Getting a good job in Canada and a visa sponsorship is a dream for many. Canada is highly developed and an opportunity to work in the country can be life-changing. But since it is a prime destination, there are many skilled workers in the country already who equally need jobs. Plus, you are also competing with those who wish to immigrate to the country permanently.
So getting a visa sponsorship as a foreigner can be daunting. Qualifying takes proven skills and education. You must perform a realistic assessment and weigh your chances.
In this blog post, we will help you do just that. Read on to find out how to land a job that comes with a visa sponsorship.
Is the Door Closed on Visa Sponsorship in Canada?
Employers looking to hire foreign talent must navigate through Canada’s immigration policies. These policies are structured to balance the country’s labor market needs with opportunities for international workers. Visa sponsorship in Canada, therefore, is less about personal sponsorship and more about employment-based sponsorship. Here your employer plays a crucial role in facilitating your entry through various immigration programs.
The concept of visa sponsorship in Canada is fundamentally linked to the employment of foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. In some other nations, ‘sponsorship’ might imply a financial or personal responsibility for the migrant. When it comes to Canada, it primarily involves a legal and procedural process initiated by employers. This process is designed to ensure that hiring you as a foreign worker does not adversely affect the Canadian labor market. It also confirms that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the job vacancy.
While there is no “direct sponsorship” in the sense of the word, your employer can play a key supportive role. Read on to see what we mean.
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The Role of the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is at the heart of employment-based visa sponsorship in Canada. The LMIA process serves as an evaluation conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Their responsibility is to assess the impact that hiring a foreign worker would have on the Canadian labor market. The primary objective is to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker will not negatively affect Canadian job seekers and workers.
An LMIA is often required before a work permit can be issued, and it involves several key steps:
Employer Application: Employers must apply for an LMIA. The application provides detailed information about the job offer and the efforts made to recruit Canadians or permanent residents for the position.
Assessment Criteria: ESDC assesses various factors, including the availability of Canadians to do the job. The assessment also shows the wages and working conditions offered and the potential benefits to the Canadian labor market by hiring a foreign worker. Plus, whether the employment of a foreign worker could lead to the development of skills among Canadians.
Outcome: A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. Conversely, a negative LMIA suggests that the job should be filled by a Canadian worker.
If your employer receives a positive LMIA, they can then extend a formal job offer to you which is used to apply for a work permit. In some cases, the LMIA process is also linked to permanent residency applications, especially under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and others where a valid job offer can enhance an applicant’s immigration profile.
The LMIA process underscores Canada’s commitment to protecting its labor market while acknowledging the contributions foreign workers can make to society. It ensures that the employment of foreign nationals complements the workforce rather than competes with it. The aim is to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between Canadian employers and international talent.
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Can my employer sponsor my visa to work in Canada?
The Canadian government like most governments wants to retain the jobs for their citizens. So you can get a job in Canada through other means as employers don’t offer direct “sponsor/ship” to candidates who wish to work in the country.
Any company that offers you a job must prove that by giving you the job, they are not taking jobs away from Canadians who are permanent residents. They must demonstrate that within the country, there are no willing, available, or qualified people for that job position. Thus validating that they must hire you, a foreign worker.
Assuming you are already on the job search as a highly valuable candidate, the approach of your new company would be to assist by securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your job offer. For LMIA-exempt categories, they can submit an electronic job offer.
As already discussed, an LMIA is a document that the government issues. This document serves as authorization for the company to hire foreign temporary workers. After they get the LMIA, you must have the document and then apply for a work permit in Canada.
This is because Canada requires that an employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker must obtain an LMIA or submit an electronic job offer. Once this is done, it can be used to apply for a Canadian work permit.
You may be exempted and apply for a work permit without an LMIA, or a job offer if you are a recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI). Another exception exists if your spouse already has a Canadian work or study permit.
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How to Get a Good Job with Visa Sponsorship in Canada
The demand for foreign talent is driven by Canada’s labor market needs and immigration significantly contributes to the country’s workforce. The Canadian Government says, Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labor force growth. According to the According to the Canadian Visa Org, roughly 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mostly in the economic category.
Identify Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship:
Numerous companies in Canada are willing to offer jobs to foreign workers to address labor shortages in specific industries. For instance, tech giants like Google Canada and Microsoft Canada Inc. offer various roles across engineering, technology, sales, and more. These companies emphasize their inclusive hiring policies that welcome international talent.
If you have similar required experience in your home country, and demonstrate expertise, these companies are willing to employ you and sponsor your work permit through the LMIA.
Understand the Visa Sponsorship Process:
Companies in Canada may not directly sponsor visas in the traditional sense but can assist candidates through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This involves proving that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. Successful LMIAs can lead to work permits and, eventually, permanent residency under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and others.
Explore Various Industries:
Apart from technology, other sectors like banking (Royal Bank of Canada, KPMG Toronto-Dominion Bank), energy (Enbridge Inc., Suncor Energy), and agriculture (Parrish and Heimbecker, Ltd) also offer great work opportunities. If you are an unskilled worker, you can explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Utilize Official Resources:
The Canadian government provides resources to help foreign candidates find employment opportunities in Canada. One of the best resources is the Job Bank website, which lists jobs from employers open to hiring international candidates
Additionally, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website offers comprehensive guidance on various immigration programs, work permits, and eligibility criteria.
Prepare for Application:
Ensure your qualifications are recognized in Canada, which may involve credential assessment or obtaining professional licenses. Tailor your resume to Canadian standards and be ready to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the needs of Canadian employers.
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Conclusion
The best way to get assistance from your employer via “sponsorship” is to research industries hiring foreign candidates. Get on job boards like Indeed and Networking platforms like LinkedIn if you want opportunities with visa sponsorship in Canada. Filter your search to find the companies that can assist you get a work permit.
Taking these practical steps can significantly improve your chances of finding employment in Canada with visa sponsorship. This is after you put your best foot forward by tailoring your resume to fit the Canadian job market. Stay informed, prepared, and proactive to successfully navigate the complex process of securing a job in Canada as an international candidate.
