The first major setback often comes unexpectedly, and it’s especially painful when experienced in a foreign country. After deciding to start our new life in Canada, we were filled with hope and confidence. Numerous acquaintances who had already emigrated to Canada assured us that it was easy to get a job at large companies like Walmart, Tim Hortons, Subway, or even McDonald’s. Supposedly, these companies regularly issued work visas, which would grant an employer-tied work permit. This would not only pave the way for a steady job but also allow my partner to obtain an open work permit, which would lead to the right to reside in Canada. You can find more information about the different residence permits in Canada here.
Currently, we are in the country with a six-month tourist visa (ETA), which poses challenges for us. Since we neither have a work permit nor a seasonal home (which would require a house on our property), we are not allowed to retrieve our belongings, which are already stored in a container. But this was just the beginning of our challenges.
The initial joy was immense when, after just a few emails, I received a call back and a job offer. In all my applications, I had clearly stated that I did not have a work permit, and yet it initially seemed that this was not an obstacle. But then came the rude awakening.
Each of the major companies, which had previously been recommended to us by various sources—including people working in integration—as reliable employers, rejected us. The regulations have drastically changed since the pandemic. The process for obtaining a work permit has been restructured and is now much more complicated. It can take up to nine months for a company to even find out if they are allowed to hire someone. And even during this waiting period, expensive fees must be paid, with no guarantee that the application will eventually be successful.
Rejection followed rejection, and with each one, our spirits sank. But as is so often the case in life, this is just one of many challenges on our journey. It is now up to us to move forward, find new ways, and not lose courage. After all, we had already expected that not everything would go smoothly from the start.
The Canadian Job Application Process: Differences and Peculiarities
As we grappled with the challenges of job hunting in Canada, we realized that the application process differs in several key ways from that in Europe. In Canada, there is a strong emphasis on a short, concise resume that is limited to one or two pages and focuses solely on relevant experience. In contrast, longer CVs that detail various stages are often the norm in Europe.
rivacy plays an important role in Canadian applications: while it is common and acceptable to provide contact details (such as name, phone number, and email), sensitive information such as birthdate, social security number, religion, or marital status should not be mentioned. These details are not required in Canada and could even be legally problematic.
Another difference is that references are not included directly in the application. Instead, the phrase “References available upon request” is often used, meaning that references are only provided if asked for. This helps protect the privacy of the referees and gives the applicant the opportunity to inform them beforehand.
Additionally, in Canada, volunteer work and additional qualifications are highly valued. These are welcomed in applications and can be crucial in setting oneself apart from other candidates. Overall, the application in Canada is typically very clear and to the point—it’s expected that all information is concise and relevant to the job at hand.
Your Thoughts?
Have you ever taken the leap abroad and want to share your experiences? Or are you currently planning your own fresh start and wondering what to expect? We would love to hear from you! Share your stories, tips, or concerns with us—we are eager to engage with you.
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