You may need Canadian work experience

Canadian employers, who often do not know how to assess education and work experience from other countries, may require or prefer you to have experience working in Canada. Getting that experience is one of the biggest challenges for newcomers.

Meeting people, getting advice, networking and volunteering are good ways to overcome this challenge, but it still may take time to get your first job in Canada.

What you can do

• Use the Working in Canada Tool to create a report that will tell you whether your job is in a regulated occupation and help you find the correct regulatory body or apprenticeship authority.
• If your job is regulated, ask the regulatory body or apprenticeship authority about programs that will help you find work (for example, internships or bridging programs).
• If you are in Canada, contact an immigrant-serving organization for advice and resources.
• Consider working in an alternative job so that you can continue to learn about your profession or industry in Canada.
• Consider volunteering as another way to get Canadian work experience and build your network of contacts.
• Contact a Service Canada office in Canada to find out about services that can help you.
• Learn more about Canadian workplace culture.
• Learn about what Canadian employers want.