For those who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system, the journey towards settling in Canada includes securing a job. The Express Entry system is a pivotal pathway for skilled workers aiming to immigrate under Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Once candidates receive an ITA, they have 60 days to submit their Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While IRCC typically processes 80% of these applications within six months, this period is a prime time for applicants to start their job search in Canada. Here are three effective strategies for doing so:
1. Online Networking
Networking is a fundamental step for professional success and is especially crucial for those relocating to Canada. It involves exchanging information and ideas with peers in a similar field, often through social settings. For immigrants, establishing a Canadian network can be efficiently managed online, leveraging platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. These platforms allow future immigrants to connect with industry professionals and stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities.
For newcomers, the thought of building a new professional network might seem daunting, but various online resources are available to guide them through the process of building and maintaining such connections.
2. Government of Canada Job Bank
The Government of Canada Job Bank is an invaluable resource for job seekers, offering over 150,000 job postings across the country. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada, this tool is designed for Canadians and permanent residents to find work and plan their careers. Jobs can be filtered by position name, location, and type (such as remote or part-time), allowing ITA recipients to tailor their search to their needs.
It’s important to note that while the Job Bank is primarily aimed at permanent job seekers, there are separate resources for temporary foreign workers.
3. LinkedIn
As a major hub for professional networking, LinkedIn offers multiple avenues to assist ITA recipients in their job search. The platform provides access to thousands of job listings and is equipped with powerful tools for filtering these opportunities. LinkedIn is particularly useful for gaining insights into job search strategies, interview techniques, and salary benchmarks, which are crucial for newcomers to Canada.
A study from Toronto Metropolitan University highlighted LinkedIn’s effectiveness, revealing that nearly 75% of surveyed professionals who used social media before arriving in Canada secured jobs closely related to their skills. Furthermore, a significant majority of those who landed high-paying jobs were active on social media platforms like LinkedIn prior to their arrival.
