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• How to get a job in Canada as a foreigner
• Minimum wage & average salary
• The most in-demand jobs & how much they pay
• Self-employment
• Business culture
• Social security & benefits
• Maternity & paternity leave

How to get a job in Canada as a foreigner

If you’re wondering how to get a job in Canada as a foreigner, the process is quite simple as long as you meet all the requirements for working legally. Most foreigners need a work permit. Eligibility for working in Canada is covered in the Visas and Work Permits guide.

How to apply for a job in Canada

Once you have ensured that all of your paperwork is in order, you are now ready to start your job search. The best way to get a job in Canada as a foreigner is simply by beginning your search online. This will give you a fast and comprehensive look at the types of jobs that are out there. Job search websites include:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Job Bank (Government of Canada)
• Charity Village (for non-profit positions) · Workopolis

You can also consider attending local job fairs to meet employers directly.

Tip for newcomers: YMCA Canada provides employment services to support newcomers. An employment coach will be assigned to assess your career goals, review and/or help you write your resume and cover letter, practice interview techniques, and even point you in the direction of potential job leads and relevant openings. They also offer many other employment programs as well as apprenticeship information, workshops, entrepreneurship support, placement opportunities, and more.

Job opportunities in Canada for foreigners

If you’re a skilled worker, Canada has many opportunities across different industries. Some of the strongest sectors include:

• information technology and software development
• engineering and technical fields
• healthcare and medical professions
• finance and accounting
• manufacturing and production
• communications and media

In addition, there are many temporary or entry-level jobs for newcomers. These can include:

• au pair and childcare positions
• office administration work
• hospitality (hotels, bars, and restaurants)

Canadian-style CV (Resume)

In Canada, what many people call a “CV" is referred to as a resume. The style and format may be slightly different than what you’re used to in your home country, so adapting your resume to Canadian standards is an important step.,

Canada uses two types of resumes: chronological and functional.

• Chronological resumes are organized in order of time by the different positions you’ve held over the years, usually placing the most recent or current job on top and working backward. This type of resume is best for people with a lot of experience.
• Functional resumes are skills-based, organized by skills you have gained in your previous work and experience. This type of resume is best for students and recent graduates, or those looking for a career change.

Whichever resume you choose, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Keep it short — usually one or two pages.
• Tailor your resume to each job application. Make sure your formatting is clear, consistent, and professional. Use bullet points to highlight key skills and achievements. Use headings such as Professional Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Add keywords from the job description to your resume.
• Do not include headshots or personal photos, which are not part of the Canadian standard.

Cover letter tips

Even if the job posting doesn’t require a cover letter, it’s a good idea to include one. A strong cover letter should:

• Be no longer than one page.
• Be customized to each specific job and company.
• Highlight your motivation and explain why you’re a good fit.
• Mention a specific project or aspect of the company that interests you.

Your cover letter should not simply repeat your resume. Instead, it’s your chance to show your personality while staying professional.

Interview tips

If you’ve been invited to an interview, congratulations! While this is undoubtedly news worth celebrating, the interview process can also be a very stressful step of the job application process. Not to worry — the interview tips found in this subsection will help ensure that you nail your interview.

In Canada, you can expect three types of questions during the interview stage: skills-based, behavioral, and situational.

• Skills-based questions — These test your technical knowledge and abilities. Give concrete examples of past projects and challenges.
• Behavioral questions — These look at how you handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Situational questions — These are hypothetical scenarios. You can also use STAR to give clear, structured answers.

Extra advice for interviews:

• Research the company beforehand (look at recent news or projects).
• Practice with a friend or career coach.
• Take your time before answering — it shows thoughtfulness.
• After the interview, send a follow-up email or thank-you note.

Networking tips

Networking is a valuable tool for expats looking for work in Canada. It can help you make professional connections and discover opportunities more quickly. Here are some tips to help get you started:

• Join a professional association.
• Attend industry fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. · Use platforms like 51�ԹϺ�����to meet other expats and expand your circle.
• Volunteer at local organizations around the neighborhood.

Before attending any networking event, make sure you have your “elevator pitch”. This is a short speech highlighting yourself, your background, and your experience. Rehearse your elevator pitch with a friend or family member. Always bring professional business cards with you to networking events and dress to impress.

Required references and qualifications

Your potential employer may require references as part of the application process. These should be professional references who can vouch for your work ethic, professionalism, and competency. References can be current managers, supervisors, colleagues, clients, or professors.

If you’re new to Canada and don’t have yet local references, consider volunteering, internships, studying, or even networking (for some networking tips, see above). These can be fantastic ways to get to know people.

Regulated professions: Some jobs require your foreign qualifications to be officially recognized. These include:

• doctors, nurses, and other healthcare roles
• engineers, electricians, carpenters
• accountants and architects

This process, called credential recognition, costs money, so make sure you with a regulatory body to see if it applies to your profession. Helpful resource: also provides newcomers with a free preliminary equivalence assessment.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

To work in Canada, you’ll also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which you can read more about below. This nine-digit number is required for taxes, employment, and accessing government programs. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office. Other common job requirements are:

• English or French language skills
• high school diploma or equivalent (for most entry-level jobs)
• transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, problem-solving, adaptability, and reliability

Minimum wage & average salary

The average salary varies across Canada depending on the sector you work in and even the region in which you live. Here’s an overview of average salaries across Canada based on industry and province.

Note: Salary estimates based on aggregated job-market data from multiple employment platforms, not official Statistics Canada earnings data.

Minimum hourly wage by province/territory in Canada (as of 2025)

The minimum wage also varies depending on the province. They are currently set to the following as of January 1, 2019:

The most in-demand jobs and how much they pay

Here are salaries for the most in-demand jobs in Canada:

Note: Salary ranges based on aggregated job-market estimates from multiple employment platforms.

Self-employment

NOTE: Canada’s Self-Employment Immigration Program is currently paused and not accepting new applications.

IRCC has temporarily stopped processing new submissions, although existing applications are still being handled. Travelers or future applicants should check the official IRCC website for updates before making any plans.

If you’re thinking about being self-employed in Canada, there are specific eligibility requirements you need to meet, especially if you plan on moving to Canada through Canada’s self-employment program. You must be able to prove that you have:

• relevant artistic or athletic experience allowing you to be self-employed
• be able to make a significant contribution to cultural or sporting life in Canada

You can read more about applying for your self-employed visa and work permit and the qualifications for it in our Visas and Work Permits section.

Once you’ve ensured that you do meet all of the requirements, here are the top self-employed jobs in Canada you may want to consider:

• graphic and web designer
• freelance writer or translator
• makeup artist
• photographer/videographer
• social media specialist
• event planner
• hairstylist
• interior decorator/designer
• marketing consultant
• caregiver
• personal trainer
• private tutor
• housekeeping
• repair work

Self-employment benefits in Canada

Some of the advantages of self-employment in Canada are:

• Independence: You control your working hours.
• Tax breaks: Self-employed people have access to deductions for business expenses (see our Banks and taxes section).
• Financial flexibility: You can manage your earnings and reduce commuting, lunch, and office costs.
• special benefits: By entering into an agreement or registering with the , self-employed workers can get access to several benefits: * maternity and parental benefits * sickness benefits * compassionate care benefits * family caregiver benefit for children and adults

If you’re a self-employed person in Québec, you can access maternity, paternity, and parental benefits via the

You’re eligible for the EI special benefits and can register with the CEIC if you:

• run your own business
• are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Important: Some self-employed workers are not eligible for the EI special benefits because they qualify instead for the . This includes workers such as hairdressers and taxi drivers.

How to register for EI special benefits

1. Create a My Service Canada Account.

2. Receive your personal access code in the mail (usually within 10 days).

3. Log in and select Employment Insurance for the Self-Employed to start registration.

4. Participation lasts as long as you’re self-employed. You can cancel your registration if you never received benefits.

5. You must wait at least one year from registration before applying for benefits.

Canada pension plan for self-employed

In Canada, social security is known as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). It’s set up to help Canadians provide income for their retirement or in the case of disability.

As of 2025:

• Eligibility: Any self-employed person with a net income above 3,500 CAD (approx. 2,600 USD) per year must contribute. Québec residents contribute to the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) instead.

• Contribution rate: 11.9% of pensionable earnings (combined employer + employee portion).

• Maximum contribution: 8,068 CAD (approx. 6,000 USD).

• Additional CPP (CPP2): For earnings above the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE, 71,300 CAD), an additional contribution applies: o Contribution rate: 8% o Maximum contribution: 792 CAD (approx. 585 USD)

• Contribution period: 18 to 70 years old, even if you continue working past 70.

• Basic exemption: Contributions only apply to earnings above 3,500 CAD per year.

• Refunds: Overpayments are refunded when you file your tax return.

• Other retirement options: Self-employed workers can set up additional retirement income investments beyond the CPP/QPP.

How are contributions calculated?

Your contributions are based on your net business income (after expenses). Investment income or other non-business earnings are not included.

For more details, see the Canada Revenue Agency on CPP contributions.

Business culture

Canadian business culture is actually a mix between British, American, and French leanings and practices. The Canadian working culture and business environment value respect for opinions, equality, diversity, and justice.

What to know about business culture in Canada

· Punctuality: Always arrive 5–10 minutes early for any meeting or interviews.

· Business cards: It’s recommended to carry professional business cards with you.

· Greetings: Shaking hands is standard. In French-speaking areas, a double cheek kiss may occur among acquaintances. Use titles like “Mr.,” Mrs.,” “Madame,” or “Monsieur”.

· Gifts: Offering or receiving gifts among business colleagues is not customary in Canada.

· Dress code: Office attire is generally formal: men wear suits, women wear dresses or pantsuits.

Working days: Monday to Friday and companies are usually open year-round. Retail outlets are open seven days a week.

Public holidays: Canada has several public holidays which workers usually have off (retail workers, if working on these days, are entitled to ). If a public holiday falls on the weekend, it’s made up on the Friday or Monday with workers getting this day off instead.

Social security & benefits

Canada’s Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number that you’ll need to apply for before you begin any type of work. What is a Social Insurance Number in Canada? Apart from allowing you to work, this number gives you access to government programs and benefits.

Can a foreigner get a Social Insurance Number?

A foreigner can get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if they hold permanent resident or temporary resident status.

How to get a Social Insurance Number in Canada

Applying for a Social Insurance Number in Canada must be done in person at a Service Canada Center. The documents you take with you must prove your identity and status in Canada. They must be original as photocopies won’t be accepted.

Required documents to apply for a Social Insurance Number

Permanent residents should bring with them one of the following:

• a permanent resident card
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with a travel document (such as a passport) or a driver’s license
• verification of landing (only available if Confirmation of Permanent Residence is not (lost, for example) issued by IRCC or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
• a Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC

Temporary residents must bring one of the following to apply:

• work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
• study permit issued by IRCC or CIC
• visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC indicating you’re authorized to work in Canada
• diplomatic identity card and a note of permission of employment issued by Global Affairs Canada or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

There is no fee to apply for a SIN. If your paperwork is in order, you should be provided with a SIN on the spot.

Canada’s social insurance card

The plastic SIN card has stopped being issued by Service Canada and instead is now issued in a paper format that you must store in a safe and secure place.

Canada’s social insurance benefits

Benefits in Canada include employment insurance, pensions, and benefits for housing, education, training, family, and people with disabilities.

Employment Insurance (EI):

Under employment insurance, you have benefits if you lose your job, if you’re sick or injured and unable to work, maternity and parental benefits, caregiving benefits and leave if you’re supporting someone who’s critically ill or injured, self-employed benefits, and fishing benefits if you’re a self-employed fisher actively seeking work.

Family benefits:

Canada has a child benefit for eligible families raising children under 18. There are also benefits if you’re raising a child with a disability, and even a benefit for parents of young victims of a crime. You receive income support if you have to leave work to deal with the death or disappearance of your child as a result of a probable Criminal Code offense.

There’s also the CPP survivor’s pension which is paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased person. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment for low-income families offsetting any GST or HST they pay.

Public pensions:

The CPP is Canada’s retirement pension. There’s also the Old Age Security pension which you can receive once you turn 65 and have lived in Canada for at least ten years.

Education and training benefits:

These are for students to help fund their education. It includes grants and scholarships for students of all levels.

Housing benefits:

Some people might be eligible for a GST/HST rebate for the purchase or construction of a new home. There are also programs to help families buy, renovate, or adapt a home. There is even special assistance for seniors who want to make adaptions to their house or apartment.

Disability benefits:

Along with some of the disability benefits already mentioned, others include things like education funding and a gasoline tax refund for people with a mobility impairment that doesn’t allow them to use public transport. There’s also a tax-free cash award for injured members of the Canadian Forces or veterans with an injury or illness obtained during military service.

Benefits by audience:

Canada has benefits for Indigenous people along with other groups mentioned earlier: people with disabilities, military personnel, veterans, retirees, and even for Canadians living abroad.

Maternity & paternity leave

Maternity leave in Canada is offered to new moms, including surrogate mothers, who are unable to work because they’re pregnant or have recently given birth. Paternity leave is covered under the EI parental benefits.

It’s important to note that new mothers and fathers in Québec are covered under a different program called the Québec Parental Insurance Program.

How long is maternity leave in Canada?

A maximum of 15 weeks of maternity leave in Canada is available for new moms to take.

Canada’s maternity benefits

Benefits can be paid as early as 12 weeks before giving birth and can stop as late as 17 weeks after the birth date. The weekly benefit is 55% of the mother’s average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount of 695 CAD (approx. 520 USD) per week.

Paternity leave and parental benefits

New fathers are covered under Canada’s EI parental benefits. Parents can share a total of 40 weeks of paid leave with one parent able to receive up to 35 weeks. The weekly benefit is 55% of the claimant’s average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount of 695 CAD (approx. 520 USD) per week.

New parents can also apply for the extended parental benefits, which last up to 69 weeks. The benefit rate for this is 33% of the claimant’s average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount of 417 CAD (approx. 310 USD) per week.

Apply for your benefits

You can apply for your benefits This will take about an hour to complete. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• SIN
• mother’s maiden name
• mailing and residential addresses
• complete banking information
• expected or actual date of child’s birth
• employment information