Canada is considered the perfect destination for skilled professionals from Pakistan due to its high quality of life and strong economy. Seeking a job in a foreign country through a work permit may bring tons of advantages not only in employment but also in terms of personal growth and development. However, working in Canada comes with a set of challenges and obstacles.
To work in Canada, skilled workers must obtain a work permit, issued through two main programs. Canada welcomes hundreds of workers to immigrate to Canada through a work permit annually.
In this blog, we will shed light on what it’s like working in Canada, as Pakistani professionals share their experiences, struggles, and tips and advice for success.
Canada Work Permit Overview
People who wish to work in Canada must get a work permit to be eligible for a specific period. A Canadian work permit can be your ticket to a successful career journey. This brings with it a world of professional opportunities and experiences.
Canada Work Permit Programs
The work permit is issued through two main programs such as;
- International Mobility and
- The Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Temporary worker program is granted to people when there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job vacancy. It is a response to the Canadian laborer shortage. This program is formed by four streams such as the caregiver, agricultural, low-skilled, and high-skilled workers program.
In its bid to attract workers, the government has also introduced the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This program is responsible for bringing in skilled individuals and also supporting the local economy.
Open Work Permits are another type of work permit that is granted to foreign students, refugees, and spouses. Under this type of work permit, you can work for almost any kind of employer in Canada.
Securing a Work Permit
The process of applying for a work permit in Canada can be summarized in the following steps:
- Check your eligibility
- Opting for the right Visa program
- Fulfilling the LMIA conditions
- Gather the required documents and apply
- Undergo the necessary exams if required
- Attending the interview
- Get through the processing stage with patience
- Get familiarized with Canadian labor standards and laws
- Receive your work permit and start work in Canada.
Working in Canada: Understanding the Canadian Work Landscape
Canada is currently the most preferred working/business destination in the world. It offers a diverse landscape for business professionals and entrepreneurs for numerous reasons, such as accommodating policies, ease of business setting, and business environment. Furthermore, Canada offers a myriad of options related to business immigration, such as the start-up visa, ICT, and self-employed programs.
Pakistan Professionals Share Their Experience
Networking is the Key
The Canadian job market is very competitive, and it is quite challenging for Pakistanis to secure their first job. The job application process in Canada is tougher and trickier as it emphasizes on the presence of tailored CVs and cover letters. Pakistani professionals working in Canada share that to secure a job networking is crucial. It is really important to connect with professionals and experts to open doors and get hired faster.
Navigating Credential Recognition and Professional Licensing is a Long Process
Moreover, another difficulty faced by Pakistanis working in Canada is navigating credential recognition and professional licensing. This process is time-consuming and can be overwhelming as it requires taking several exams. However, to ease this transition, it is advised to start this process even before arriving in Canada to save your time and energy.
Adapting to Workplace Culture
Adapting to the Canadian workplace culture is another issue for Pakistani professionals. The Canadian workplace culture is marked by open communication, less hierarchies, and more emphasis on soft skills. To fully fit and adapt to this workplace culture Pakistani professionals suggest taking workshops on communication and problem-solving skills.
Presence of a Healthy Work Environment
The Canadian work environment offers a good and healthy work-life balance, It is a country that is renowned for its quality of life and strong labor laws and rights. Many Pakistani professionals appreciate the emphasis on mental health and a healthy work environment in the workplace, they share that since they started work in Canada they have started valuing their personal time thanks to the presence of a a balanced and healthy work culture.
Advice by Pakistani Professionals Working in Canada
- Firstly, start networking as early as possible. Connect with other professionals on different sites such as LinkedIn and join associations that are related to your field.
- The credential assessment process can be a long one, so start the process early to save time.
- You cannot get into every job you apply for, for this reason it is essential to be open to entry-level jobs to gain Canadian work experience.
- Lastly, look out for settlement services that will provide free support for newcomers in writing resumes, job search and mentoring programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moving and working in Canada can be a challenging process, but the guidance and roadmap provided by Pakistani professionals who have established their careers in Canada can make this transition easy.
Canada being a culturally diverse Country with a large corporate setup provides not only a stable economy but also numerous options for foreign workers to thrive and expand. Moreover, Canada welcomes hundreds of workers to immigrate to Canada through a work permit annually.
By carefully planning and understanding newcomers can thrive in the Canadian environment.