Alternative jobs

You may want to find out about other types of jobs so that you have more options for working in Canada. These alternative jobs may or may not be related to your current job or your skills and education.

Since it takes time to get licensed in your profession, you may need to work in a job related to, but not in, your profession while you wait for your licence. Working in a related job will give you an opportunity to:

  • Earn money while your credentials are being assessed
  • Use your knowledge and skills
  • Learn work‑related language
  • Get Canadian work experience
  • Connect and network with other professionals

You may want to consider working in a job that is not related to your profession if:

  • You are interested in changing careers
  • Job opportunities in your profession are not available
  • You need to find any kind of job immediately
  • Your credentials are not equivalent to Canadian standards or it would take too much time, effort and money for you to meet the standards

You may decide to stay in an alternative job or, if the alternative job is related to your current job, use this experience to help you get licensed in your original occupation.

What you can do

  • Review the information in the Job Opportunities section of your Working in Canada Report.
  • If you plan to work in a regulated occupation, contact the regulatory body or apprenticeship authority and ask their advice.
  • List other jobs not in your field but for which you might be qualified. Then, complete additional Working in Canada Reports to find out whether these other jobs are regulated or non-regulated.
  • Get help at a Service Canada Centre if you are in Canada. Find a centre near you by visiting the Service Canada website.
  • Read the Further Assistance section of your Working in Canada Report for additional information.
  • Look for other tools and resources available to you.
  • Join work-related associations so that you can meet people who might have good advice for you.

Use the Planning to Work in Canada workbook to keep track of information about finding work that uses your skills and talents.