Employment

It is challenging to find work, especially when you are new to Canada. Learn what to expect, where to find information about jobs in Ontario, and who to talk to if you want help.

Find a Job

Tips for Finding Work Before you Arrive
You've obtained your permanent residence status but haven't landed yet and you are are eager to find work once you arrive to Canada. Here are some tips to help you do that.
What are references? Who should I ask to be a reference?
References are people who can talk about your work experience, work habits, character and skills. You should choose your references carefully.
What is an employment agency or temp agency?
An employment agency, placement agency or temporary agency ("temp agency") matches workers with jobs.
Why should I get help to find work?
There are many community agencies that provide employment services for newcomers to Ontario and even more agencies that provide services to all residents in a community.
How do I respond to inappropriate questions in a job interview?
Some questions are illegal for employers to ask in a job interview. If an employer asks you an inappropriate or illegal question, you have to choose how to respond.
Where can I find job listing websites?
You can also ask friends, family, employment counsellors, settlement workers, or others who work in your profession or trade to recommend useful job listing websites.
What do I do when I have a job offer? Do I have to negotiate a salary?
Often, the employer will tell you the conditions of the job before they offer it to you. Sometimes, you have to negotiate.
What is labour market information? Do I need it?
Labour market information can be overwhelming and confusing. Learning what it is and how to use it can help you find a job.
Where can I find information about Ontario companies?
You can find information about Ontario companies in libraries, community agencies and on the internet.
How can I use Social Media in my job search?
Social media offers great tools to help you in your job search. It can help you build your network, learn more about your industry, and find job opportunities.
How do I create a Canadian-style resume in order to find a job?
Some tips to help you prepare a professional resume that will get notices in the Canadian job market.
What do I include in my Canadian resume? What do I exclude?
Canadian resumes might be different from resumes in other countries. You need to create your resume in a way that is familiar to Canadian employers.

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Financial Assistance

What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides money to eligible families to help them with the costs of raising children.
What are compassionate care benefits?
Compassionate Care Benefits are a type of Employment Insurance (EI) benefit. You can apply for these benefits if you have to take time off work to care for a very sick family member.
Am I eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)?
The ODSP provides income support and employment support. These programs have different eligibility requirements.
Am I eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)?
The eligibility requirements for Employment Insurance depend on where you live and what kind of benefits you apply for.
How much is Employment Insurance (EI)?
Employment Insurance usually gives you a partial percentage of your previous income, up to a maximum per week.
How do I apply for Employment Insurance (EI)?
To apply for Employment Insurance (EI), go to the nearest Service Canada Centre or apply online as soon as you lose your job. You need to submit an application form and some documents.
What are my rights to time off and pay after a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?
A loss, even in the early weeks of pregnancy, can be medically challenging. You may need to take time off work and want to know your options during this difficult time.
Am I eligible for Ontario Works (OW)?
When you apply for Ontario Works (OW), you have to talk with an OW worker who decides if you are eligible.
How much can I get from Ontario Works (OW)?
The amount depends on your living arrangements, the size of your family and if anyone else in your family has an income.

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My Rights at Work

What are my rights as a worker in Ontario?
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) is a law in Ontario that protects workers' rights. This law tells employers how to treat workers fairly.
Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act
This information sheet provides a summary of your rights as a foreign national employed in Ontario under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
Information for Employees About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay
These are the general rules in Ontario about hours of work and overtime pay. There are exceptions and special rules for some employees under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
Have you been fired or laid off?
This pamphlet is about the legal rights under the Employment Standards Act of workers who have been fired or laid off. It covers the minimum notice periods, termination pay and severance pay, and making a claim against an employer. From CLEO.
What do I do if I get hurt at work?
Your employer has insurance that can help you if you get hurt while you are at work.
What can I do if my employer will not pay me?
The Ministry of Labour suggests that you first try to talk to your employer yourself. They have worksheets and tools to help you calculate how much your employer might owe you.

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Working in Canada

What types of jobs are there in Ontario’s arts and culture sector?
A list of jobs that are in demand in the arts sector as well as resources to help you launch your career in the arts.
Can I work remotely for a company anywhere in or outside of Canada?
Things to consider when you are working from home in Canada
What do Canadian Employers want?
It is sometimes not enough to have hard skills, or technical skills. Canadian employers want to hire people who also have soft skills.
How do I keep my job?
Once you get a job, there are things you can do to ensure that you will stay employed and progress in your career. To do your job well you should also develop yourself professionally and maintain a good relationship with your co-workers.
How hard is it to find work in Ontario?
It is not easy to find work in Canada that corresponds with your skills and experience. You need to find out what employers expect, in your specific occupation or industry, in the city where you plan to settle.
Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs)
PINs associations help their members prepare for the Canadian workplace and connect to employment opportunities. They are run by and for skilled immigrants. To learn about PINs associations, search the directory for an association in your field.

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Social Insurance Number

How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
To get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you have to fill out an application. You also need to collect some documents to submit with your application.
What documents do I need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
When you apply for a SIN you need to show certain documents. The documents you need depend on your status in Canada.
What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
Report a lost or stolen SIN to your local Service Canada Centre as soon as possible.

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Professions and Trades

What are alternative jobs?
An alternative job is a position in the same or a related field to your original occupation. Working in an alternative job can be a good way to use your skills and get Canadian work experience.
How do I get my trade experience recognized in Ontario?
You need a Certificate of Qualification to work in regulated trades in Ontario. Each trade has a different certification requirement.
What are regulated professions and trades?
Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada to protect public health and safety. That means that you must have a licence or certificate to work in these professions and trades.
Myths About the Skilled Trades as a Career Option in Ontario
Revealing some truths about the skilled trades and why you should consider it as a career option.
How do I get my nurse or doctor’s license as an internationally educated professional?
Nurses and doctors are regulated in Canada and internationally educated professionals in this field must get their license before they practice in Ontio.
Where can I get information about regulated professions?
Some professions are regulated in Ontario to protect public health and safety. That means that you must have a licence or certification to work in those fields.
How do I get a Certificate of Qualification for my trade?
You need a Certificate of Qualification to work in some skilled trades in Ontario. Each skilled trade has different certification requirements.
Which professions are unregulated in Ontario?
Most professions are unregulated in Ontario. This means that you do not need a licence or certification to do them.
Which trades are unregulated or have voluntary certification in Ontario?
For some trades, you are not obliged to have a Certificate of Qualification to work in Ontario. However, employers and unions might ask for "voluntary certification."

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Plan My Career

Alternative Jobs
This section has information about alternative jobs for different regulated professions. It includes videos of newcomers who have worked in alternative jobs.
Where can I find job skills training programs?
Many local community agencies have free information workshops. You may want or need to get some skills training to help you find work in Ontario. You may need to upgrade your skills to re-certify in your profession or trade.
What are bridging programs for internationally-trained professionals and tradespeople?
Bridging programs can help you if you have education and work experience, and you want to work in your field in Ontario.

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Business and Self-Employment

What options do I have to start a business in Ontario?
You have three main options - start from the beginning, buy an existing business or start a franchise.
Where can I get help to start a business?
These services and websites where you can find information and advice about starting a business in Ontario.
What do I need to know about licensing and regulations to start a business in Ontario?
All businesses, large and small, are subject to laws and regulations in Ontario.

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Volunteer

Can I volunteer to get Canadian experience?
Volunteer work is an excellent way to gain Canadian experience and Canadian references. There are also many other benefits to volunteering in your community.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
It is important for you to know what you are committing to when you volunteer. Ask the volunteer centre or organization you are working for what they expect from you and what they can offer you.

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Employment

Find a Job

Tips for Finding Work Before you Arrive

What are references? Who should I ask to be a reference?

What is an employment agency or temp agency?

Why should I get help to find work?

How do I respond to inappropriate questions in a job interview?

Where can I find job listing websites?

What do I do when I have a job offer? Do I have to negotiate a salary?

What is labour market information? Do I need it?

Where can I find information about Ontario companies?

How can I use Social Media in my job search?

How do I create a Canadian-style resume in order to find a job?

What do I include in my Canadian resume? What do I exclude?

Financial Assistance

What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

What are compassionate care benefits?

Am I eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)?

Am I eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)?

How much is Employment Insurance (EI)?

How do I apply for Employment Insurance (EI)?

What are my rights to time off and pay after a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?

Am I eligible for Ontario Works (OW)?

How much can I get from Ontario Works (OW)?

My Rights at Work

What are my rights as a worker in Ontario?

Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act

Information for Employees About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay

Have you been fired or laid off?

What do I do if I get hurt at work?

What can I do if my employer will not pay me?

Working in Canada

What types of jobs are there in Ontario’s arts and culture sector?

Can I work remotely for a company anywhere in or outside of Canada?

What do Canadian Employers want?

How do I keep my job?

How hard is it to find work in Ontario?

Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs)

Social Insurance Number

How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

What documents do I need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?

Professions and Trades

What are alternative jobs?

How do I get my trade experience recognized in Ontario?

What are regulated professions and trades?

Myths About the Skilled Trades as a Career Option in Ontario

How do I get my nurse or doctor’s license as an internationally educated professional?

Where can I get information about regulated professions?

How do I get a Certificate of Qualification for my trade?

Which professions are unregulated in Ontario?

Which trades are unregulated or have voluntary certification in Ontario?

Plan My Career

Alternative Jobs

Where can I find job skills training programs?

What are bridging programs for internationally-trained professionals and tradespeople?

Business and Self-Employment

What options do I have to start a business in Ontario?

Where can I get help to start a business?

What do I need to know about licensing and regulations to start a business in Ontario?

Volunteer

Can I volunteer to get Canadian experience?

What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?