from hearing about your contact’s first-hand experience within the accounting profession and industry.
Networking for an Accounting Career
Attending conferences is a good way to build your knowledge and professional network to pursue your career in Canada.
Networking is a key activity that can help you discover job leads, gather advice and information about a particular company or industry, and meet others so that you can expand your network.
Good places to network, build relationships, and share information include conferences, associations, and education events.
LinkedIn is another important networking tool. It is great to connect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies, and learn about accounting job requirements in Canada.
You can also build your network with people in the accounting sector and join related professional groups.
Interview Techniques for Accounting Jobs
Most interviews for accounting positions will follow a standard structure including: Introduction, Setting the Scene, Exploration, Selling, and Closure. Naturally, questions will vary depending on the employer, the job level, your experience, and the company’s recruitment practice. However, here are some key areas that interviewers will assess:
In Canada, behavioural-based interviews are quite common. The interviewer(s) will ask questions to explore your actions or behaviours from past activities to discover how you would perform in the job that you are interviewing for. Your response to these questions should clearly demonstrate the situation or task, the actions you took, and the final result.
Training and Qualificationsto Meet Accounting Job Requirements
Expect questions that explore your accounting training, plans to become a chartered professional accountant, qualifications, and understanding of the accounting practice in Canada.
Core Competencies
This relates to key skills for accounting job requirements such as analytical skills, communication skills, and the ability to work to tight deadlines and deliver quality and accurate output.
Personality and Motivation
These questions tend to explore how you plan to develop your finance skills and your overall career goals.
If you are applying for more senior Finance positions, expect questions that explore your ability to coach and lead an accounting team, and your ability to build relationships and generate income streams.
Sample Interview Questions
When preparing for your interview, here are some sample questions you can expect to answer for accounting jobs including Analysts and Auditors, Management, Financial and Project Accountants, etc.
‘What accounting software do you regularly use and what are the advantages and disadvantages?’
‘Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome?’
‘Give me an example of the different approaches you have used when persuading your team, colleagues, or manager to agree with your views.’
‘Talk me through an example of how you have used data to improve your team’s productivity.’
In addition to preparing for questions you might be asked during interviews, you should also prepare questions you would like to ask. Researching the company will help you to learn about the company, showcase your interest, and help to craft intelligent questions.
Asking Smart Questions During Your Interview
The interview is a good opportunity to discover how you can progress within the company, like moving from senior associate to managing director. Asking about career paths shows that you are forward-thinking, focused on your career, and able to grow and develop within the firm.
Be sure to ask thoughtful questions and avoid questions where the answer can be found on the company’s website. For example, you may want to inquire about a recent regulatory change and how the organization expects to respond.
Corporate culture is prized at many of the top accounting firms. The interview is a great opportunity to learn about the organizational culture. What is the best way to get a true sense of the company culture? Ask your interviewer why they work there and what keeps them there. Their answer will reveal what you can expect to experience if you join the company.
With a positive outlook for accounting jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Are you interested in continuing your software developer career in Canada? The IT industry in Canada is robust and expanding. With its reputation as a technology leader, Canada stands out as one of the best countries globally for building a software developer career. Software developers are a high-demand occupation in Canada. In May 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) included this STEM occupation in Canada’s first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s Express Entry system. There are many jobs available, and software developer salaries are attractive. This helpful overview provides information to help you research the profession, understand software developer job requirements, explore salaries in Canada, and more!
Typically, most software development positions in Canada require a university degree or college diploma, coupled with relevant work experience in a specialized field. While most software jobs are not regulated in Canada, many employers do require professional IT and software certifications, depending on the specific job requirements.
One of the great aspects of working in software development is the openness of Canadian employers to hire immigrants and newcomers. To ensure your eligibility, it is crucial to follow the appropriate steps.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Software Developer
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Software Developer Career
The steps to secure a software developer job in Canada vary depending on your chosen career path. So, it’s vital to research the specific requirements for the job you aspire to. For instance, if your goal is to work as an app developer, you should research job requirements for software app developers in Canada.
To enhance your chances of finding a software developer job in Canada, there are general steps you can take even before your arrival:
Improve your English or French language skills (depending on your destination province). You will need to prove your language competency or be tested.
Take language classes while you’re in your home country and continue them when you arrive in Canada.
Understand how to practice your job in Canada and become familiar with the laws and legislation that govern it in the province where you will settle.
Know the name of your job in Canada and learn about the specific software developer job requirements in Canada.
Look into certification requirements and skill development options if you need to upgrade.
Research software developer salaries and compensation information.
Research Canadian companies and join software development groups on LinkedIn to learn about the industry in Canada.
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What to Expect When Pursuing a Software Developer Career in Canada
In Canada, there are many software developer career paths with distinct qualification requirements. So, it’s important to understand how your international qualifications meet Canadian standards. Additionally, gaining insights into the Canadian labour market and workplace culture is important. Understanding the job market and employment outlook will help you to set realistic job search expectations.
Employment Outlook for Software Developer Jobs in Canada
Over 200,000 people work in software development in Canada. Even so, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank, they forecast a labour shortage from 2022-2031. This means there will be job opportunities for newcomers with skills, experience, and qualifications.
Start Your Research with the Software Developer NOC Code
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) provides a general overview and standard definition of software developer careers in Canada. The five-digit NOC code 21232 applies to:
Software developers
Software programmers
Software development project managers
Application programmers
E-business software developers
Multimedia developers
Interactive media developers
Computer game developers
You can review this information to understand the main duties and employment requirements.
Use the NOC 21232 to research software developer job requirements in Canada.
Requirements to Become a Software Developer in Canada
To work as a software developer in Canada, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, app development, computer systems engineering, or software engineering. Alternatively, completion of a college program in computer science may also be accepted. In some cases, employers may require candidates to hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field. However, if you plan to work as a software engineer, you must be a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) and obtain a license to practice from a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers. Software engineers belong to a regulated profession in Canada.
Credential Recognition to Meet Software Developer Job Requirements in Canada
Several agencies in Canada assess international education credentials to help newcomers access education and employment opportunities. In Canada, software developers belong to a non-regulated profession. However, some employers may require specific IT certifications to be eligible for software developer jobs.
If you want to apply to a college or university to upgrade your skills, you may need an education evaluation. But, before you pay for an education evaluation, contact the school that you’re applying to and find out what steps to follow and what credential assessment agency to use. Some schools request that you use a specific agency. So taking this step can save you time and money.
It’s vital to emphasize your international education and skills for an education evaluation. Expand upon your existing knowledge and abilities and thoroughly explore university and college options before deciding if further education is necessary. Leverage your international credentials and experience to seek credit or course exemptions. You may have the opportunity to gain advanced standing, transfer certain credits, and benefit from prior learning assessment options. These avenues will enable you to complete your program faster and avoid expenses for education you have already completed.
Credential Assessment Services
Some of the assessment credential services in Canada include:
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Software Developer Job Requirements
You may need to upgrade your skills, especially your soft skills, to meet software developer job requirements in Canada.
Canadian employers look for friendly and assertive professionals with strong communication skills. They also look for people who will fit into their workplace culture and will become leaders over time. In the IT field, they expect employees to have a strong understanding of the business in addition to the technical aspects of the job. They encourage employees to upgrade their existing skills and acquire new skills.
Language Training for Software Developers in Canada
Strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French, are important for career success. Whether you focus on improving English or French depends on which of the two languages is mostly spoken in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Or you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.
Bridging Programs for Software Developer Careers in Canada
Bridging programs help people with international software development education and experience meet Canadian industry qualifications. Here are some newcomer bridging programs to explore:
Continuing your education is a great way to progress in your career in Canada. And, many Canadian colleges and universities offer software development programs. These schools offer software development programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels:
Professional associations can be a valuable resource to help you advance your software developer career. The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities; and
provide opportunities for their members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.
These networks offer mentoring, information sessions, professional development, workshops, speaker events, and connections to jobs. Here are a few examples:
Hispanotech.ca: They bring together Hispanics in Canada’s technology markets, help them enter the workforce, and recognize their contributions to the technology field.
How Much Do Software Developers Make in Canada?
Software developer salaries can vary significantly based on your level of experience, job title, and location. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the median hourly software developer salary is $40.38. The median software developer salaries can range from $23.60 to $58.97 per hour.
Software Developer Salary in Canada
Alberta has the highest earning potential. Your hourly software developer salary could be up to $64.90 per hour. British Columbia and Ontario also have hourly software developer salaries can reach $60 or more. Here are the most recent software developer salary numbers in Canada (as of November 2022):
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Software Developer Based on Salary & Lifestyle
Like other IT careers, you can find software developer jobs in most Canadian cities, however, the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa offer the highest concentration of jobs. One potential advantage of working in software development is the opportunity to work remotely.
Other cities to consider for software developer jobs include, Markham, Kitchener-Waterloo, Montreal, and Vancouver. Montreal is the heart of the gaming industry in Canada and Vancouver has many companies in the commercial/entertainment development sector. Markham is the second-largest tech cluster in Canada.
Pursuing a Software Developer Career in Canada
To continue your software developer career in Canada, there are many avenues to explore, provided you possess the academic credentials, work experience, and a clear plan to work in your desired location.
Some of the top software development companies in Canada include:
Altus Group
Shopify
OpenText Corporation
CGI Inc.
Descartes Systems Group Inc.
Constellation Software Inc.
Hootsuite
Prodigy.
You can also learn about Canadian companies by visiting Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website. These employers have been recognized for diversity, inclusion, and equity programs in the workplace.
How to Find Your First Software Developer Job in Canada
How you search for a software developer job will change based on your chosen career path. The job market in Canada is competitive for software developer careers. Here are tips to help you find your first job in Canada.
Job Search Techniques for Software Developers
You may need help with your job search, especially since finding a job in Canada may differ from your home country. Fortunately, there are settlement services to help you search for jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for job interviews.
There are many ways to search for software developer jobs in Canada:
Broaden your search and include cities across Canada, alternative careers, and companies outside the sector, as most will have IT departments.
Join job-finding or networking groups in the software development sector through settlement agencies.
Attend career/job fairs, info sessions, and related conferences.
Browse online job boards to understand job requirements and current skills that employers are seeking.
Volunteer to gain Canadian work experience.
Find a mentor who can give you valuable advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Networking plays a crucial role in finding jobs and gaining insights into companies and the IT industry in Canada. Often, many companies do not advertise job vacancies, so networking is an effective way to tap into this ‘hidden job market.’ Connecting with fellow software developers can help you discover jobs in the hidden job market.
Conferences, association events, and social mixers are great venues to network and meet other professionals, build relationships, and exchange information.
LinkedIn is another valuable networking tool to connect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies and job openings, and meet other professionals in the field. Joining relevant software development groups and participating in group discussions can further expand your network.
When networking, it’s better to avoid directly asking for a job. However, if your contacts know of any job leads, they will likely tell you. Your network can serve as a valuable resource to learn about software development jobs in Canada.
Informational Interviews Can Help You Learn About Software Developer Job Requirements
Initiate contact with people who work in software companies and organizations that align with your career interests. Politely inquire if they would be open to connecting you with someone in the company who works in your field of expertise. Once connected, reach out to that individual, and request to meet with them at their convenience.
By meeting with others in the industry, you’ll expand your professional network, gain valuable insights into their company, and develop your understanding of software job requirements in Canada. It’s important to note that the purpose of an informational interview is not to secure a job, but rather to assess whether a specific position or employer aligns with your skills, experience, and interests.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can serve as a valuable source of career information. In addition to gaining insights about the software development industry, you will also benefit from their firsthand work experiences and guidance for your career path.
Resume Writing Tips
When crafting your resume, it’s helpful to keep the needs of hiring managers in mind. Your resume should demonstrate your ability to participate in project planning activities, collaborate effectively within a team, and engage in peer reviews to achieve common goals.
Additionally, emphasize your ability to design, develop, and release software updates for products. Consider these resume writing tips to showcase your qualifications and stand out as a strong candidate:
Highlight both your technical skills and soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
List relevant skills such as database design, Linux, software development, HTML, JavaScript, and technical support.
Ask someone to review your resume and provide constructive input.
Here are some examples of phrases that you might include in your resume:
Develop and analyze technical designs and requirements to fulfill functional specifications.
Review programming code to ensure adherence to software development standards.
Adapt to evolving technologies by acquiring and applying new methodologies to achieve organizational objectives.
Provide technical support to maintain network and application stability, and promptly address user issues.
Interview Techniques for Software Developer Jobs in Canada
Software developers have diverse roles and can work in many fields, which means that preparing for a software development job interview will depend on the specific position you are seeking.
When applying for software developer positions, employers expect candidates to have relevant experience and demonstrate their software development skills. This may involve presenting a portfolio of your work as part of the application process. This is a good strategy to set yourself apart from other candidates and tangibly showcase your skills and accomplishments.
In addition to bringing your portfolio to the interview, you can provide the interviewer with a link to your portfolio beforehand. The interviewer can review your work and learn more about your capabilities. During the interview, you can discuss your portfolio projects and achievements, and highlight your expertise and suitability for the position. Highlighting your practical and technical experience can enhance your chances of securing a job offer.
Sales and marketing careers are a popular choice in Canada. It’s an ever-evolving field that offers new opportunities and career paths for newcomers. Plus, with experience, you can expect a strong sales and marketing salary. Sales and marketing job requirements usually include a university degree or college diploma in business administration or a related field. You also require specialization in sales or marketing and experience as a sales, marketing, or public relations representative.
Sales and marketing is a non-regulated profession, so you don’t need a license for this occupation. Learn more about job requirements, job search and interview techniques, professional associations, and more to help you continue your sales and marketing career. Prepare yourself with this helpful overview!
How to Immigrate to Canada to Work in Sales and Marketing
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Sales and Marketing Career
Sales and marketing jobs can mean many things. There is a range of sales and marketing careers you could pursue. So, it’s important to know the path you want to take. To help you achieve professional success, it’s important to understand the Canadian labour market before you arrive. Here are some steps that you can take before you arrive:
Research and plan your move to Canada at least three months before your arrival. You might even get a job before you arrive if you plan well.
Contact professional associations in Canada such as the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) and the Canadian Internet Marketing Association. The CMA is the only marketing association in Canada that embraces Canada’s major business sectors and all marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies.
Improve your English or French (depending on your destination province); you may be required to prove your language competency. Even if you speak fluent English or French, it’s helpful to improve your language skills.
Enroll in language classes while you are in your home country and continue them after you move to Canada.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country. You may need these papers for employment purposes, or if you are planning to pursue further education in Canada.
Know other titles for your sales and marketing job in Canada to help you with your job search.
Understand sales and marketing career certifications and specializations that can help you progress your career.
Research sales and marketing salary information to know your earning potential.
Working in Canada | How To Get Your First Job In Canada
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Sales and Marketing Career in Canada
Sales and marketing is a non-regulated profession, so you don’t need a license to work. Depending on your sales and marketing career path there are certain credentials, certifications, skills, and experience employees will expect you to possess. To help you find a job faster when you arrive in Canada, it’s vital to understand sales and marketing job requirements.
Employment Outlook for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada
Job prospects for sales and marketing positions vary in Canada. That’s why it’s vital to research provincial and local job prospects and labour markets. With this information, you can identify where your skills and experience are most in demand across Canada. And, when you identify the best job markets, you can begin to research cities.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada
To start your research, read the National Occupational Classification (NOC) descriptor for the profession. The NOC provides a standard definition of jobs in Canada and is used by various groups, including job seekers. The NOC can help you understand whether or not your skills and experience match the job requirements in Canada.
NOC Code for Marketing Jobs
The NOC code for a marketing specialist is NOC 11202. This role can include different titles such as:
Advertising consultant
Communications officer
Communications specialist
Digital marketing consultant
Event marketing specialist
Marketing consultant
Marketing coordinator
Media relations officer
Public relations consultant, and more.
NOC Code for a Sales Analyst Job
The NOC code for sales analyst jobs is NOC 41402. This includes job titles such as:
Business development officer
Industrial development officer
Market researcher
Marketing analyst
Marketing researcher, and more.
Other similar sales and marketing career paths include:
Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (NOC 10022)
The NOC can help you understand whether or not your skills and experience match the job requirements in Canada.
Requirements to Become a Sales and Marketing Professional in Canada
Requirements to work in a sales or marketing role will vary based on the job title, duties, company, and other factors. The Canadian Marketing Association has a rich resource library to find several publications, industry reports, newsletters. It’s important to stay current about what’s happening in the industry. You can also find more information about sales and marketing careers. Below we explain the steps you will need to take to work in sales and marketing in Canada.
Credential Recognition to Meet Sales and Marketing Job Requirements in Canada
Credential recognition is a process to verify and assess a person’s skills, competencies, and credentials in a fair and consistent manner. While sales and marketing are non-regulated professions in Canada, some employers do ask for your credentials evaluation. Mostly though, employers will assess your knowledge and experience and contact your professional references. So, before you spend money on a credentials evaluation, check with the companies you apply to find out if they require it.
Credential Assessment Services
Several agencies assess international credentials to help newcomers to Canada access the education and employment they need. If you are planning to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, you may require an educational assessment. However, be sure to contact the school that you plan to attend to determine what credential assessment agency to use. Some schools may have a preferred agency.
Make sure to highlight your international education and skills. In doing so, you may be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits, and gain benefits from prior learning assessment options. If you’re able to use international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions, you can complete your Canadian education program more quickly. This can save you time and money and build on your existing education.
Academic Credential Service Providers
Here are a few credential service providers you can use:
To find more academic evaluation services, click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Job Requirements
Canadian employers put a high emphasis on soft skills. These are your personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and career prospects. Unlike your hard skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.
Soft skills, such as communication and leadership are important for sales and marketing professionals. That’s why it’s important to identify your strengths or areas that may need improving. If your hard skills will get you an interview, most probably it is your soft skills that will get you the job and contribute to high performance.
Though not a must, upgrading your education and skills can be an important part of your successful sales and marketing career in Canada.
Language Training for Sales and Marketing Professionals in Canada
You may have strong sales and marketing skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially related to language skills.
Strong communication skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French, are important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminology, such as job-specific language training and in Ontario, Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT). And if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option to gain better job opportunities.
Bridging Programs
Bridging programs are a helpful way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. While there aren’t many bridging programs specifically related to sales and marketing, you can find continuing education courses that you can enroll in.
Here are a couple of examples of programs that you could use:
The program helps internationally trained sales and marketing professionals find employment in their fields in Ontario. The program includes business communications coaching, occupation-specific language training and sector-specific employment services.
The program helps IEPs transition into a position that matches their education, credentials, and experience. IEPs receive an individual, customized action plan tailored to their goals and career path.
Continuing Your Education in Canada
You may want to continue your education to advance your sales and marketing career in Canada. Most colleges and universities in Canada offer sales and marketing courses as part of business programs. You can check out business programs at some of Canada’s many colleges and universities including:
University of Toronto
York University
University of British Columbia
McMaster University
University of Alberta
Western University
University of Manitoba
Centennial College
Fanshawe College
Lambton College
Sheridan College.
Sales and Marketing Associations in Canada
The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) is the only marketing association in Canada that embraces Canada’s major business sectors and all marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies. Its programs help shape the future of marketing in Canada by building talented marketers and exceptional business leaders and by demonstrating marketing’s strategic role as a key driver of business success.
The Canadian Internet Marketing Association (CIMA) was formed by a group of Internet marketing professionals in Montreal and was officially launched in 2011. CIMA covers several web marketing avenues, including the following areas of note: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Sponsored Search, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Email Marketing, and others.
Create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities, and
Provide opportunities for members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.
Activities of networks include networking events, mentoring, information sessions, professional development opportunities such as workshops, speaker events, and training and connections to employment opportunities.
If you are settling in the Greater Toronto Area, you can also contact CAMP Networking. This is a professional immigrant association for new and established immigrants with a background in communications, advertising, or marketing. This group meets regularly to share knowledge and experience. Being part of a similar group can give you valuable leads and connect you to successful members and employers.
CAMP (Communications, Advertising and Marketing Professionals) organizes monthly meetings and events where members build on the intellectual and social capital that can help them get ahead in Canada. CAMP provides a forum for members to network, explore career leads, share experiences, get tips from industry leaders, volunteer their skills and time and make a difference in a cause they support.
How Much Do Sales and Marketing Professionals Make in Canada?
The average sales and marketing salary can depend on many things. Your job title, industry, experience, credentials, and location all matter. Sales and marketing salaries can be anywhere from $15 per hour to over $70 per hour. The province with the lowest starting sales and marketing salary is Prince Edward Island at $15 per hour. The highest is Ontario at $72.12 per hour. The median sales and marketing salary typically is in the range of $30-$40 per hour in Canada.
Sales and Marketing Salary in Canada
Here are the most recent (2022) sales and marketing salary figures by province. You can also explore salary figures by local region within the province where data is available.
Average Sales Analyst Salary by Province: Source Government of Canada Job Bank, 2022.
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Sales and Marketing Professional Based on Salary & Lifestyle
You can find sales and marketing jobs in provinces and cities across Canada. However, you may want to broaden your search to small- and medium-sized cities. Cities that are located within a reasonable commute of larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary may offer more affordable housing and a more relaxed lifestyle. It really depends on what’s important to you and your family when choosing a city. For example, cities such as Hamilton, or Markham are within an hour’s driving distance of Toronto and may offer more affordable housing options and less competition when searching for jobs.
Major Employers for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada
The largest employers for sales and marketing professionals are the telecom companies, such as Rogers, TELUS, and Bell. Banks such as Scotiabank, HSBC, RBC, CIBC, and TD, which all have their own marketing departments are other employers to check out. As a result of the changing media landscape, sales and marketing roles are less traditional and are more digital and data-driven. Remember, the type of employer you work for will have an impact on your career path and sales and marketing salary potential.
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. This special designation recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity and inclusion.
How to Find Your First Sales and Marketing Job in Canada
The Canadian job market is competitive and finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country. There are many ways to search for jobs in the sales and marketing sectors. These tips can help you to gain a competitive advantage:
Join sales and marketing job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
Attend sales and marketing career fairs and regularly check online job boards.
Seek a mentor in the sales and marketing field who would give you valuable insights and introduce you to their professional network. You can also gain insights into sales and marketing salary, job duty, and career path expectations.
Have a strong and active presence on social media channels like LinkedIn and Twitter.
Join sales and marketing LinkedIn groups, where you can contribute content, ask questions, and connect with other professionals in Canada.
Create a portfolio of your projects, documents, reference letters, testimonials, and recommendations. If you have won awards, make sure that you show them off. It might not be accepted in your home country, but in Canada, you need to speak about your awards and achievements.
Take Advantage of Free ImmigrantSettlement Services
Many settlement agencies offer free services to help you with your Canadian job search. These services can help you find jobs, update your resume, write a Canadian-style resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews. Many of these services offer both pre- and post-arrival services, so you can get started even before you arrive in Canada. Find immigrant services in your area.
Build Connections through Effective Networking
Networking is an important activity that can help you discover job leads, gain information, and meet others to expand your connections. In Canada, many job vacancies are not advertised, and can be found in the “hidden job market”. Your connections can help you discover these roles. Jobs in the hidden job market can often be easier to obtain because there are fewer applicants and less competition.
Good places to network include conferences, associations, and educational events to meet people, build relationships, and share information.
Conferences and association events are ideal places to network with other professionals.
LinkedIn is another important professional tool for networking. It is great to connect with former colleagues and employers, gather information about companies, search for jobs, and get introductions to other professionals in your field. You can also mingle with people in the sales and marketing sector and join some related professional groups such as CAMP Networking and Multicultural Marketing Society of Canada.
Conduct Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a brief meeting no longer than 30 minutes. Ideally, you schedule the meeting with someone who currently works in sales and marketing so that you can learn more about the profession in Canada.
Your goal should be to learn more about the environment, a position, or an industry. Avoid trying to get a job during an informational interview. By conducting an informational interview with a contact from your network you gain solid information about career options, industries, or companies. Your contacts can also share their first-hand experience and impressions that can help you make vital career decisions.
Write Your Resume to Show How You Meet Sales and Marketing Job Requirements
Your sales resume must show your talent for making new contacts, closing orders, and generating referral business through effective account management.
If you are a Sales Executive, for example, your resume should include both account management and new business development. Show how you exceeded goals, as well as established, conveyed, and implemented vision. Use your resume to demonstrate your experience launching new products and creating name recognition in a highly competitive marketplace.
Here are example phrases to consider:
Researched previous customer advertising and identified viable customers to meet the $100,000 quarterly sales quota.
Provided leadership and training to newly hired account executives and facilitated creative sales strategies.
Developed and managed new international accounts in Korea, China, India, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific regions.
Developed a loyal customer base and increased sales volume by 20% through personal attention to customer service.
Your marketing resume should show that you are a focused individual who is known for excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and establish competitive strategies to achieve success. For example, if you work in sports marketing, your resume should show that you can surpass competitors, aggressively increase market share, and drive profit margins to higher levels.
Here are some examples of phrases to consider:
Managed digital advertising campaigns, including concept development, and implementation.
Designed and managed marketing programs including promotional strategies, brand integrity, and marketing collateral.
Oversaw all aspects of marketing, including product management, segment and strategic marketing, roadmaps, product definition, R&D, partnerships, M&A valuation, business plans, profitability, and growth.
Prepare for the Sales and Marketing Interview
Sales Job Interview Tips
Sales interviews are not interviews, but rather sales calls. Therefore, the first rule of interviewing for sales jobs is that you “don’t go to interview. You “go to sell” yourself.
The best way to prepare for a sales job interview is to practice responses to possible questions that an interviewer may ask you. Here are some questions that you could expect to answer:
What do you consider the most important skills in sales?
Is there any aspect of the sales process that you are uncomfortable with?
Is there anyone you struggle to sell to?
What are some examples of your sales experience?
Describe the most difficult sales call you have made and how you prepared.
Describe what your sales cycle was like in your last job
Describe a time that you had to change your sales approach.
How do you handle the negotiation phase?
When do you decide that it is time to let a potential client go?
How do you handle rejection?
As sales is a specific career field, the above sample questions represent only a small portion of possible questions you may face. Research the company’s products, target market, and sales strategy so that you can come up with more questions and practice answering them.
Marketing Job Interview Tips
Naturally, marketing job interviews have a lot of marketing-specific questions. When you are called for a job interview, you are going to be tested for your marketing spirit, in addition to your knowledge, your vision, and your ability to make decisions in the field.
Here are some common questions that you can expect during a marketing job interview:
How do you generate your marketing plans?
What measures do you use to assess if your marketing plan is working?
How and when do you evaluate your marketing campaigns?
Describe a marketing strategy that failed.
Describe your most successful marketing campaign.
How would you market our products if you were put on a severely limited budget?
These are only a sample of possible marketing job interview questions. There are thousands of other possible questions based on the type of company, its products and services, and its marketing budget. Use the information that you gathered during your research about the company to prepare questions that you would like to learn more about. Ensure that your questions go beyond basic information anyone could find on the company’s website. This will show your genuine interest and knowledge of the company.
With a positive outlook for sales and marketing jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. This ever-evolving field offers new opportunities and career paths for newcomers.
Are you interested in continuing your medical laboratory technologist (MLT) career in Canada? Like many other healthcare professionals, MLTs are in high demand. Due to shortages of healthcare workers, there are great opportunities for MLTs. To help you learn more about the profession in Canada, we’ve outlined information about medical laboratory technologist job requirements, career options, job search techniques, salaries, and more!
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Medical Laboratory Technologist
Before moving to Canada, researching the job requirements for medical laboratory technologists is crucial. Careful research will help you to understand the job requirements, facilitate a smoother transition, and enable you to pursue your medical laboratory technologist career upon arrival. In fact, there are certain pre-arrival steps you can take to help your job search efforts.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Medical Laboratory Technologist Career
Taking these steps before you arrive can enhance your prospects of practicing your profession in Can:ada:
Attend the free webinar How to Find Your First Job as a Newcomer in Canada to learn about the job market.
Research the demand for MLTs at the national, provincial, and municipal levels in Canada to understand where the greatest demand exists.
Contact the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Society (CSMLS) and the provincial or territorial regulatory body in the area where you intend to settle and work to:
Learn about the licensing process, cost, and length of time to obtain a license
Identify what steps you can take before and after you move to Canada
Determine what documents you need to bring to Canada for employment purposes or to continue your education. Verify if the documents need to be translated.
Begin your Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) with the CSMLS. The PLA evaluates your academic credentials, practical learning, professional development, and work history to determine your equivalency to the national Canadian standards for MLTs.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents before you move to Canada.
Improve your language skills and enroll in language classes while in your home country. Continue them after you move to Canada.
Research medical laboratory technologist salary and benefits information in provinces across the country to target specific regions to live and work.
Subscribe to professional association newsletters to stay current on industry developments while still in your home country.
Understand how the MLT profession is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the procedures, laws, and legislation that govern the profession in the province where you’ll settle.
Working in Canada | How To Get Your First Job In Canada
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Medical Laboratory Technologist Career in Canada
MLTs play an essential role in today’s healthcare system. According to the CDC, 70% of medical decisions rely on laboratory test results. This explains the important role that MLTs play in the healthcare industry in Canada and why job prospects are good. However, before you move to Canada to continue your career, it’s wise to research the job requirements before you arrive.
Your research will help you to understand everything from the licensing process to the length of time and costs involved. Researching before you arrive in Canada can save you time, money, and energy. It can help you to land a job in Canada with greater ease. You’ll have a good understanding of medical laboratory technologist salaries and you can compare the expected salary to the cost of living for housing, transit, food, etc. in the city you expect to live in.
The MLT profession is regulated in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. This means that by law, you can only work as an MLT in these provinces if you have been issued a license by the provincial regulatory body. These bodies set the rules and regulations to enter the MLT profession and issue licenses to those who meet the qualifications.
MLTs are not regulated in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Territories.
Employment Outlook for Medical Laboratory Technologist Jobs in Canada
According to the Government of Canada statistics, national labour shortage conditions for MLTs are predicted until 2031. As of 2021, there are about 51,300 medical laboratory technologists who work in hospitals, public and private laboratories, university research facilities, and many other settings across Canada. Due to increased demand in the medical field, there’s expected to be a surplus of medical laboratory technologist jobs that need to be filled. It’s anticipated that there will be 25,600 jobs and only 23,800 new job seekers. This is a great opportunity for internationally trained workers and newcomers. You can make a good medical laboratory salary in a job that meets your skillset.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Medical Laboratory Technologist Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for MLTs is NOC 32120. The NOC provides a standard description of the job and is used by various groups. For job seekers, it’s helpful to read the description to ensure that the MLT NOC best matches your job duties in your home country. Here, you’ll also find example job titles that MLTs also use in Canada. This can help you when you begin your job search.
Use NOC 32120 to identify common titles for MLTs in Canada.
Requirements to Become a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Canada
The employment requirements for medical laboratory technologist jobs (MLT) in Canada include:
Completion of a 2-3 year college program in medical laboratory technology and a period of supervised practical training
Registration with the provincial regulatory body or college of medical laboratory technologists in the region of work
Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
The CSMLS is the national certifying body and professional association for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants. The CSMLS conducts exams for general medical laboratory technology, diagnostic cytology, clinical genetics, and medical laboratory assistants. Working in partnership with provincial regulatory bodies it does advocacy work, and certifies people in the profession. Its certification is accepted across Canada and is required by the provinces and territories that do not have yet an individual regulatory body.
The CSMLS certifies the following disciplines:
General Medical Laboratory Technologist
Clinical Genetics
Diagnostic Cytology and Medical Laboratory Assistant (voluntary certification).
Credential Recognition to Meet Medical Laboratory Technologist Job Requirements in Canada
To be eligible for the CSMLS MLT certification exams, you need to complete an accredited educational program or a two-step prior learning assessment to evaluate your:
The exam is offered three times a year at various locations across Canada. You do not have to be a resident of Canada to take it, but you must come to Canada to write it. After successfully completing the certification exam, contact the relevant provincial authority if you want to work in a province where the occupation is regulated.
Credentials Assessment Services
If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, contact the school that you plan to attend. Find out the steps you need to take to apply and what credential assessment agency they suggest you use. Some services that you may be able to use include:
To find other credential evaluation, assessment, and qualification recognition services click here.
Make sure you highlight your international education and skills. Many employers value global experience. As well, build your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding. Your international credentials and experience may help you to:
Gain advanced standing
Benefit from prior learning assessment options to gain credit or course exemptions.
Transfer some of your credits, and
This will allow you to complete your program quickly and it may save you money if you don’t have to repeat courses.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Medical Laboratory Technologist Job Requirements
Canadian employers place a high value on soft skills or personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and career prospects. Unlike your hard skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.
As a medical laboratory technologist in Canada, you must have expert knowledge, know how to use documents, and have good hand-to-eye coordination. Soft skills, such as critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are also important for medical laboratory technologists.
If your hard skills will get you an interview, most probably it is your soft skills that will get you the job and enable you to keep it afterward. Though not a must, upgrading your education and skills through a bridging program or other education can be an important part of your journey.
You may have strong technical skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it afterward. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially with regard to your communication skills and team dynamics.
Language Training for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Canada
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you intend to live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminology, such as job-specific language training and occupation-specific language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Medical Laboratory Technologist Careers in Canada
Bridging programs are a good way to transition your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer bridging programs or workshops. You may be eligible for one. Do some research to find a program that’s suitable for you.
In this comprehensive 16-week course participants gain simulated laboratory experience, intensive theory review, and thorough preparation to write the CSMLS certification exam. The simulated laboratory courses help MLTs obtain Canadian work experience. This course also fulfills refresher course requirements from your Prior Learning Assessment.
Medical Laboratory Technologist Schools in Canada
If you’re interested in continuing your education, Canadian universities and colleges across Canada offer medical laboratory technologist programs including:
Medical Laboratory Technologist Associations in Canada
The following associations provide information about licensing and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
Professional immigrant networks are volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals that seek to:
Create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities
Help members find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.
Some of the activities that you can participate in include networking events, mentoring, information sessions, and professional development opportunities.
How Much Do Medical Laboratory Technologists Make in Canada?
You can find out medical laboratory salaries at the Canada Job Bank site.
Medical laboratory technologist salaries can vary based on where you live in Canada. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, medical laboratory salaries can range from $22 to $47.46 per hour. The median medical laboratory salary is $36 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Canada
Here are the most recent medical laboratory technologist salary numbers in Canada (as of November 2022). Medical laboratory technologist salaries were not available for the Canadian Territories.
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Medical Laboratory Technologist Based on Salary & Lifestyle
Generally, MLT job prospects are “very good” in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan with employment growth expected to increase in the coming years.
You can find MLT jobs in provinces and cities across Canada. However, you may want to broaden your search to small- and medium-sized cities. Cities located within a reasonable commute of larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary may offer more affordable housing and a more relaxed lifestyle. It depends on what’s important to you and your family when choosing a city. For example, cities such as Hamilton, or Markham are within an hour’s driving distance of Toronto and may offer a more affordable cost of living and less competition when searching for jobs.
Before deciding where you want to settle in Canada, research and find out the regions where the demand for MLTs high and determine the average salary that you can expect to earn based on your previous work experience.
Pursuing a Medical Laboratory Technologist Career in Canada
If you’re aiming to become a medical laboratory technologist in Canada, you’ll find that the path to this profession aligns with that of many other healthcare careers. To embark on this journey, you will need to possess the appropriate academic qualifications, relevant practical experience, and a clear plan regarding your desired work location within the country. The following information provides valuable guidance to help you pursue a medical laboratory technologist career in Canada:
Major Employers for Medical Laboratory Technologist Jobs in Canada
Medical laboratory technologists find employment opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, cancer centers, research laboratories, industry, education, and administration.
Many professionals in the field of medical laboratory technology work on a full-time basis, typically following a forty-hour work week that may involve weekend shifts, evening shifts, and being on standby. However, there is also an increasing number of part-time, casual, and contract employment opportunities available for those seeking more flexible work arrangements. Many hospitals and healthcare centres post job openings on their websites. As well, you will find a member-only job board on the CSMLS website.
You can visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers to check for immigrant-friendly organizations that you might be interested in. This special designation recognizes Canada’s best employers for recent immigrants. These employers offer interesting programs to help newcomers make the transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.
How to Find Your First Medical Laboratory Technologist Job in Canada
Settlement agencies offer services for newcomers to assist you with job search activities.
The MLT occupation is on the list of the 24 eligible occupations for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The job opportunities for this occupation are positive in Canada, however, the Canadian job market is very competitive, so be prepared and understand the steps to gain employment.
As well, finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country. So, you may need help finding jobs, updating your resume, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. Fortunately, many settlement agencies offer services for newcomers to help with job searching activities.
You must look for jobs in the region where you will settle. Therefore, take your time to research job requirements in that region and develop a plan for finding work. There are many ways through which you can search for MLT jobs.
Broaden your search and include alternative careers and sectors.
Seek out a mentor in the medical laboratory sector such as someone who has retired from the profession. They could give you valuable insights and advice and probably introduce you to their professional network.
Join business-related job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
Attend industry job fairs and regularly check relevant job boards.
Some colleges or associations may maintain a job bank or suggest a commercial job site.
Use Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Most settlement agencies and other immigrant-serving organizations offer help with finding job vacancies, updating your resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and understanding what Canadian employers are looking for. To find immigrant services in your area, click here.
Leverage Your Professional Network to Continue Your MLT Career
Networking is a key activity that can help you get job leads and information about potential employers. It can also help you to meet others in your field and expand your professional network. And because many job vacancies are not advertised, you must make connections with practicing MLTs and others in your field.
Good places to network include conferences, associations, and industry get-togethers. These events are beneficial to meeting people, building relationships, and sharing information.
LinkedIn is another important professional tool for networking. It is a great resource to help you connect with former colleagues and employers, research companies, and get introduced to others in your field.
You can also join some related professional groups. But remember, that you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Nothing will happen overnight and you need to be patient.
Conduct Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a brief (20 or 30-minute) meeting with someone who is currently working as an MLT. The primary goal is to learn more about working in the profession in Canada. You should not try to get a job during an informational interview. Use the time to explore whether a particular position is a good fit for your professional skills and experience.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. In addition to gathering industry information, you also gain insights based on another professional’s first-hand experiences and impressions.
Tailor Your Resume
You will be eligible to practice your profession when you have finished the MLT certification requirements. And when you’re certified, you can apply for a medical laboratory position at a hospital, lab, private clinic or an independent diagnostic center.
Your chances of getting an interview depend on an impressive resume that stands out from other applicants. To do this, carefully read the job description and emphasize the experience that you have that the employer is seeking. This will give you a clear advantage over other applicants.
Objective
In your objective or goal statement, state what you want to attain in your chosen medical career and how the position you’re applying for relates to your field of interest.
Qualifications Summary
Detail your positive traits and other accomplishments that prove you’re a suitable candidate for the position. Use three to five bullet points to present your qualifications concisely. Include your goals and how you can contribute to organization’s success.
Education
List the colleges or universities you’ve attended, your major or specialization and the year you completed the course. Include all other training such as bridging programs you joined or on-the-job training.
Work Experience
List all your employers, from the latest or most recent employers. It’s preferable to list only the last ten years of employment. To make your medical technologist resume more presentable and easier to read, list the employer’s name first, then the position you held for that company or hospital, the dates of your employment, and highlight all your key duties and responsibilities for that position.
Certifications
List your certifications and other documents that show your qualifications and expertise. An excellent example is a certified true copy of the results of your medical technology licensure examination in Canada. Other advanced medical technology training programs or bridging certificates are also credible sources.
Finally, carefully review, proofread, and edit your resume. With a well-written resume, you have an added advantage over other applicants.
Interview Techniques for MLTs in Canada
A job interview can be daunting, but you can prepare yourself and be ready to impress your potential interviewer by thinking about the questions they will likely ask you and how you would answer them.
Here are a few questions that you might hear during a medical laboratory technologist interview:
Characteristics
What characteristics do you think medical laboratory technologists should have? The interviewer wants to ensure that you understand the job’s basic requirements and determine if you can meet them.
Teamwork
Lab work can be solitary, but you may have situations where you’ll work in a team. Are you someone who can’t be interrupted when working or can you switch gears and be part of the team? With this question, your potential employer wants to know if you have a cooperative attitude, regardless of the work style you prefer.
Education
By asking you what educational qualifications you hold, the employer wants to determine that you have the necessary skills to do the job competently and safely. If you will be working in a clinical lab you may be required in some provinces to be licensed by the provincial regulatory college.
Attention to Detail
How do you ensure you pay attention to detail when working? Your interviewer is looking for demonstrated experience in your answer. So, give an example of a previous situation that has highlighted the importance of attention to detail. This helps your interviewer to understand your previous experiences.
Dealing with Change
Few jobs are entirely static, and some lab-tech jobs are results-oriented and deadline-driven. Your interviewer in this case clearly needs to know that you are adaptable. Can you comfortably and quickly jump from one project to the next? Prepare a few examples that show your adaptability.
Types of Testing
Think about your previous job roles and study experiences. Mention the types of equipment you have used and what would you like to experience more of in the future.
Research the company to find out more about their work. Think about other questions they might ask and prepare your answers. It’s vital to show how your skills match what the employer is looking for.
With an expected shortage of medical laboratory technologists in Canada expected until 2031, this can be your chance to explore your options to continue your career in Canada.
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