Working in Toronto
Toronto, the capital of Ontario, stands as Canada's largest city and one of the biggest in North America. Boasting a population exceeding six million, with nearly half hailing from diverse international backgrounds, Toronto is a dynamic metropolis that never sleeps. Are you up for the adventure? Join us as we guide you through settling and working in Toronto!
To start your job search in Toronto, start by adapting your resume to the Canadian format and enhancing your English proficiency. Additionally, secure a social insurance number and a work permit. For further details on immigrating to Canada, check out our articles on "Expatriating to Canada" and "Working in Canada".
The Toronto job market
Toronto serves as the economic hub of the country, with the airport alone providing employment for 50,000 people. Key economic sectors include food and beverage, finance, technology, life sciences, and sustainable environmental technologies. The city is also home to numerous start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whether you're seeking a change of direction or a new dimension to your career, Toronto is bound to captivate you with its abundant possibilities.
As per immigration.ca, the top ten sought-after jobs in Canada for 2023 include roles like doctor, nurse, delivery truck driver, heavy equipment operator, programmer, corporate sales manager, cloud architect, machine operator, cook, and construction trades. Explore this tool to assess the job prospects in Ontario for your specific profession.
While there is a large number of job opportunities, it's crucial to note that the job market in Toronto is fiercely competitive. The good news is that some Canadian companies actively seek newcomers, and you can find them highlighted in an annual study titled "Canada's Best Diversity Employers". Many of the top companies on this list are situated in Toronto, such as Home Depot Canada, Procter & Gamble, University of Toronto, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and others.
How to find a job in Toronto
Finding a job in Toronto may seem complicated, but with organization and perseverance, you'll succeed! During your search, learn about regulated and non-regulated jobs in Canada, the documents you'll need to start your job search, and how to write a resume, cover letter, and references for job interviews in the country. This video published by the Canadian government can help you make sense of it all.
The first step is to prepare or adapt your CV. Don't be afraid to go overboard: an ordinary Canadian CV can be up to three pages long. It's especially important not to put a photo on a CV in Canada to avoid any form of discrimination during recruitment. A potential employer will appreciate seeing the contact details of your previous employers and teachers at the end of your CV. It's very common for employers to contact your former employers before hiring, even if they're abroad. A cover letter is not always necessary, but strongly recommended.
To explore potential employers, conduct thorough research on companies that catch your interest. Visit their websites to review job postings, or reach out directly to their human resources department to inquire about current openings. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Craigslist, and newspaper classifieds to cast a wide net in your job search. The official Canadian government site, Job Bank, is also a valuable resource. Attend job fairs regularly organized in Canada, especially those tailored for newcomers, to connect with employers and discuss potential opportunities. Consider submitting your resume in person to companies you find appealing. If you're a newcomer with an open work permit, you can even start with a temporary job in the food industry while you continue to explore and pursue your desired career path.
Connect with Toronto's social services and community organizations dedicated to assisting newcomers. Tap into the expertise of professionals and participate in workshops covering various aspects of life in Canada, the job market, and CV writing. These resources can also guide you on available English courses if needed. Explore the Job Bank site, which offers information on professions and careers in Canada, providing details on job opportunities and salaries for different trades. With up to 2,000 new jobs posted daily, it's a valuable and entirely free resource. Additionally, check out Service Canada for crucial information on job search and application processes. The jobs.gc.ca website is another useful platform that posts job opportunities within the federal public service.
You can also use the services of an employment agency to search for jobs. For a list of government employment and training services, contact your local Service Canada Centre. Finally, don't forget to consult the website of the province you're interested in.
Networking and volunteering in Toronto
Building a network of contacts is a key strategy for making job hunting in Toronto more manageable. Reach out to family members, friends, and acquaintances to inquire about potential job openings, as many opportunities may not be publicly advertised online. Volunteering in Toronto is another effective way to gain Canadian work experience, improve your English language skills, and expand your network. Explore the web by searching for "volunteer in Toronto" or get in touch with immigrant-serving organizations. The Volunteer Canada website is also a valuable resource to explore volunteer opportunities.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) serves as the province's economic immigration initiative, operated in collaboration with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Individuals, including foreign workers, students, and those seeking immigration with the necessary skills, experience, and training, can apply for nomination through the OINP. The program nominates candidates for permanent residence based on the skills and experience needed by Ontario's economy. It's important to note that the final approval for permanent residence applications rests with the Government of Canada. For further details about this program, you can visit this page.
Global Experience Ontario
Global Experience Ontario is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals who have received education or training abroad. Their aim is to assist in obtaining the necessary license or certification to practice a regulated profession or skilled trade in Ontario. Participating in this program not only aids in your job search but also offers practical tips. Additionally, you'll gain insights into the process of securing a work permit in Ontario.
Bridge training program
Skilled immigrants wishing to pursue their careers in Ontario can follow a bridge training program. This program has been designed to help immigrants put their professional experience and foreign qualifications to work more quickly. You'll benefit from a skills assessment, job-specific training, internships, and mentoring.
Good to know:
Some jobs in Canada are subject to regulations. If you wish to work in one of these occupations, you need to gather more information on the subject and register with the appropriate organization. Please note that it is illegal to work in a regulated occupation without a valid permit.
Labour standards in Ontario
In 2023, the minimum wage in Toronto was C$16.55 per hour. Waiters in bars and restaurants, hunting and fishing guides, students, and home workers have different minimum wages.
An employee is not allowed to work more than eight hours a day or 48 hours a week unless modifications are formally communicated and approved by the Ministry of Labor. It is mandatory to take a lunch or dinner break after five consecutive hours of work. Overtime, if required, is compensated at a rate of one and a half times the regular hourly wage.
Employees accumulate a minimum of two weeks of paid leave each year after completing twelve months of work. This minimum duration extends to three weeks after five years of continuous service. The employment contract or agreement has the potential to allow for additional leave length based on the employee's seniority. The leave is compensated at 4% of the employee's gross salary for the corresponding year.
Here's a list of public holidays in Ontario:
- New Year's Day: January 1;
- Family Day: February 21;
- Good Friday: April 15;
- Victoria Day: May 23;
- Canada Day: July 1;
- Labour Day: September 5;
- Thanksgiving: October 10;
- Christmas: December 25;
- Boxing day - The day after Christmas: December 26.
If you decide to resign from your job in Toronto, providing notice is not obligatory. However, if your employer terminates your employment, they are required to give you a notice period calculated based on your seniority, unless you've been employed for less than three months or engaged in serious misconduct.
Certain occupations and sectors may be governed by specific regulations. For more information, you can visit the official Ontario Ministry of Labour website or consult with your union representative.
Getting your credentials assessed in Toronto
If you're immigrating to Toronto as a federal skilled worker, seeking employment in a specific occupation or trade, or planning to study, it's essential to have your credentials assessed. To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must acquire an Educational Credential Evaluation (EDE) for your foreign credentials, including diplomas and certificates.
For regulated professions, the assessment of credentials is typically carried out by the respective regulatory body. To determine whether your credentials need assessment, check with the regulatory body or the relevant professional association for your profession. They will guide you on which credential assessment organization to approach, and you can find their contact details on the Job Bank website. Approximately 20% of jobs in Canada fall under regulation, such as architects, plumbers, and engineers. It's important to note that certain jobs and trades may be regulated in specific provinces and territories but not in others. If you are licensed in Ontario, your license may not necessarily be accepted in other provinces and territories.
For non-regulated professions, certain employers may request job applicants to hold licensing or certification from the relevant professional association. A foreign credential evaluation agency can assess your credentials for a fee, and you can include this information in your CV. Learn more about the process of having your credentials evaluated for work in Canada.
Working while studying in Toronto
If you hold a study permit in Canada, your studies in Toronto are your priority and the main reason you are in Canada. You'll need to study full-time during your course period. With this study permit, you have the possibility of working while studying, subject to certain conditions. For more information, see our article Studying and working in Canada.
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