Chapter 29       

Working in Canada      

 

Before you are allowed to work in Canada, you will need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  As soon as you get the chance after arriving in Canada, you should get your SIN.

What is a Social insurance Number (SIN)?  

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is an identification number given to each person for the purposes of income tax, Employment Insurance, old age pension, etc. Most newcomers receive an application form for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) when they first arrive in Canada. 

If you did not get one, you can apply at any Human Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC). You will need to show your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport. There is a small administrative fee. Forms are also available at Canada Post offices and through many immigrant-serving agencies.

  What is the job-market like in Canada?  

The Canadian labor market has been quite strong in the past few years.

Does Permanent Residence status in Canada permit me to enter/work in the USA?  

Permanent resident status in Canada does not affect US immigration requirements for eligibility to legal employment. The North American Free Trade Agreement, which applies to citizens of Canada, does facilitate US employment in certain cases. You still need to obtain the proper permits to be able to work in the USA. 

Can I practice another occupation other than my "Intended Occupation"?  

Yes, and furthermore, you might find out that you cannot immediately practice your intended occupation once you arrive in Canada, since some professions require licensing, and you would need to re-qualify in the province of your residence to practice your profession.  

Do professionals need registration and licensing to work in Canada?

People who want to work in regulated occupations need to obtain a license from a provincial regulatory body. Applicants intending to work in one of these occupations may need to prove they hold sufficient credentials to meet professional licensing requirements.  

Licensing requirements often include education from a recognized school, Canadian work experience and completion of the exams. Fees for exams can be costly and are the responsibility of the applicant. Final assessment by the provincial authority can only be made once you are in Canada with permanent resident status. We will provide you with assistance in contacting the appropriate professional association in Canada to have your qualifications preliminary assessed.

What is the office dress code in Canada?

The dress code in the office can range from casual to formal office clothes depending on the culture of the company. Some companies allow their employees to come in T-shirts and blue jeans whereas other companies wanted their employees to dress in a more formal western style fashion like white long sleeves with tie for men then skirt and blouses for ladies. If you are not sure, dress formally during your first few days at work, then observe how your officemates are dressed. If in doubt, ask your boss or the Human Resources Department in your office.

Non-Working Holidays in Canada

The non-working holidays in Canada may vary, depending on what province you are residing. Below is the official public holidays for the whole of Canada.

Date Holiday
January 1 New Year's Day
April (or March) Good Friday, Easter Monday
May Victoria Day (Monday before May 25)
July 1 Canada Day
September Labor Day (first Monday in September)
October Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)
November 11 Remembrance Day
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Boxing Day

 

How do I get paid and how much ?

Every employer in the Canada are required by law to pay their employees a Minimum Wage as set by the province where are you are residing. Different provinces have different minimum wages. Pay period may be weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly depending on your employer's office policy.

You will notice that your take-home pay is net of several deductions. These deductions may include

  • income taxes both federal and provincial
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)  or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
  • Employment Insurance (EI)
  • union dues if any
  • retirement or pension plan if any
  • any other deductions like personal insurance, extended health care

Your employer can explain to you more about these deductions. When in doubt, be sure to ask.

 

For more information on finding a job, click on the link below. You need to be connected to the internet to be able connect these sites properly.