New to Canada? From job search to accreditation, here’s a handy guide

A newcomer to Canada deals with so many new things: speaking an unfamiliar language, getting accreditation for foreign credentials, culture shock and an overwhelming sense of displacement.

For someone from the Philippines, for example, where people have become accustomed to a lack of free government programs, healthcare benefits and employment support, it could come as a surprise to learn that Canada offers a variety of services geared towards new immigrants.

“There’s a lack of information for newcomers to Canada,” said Connie Manzo, Accreditation Specialist of Welcome Centre Immigrant Services.

Welcome Centre Immigrant Services offers settlement services, English language classes, employment supports, and many more.

Manzo said that regulatory and licensing requirements are different for every province and different for every regulatory body.

“There’s also a lack of awareness on how to fill the gaps…they don’t know what to do,” she said.

Manzo offers some tips for newcomers to Canada on how to get working in their professional field:

While you are looking for your dream job, find work in your line of profession

“Newcomers don’t (often) know options for training or education. While you are looking for your dream job, are there places you can work in your field?,” Manzo said.

For example, if you were a dentist in the Philippines, you can find work here as a dental hygienist while upgrading your education. Or an engineer may find work here as a civil engineering technologist.

Some questions to ask yourself is: if I cannot be licensed as a doctor, what other professions in health care can I do? If I cannot be hired as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA),  what can I do?

“Don’t go into retail instead,” she advised.

Be curious

Manzo said that here in Canada, there are different pathways for professionals from outside Canada and from another province.

“It’s very complex for internationally trained professionals,” she said.

She suggests digging for information on where one can get information on those pathways, and asking which companies are hiring.

You may know who the good engineering companies are in the Philippines, but as a newcomer, you won’t automatically know that information, she explained.

There are plenty of financial assistance available

Financial assistance is available to cover costs for licensing, examination costs, and training.

With some qualification exams as high as $7,000, Manzo said it’s worth finding out where these financial aids are available.

Contact the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services for assistance.

Find out requirements before coming to Canada

You can apply for certain requirements before coming to Canada, Manzo said.

“It can be very difficult to get original documents if you are already in Canada,” she added.

Regulatory bodies are appointed by the province to ensure the standards of each profession. The standards are fixed regardless of where you were educated.

“You have to meet education standards, experience requirements, language proficiency, (but) you don’t have to have everything to apply.”

“Don’t ask an accountant friend if you’re a nurse,” Manzo said.

Forms can change quickly

Most requirements for getting a job in Canada in your line of work change quickly and often.

“If you printed an application guide five years ago and you apply now, the form would be different. They are changing and adding (to the forms) all the time.”

Develop connections within your industry

Manzo suggests volunteering within your industry, joining professional associations or mentoring programs, or working as an intern.

“By the time you are done your internship, you have already made connections. Your transition job can hopefully lead you to your long-term goal.

Even if it’s not your dream job yet, if it’s in your profession that would be a good start,” she said.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated on Nov. 17, 2023 with new slides from Connie Manzo.