How to Get a Job in Canada From Nigeria

Due to its multiculturalism and economy, which is in the Top 10, Canada is very popular for immigrants. But even despite the huge flow of foreigners, the country still offers lots of vacancies, which indicates that it is open to workers from other countries. Lots of private companies offer Nigerians assistance with relocation and employment in Canada. But, unfortunately, a lot of them are scammers who disappear as soon as they receive the desired money. That is why we have prepared this guide. It is aimed to help you understand all the nuances of getting a job in Canada from Nigeria.

How to Find a Job in Canada From Nigeria

To make the first step, all you need is the Internet. Below we will describe the main resources for finding good employment opportunities, even if this is your first job abroad.

Websites

There are lots of reliable portals that connect employers and workers around the world. Websites such as Monster, Indeed, or Workopolis offer various job openings among many industries. You can start the search with the keyword "immigration", select a city, and the system will show you all the options where employers are looking for employees ready to relocate.

Job Bank

This is a very popular service in Canada that provides labor market information. This system is similar to online employment platforms, but you can also find open positions in the government area. This tool will provide you with a great chance to get a job offer in Canada from Nigeria.

Social Network

Social networks have gone way beyond simple communication. This is another powerful resource for finding work opportunities. The most popular platforms are Linkedin, Jobster, and Plaxo, where you can easily post your resume, career history, qualifications, and feedback from former employers and colleagues. Many companies use these platforms to find new employees.

How to Get a Canada Work Permit

Any person who wishes to work in Canada must obtain a temporary work permit. Usually, this process takes 16 weeks for Nigerian citizens who are outside Canada. And the good news is that you can submit almost all the necessary documents online on the Government of Canada website.

Written Job Offer

The first paper in the process of receiving a permit must be a written job offer. In other words, the Canadian employer gives you a document explaining the details of your work. Details will include:

• salaries, bonuses, and any deductions;
• a list of responsibilities; and
• employment conditions (at least 30 hours a week).

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The next step is to get an LMIA. It must be done by an employer. This is a document that allows Canadians to hire temporary employees. The potential boss should submit a request to the Employers Portal, which will assess how hiring a temporary employee will affect the labor market. After that, the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will conduct an analysis and send the confirmation or rejection to the employer. The LMIA is given for a certain period of time which corresponds to the work permit period. An employer must send you a copy of the LMIA once they receive approval.

Requirements for Entrance to Canada

Another essential paper to enter the country is a temporary resident visa (TRV). It's issued by the Deputy High Commission of Canada to Nigeria in Lagos. You will be required to visit the Deputy office in person so that specialists can take your biometric data and fingerprints. Visa fees cost $100 per person and biometrics fees are $85. To obtain a visa you must meet the following requirements:

1. Go through an interview with an officer and convince them that you will leave Canada after the end of your employment contract.
2. Demonstrate that you have enough funds to stay in Canada and support yourself and/or your family by showing your bank statement.
3. A clean record with no criminal activity.
4. Provide any documents requested by the officer.
5. All your documents must be translated into French and English, and notarized.
6. Pass a medical examination by request.

Proof of Eligibility

And finally, any candidate must provide proof of eligibility. This means that you must submit with the government agency your resume, curriculum vitae, diploma, or proof of your work experience. This is necessary to show that the candidate meets the minimum requirements for fulfilling the working contract.

Also, pay attention to the following important nuances when entering Canada:

• Immigration to Canada is possible only on the basis of the profession indicated in the job offer. If you received an invitation to work in an electrician role, you cannot work as a driver.
• A work permit is temporary, but you can renew it after the deadline. This can be done without leaving Canada.
• If you are relocating with your family, each member is required to obtain a visa.
• Temporary permission is intended for those cases in which a candidate plans to work in Canada for only a certain period of time. If you want to work on an ongoing basis, you must go through the Canadian permanent residence process.

How About Express Entry

Express Entry is considered the best way to get a job in Canada. It is designed for qualified and skilled candidates. There are three main types of programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Canadian Experience Class

If you plan to live in the province of Quebec, pay attention to the fact that it has its own program for Quebec-selected skilled workers.

Before applying, you must pass a language test in English or French. Express Entry accepts one of the following certificates: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF. After that, go to the Government of Canada website and answer a simple questionnaire in order to understand whether you are qualified for this program. You will see an answer immediately. If you are accepted, the system gives you a unique personal reference code that is valid for 60 days. At the same site, you must create an account and fill out your Express Entry Profile.

You will also need the following documents to apply for jobs in Canada from Nigeria:

• Language test certificate.
• Passports and travel identity card.
• Proof of education (college diploma, bachelor, etc.).
• Job offer from a Canadian employer (optional).
• Medical exam.
• Police certificate.
• Availability of financial resources.

Most Demanded Professions in Canada

After conducting research on current trends in the labor market of Canada, we have prepared a list of professions that will be in great demand in the next few years.

Registered Nurse (RN) & Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The pressure on the healthcare system has led to a shortage of staff. Currently, Canada needs more than 139,000 RNs and 25000+ LPNs. For both these roles, a candidate must have a degree in nursing. You can obtain a license at the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) upon arrival in Canada. Education costs $765. The average RN's hourly rate is $36, while LPNs can get about $35 per hour.

Pharmacist

On average, pharmacists earn $47 per hour. In order to get into this profession, you must have a Bachelor's degree, which is approved by the Canadian education system. You will also need to pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exam to get a license.

Software Engineer

For many years, the IT sector will be highly popular. The number of vacancies in this industry increases every year, and the average earnings are $44 per hour. All you need for this role is a Bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields, as well as work experience depending on the needs of the employer.

Business Management Consultant

Candidates with an MBA diploma are preferred for this job. More than 48,000 vacancies are currently open for this profession. A candidate who wants to become a Business Management Consultant in Canada can expect to get $35 per hour, on average.

Welder

Employers need over 30,000 welders across Canada. This role doesn’t require a college or university diploma. The average welder’s salary is $35 per hour. In most cases, the welder must pass a certification program approved by Canada.

Industrial Electrician

There are more than 12,000 open vacancies for an industrial electrician on the labor market. On average, such specialists get $34 per hour. You can get a certificate to find a better job, but this is optional. An electrician has the right to work even without certification.

Truck Driver

This is one of the most popular professions among immigrants. Yet, the demand for this position is still great. You must have a clean driving record and no criminal past. You will also have to go through several medical exams to prove that your health is sufficient and you can safely drive. Drivers get about $21 per hour.

Steamfitter & Pipefitter

Specialists in factories, production, and construction, who are ready to work both inside and outside, are in high demand. If you want to work as a steamfitter or pipefitter in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec, you must get a certificate. It is optional for other provinces. Workers earn about $35 per hour.

What Are the Risks?

The biggest risk of failure you may encounter is the denial of a work permit. However, you can re-submit the documents at any time, provided that the decision does not specify otherwise. Canada may refuse approval if your papers are not filled out correctly or you did not provide all the required documents. Keep in mind that when applying for a second application, you will need to pay the fee again. Thus, the preparation of the necessary package of documents is a very responsible step. Any mistake you make will be costly.

There are also various recruiting agencies that are looking for professionals worldwide for a Canadian employer. Many firms are interested in temporary workers, as it is economically beneficial. That is why the employer pays for the agency’s services. So if you are being asked to pay money by a recruiting agency, be careful. It may be a scam.

Conclusion

Canada is a great place to live and work, especially since it is very friendly to Nigerians. Besides, you can find a suitable job and receive an invitation from the employer from the comfort of your home. The secret of successful hiring is a strong resume and a quality cover letter. A resume is a presentation of your professional skills, while a cover letter is an important document that tells more about your personal qualities, qualifications, and abilities. Most recruiters admit that they are not interested in a candidate's application if it does not contain a cover letter. Therefore, it could be a good idea to create a great copy using the quick and convenient assistance of a professional online service.