March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Are you a newcomer to Canada, looking to start your job hunt on a strong note?

 

As you navigate the exciting path of job hunting, one of the important tools you will need is a well-crafted resume. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of building a strong resume tailored to the Canadian job market.

Understanding the Types of Resumes
Understanding the Types of Resumes

Before diving into the details, let’s go through the different types of resumes commonly used in Canada. The two primary formats are:

  • Chronological Resume: This format highlights your work history, listing your most recent job first and going backward. It’s ideal for those with a strong and continuous work history.
  • Functional Resume: This format emphasizes your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. It’s suitable for those with employment gaps or a diverse skill set.
Useful Tips to Build a Strong Resume
1. Style and Personal Details

Ensure your resume is well-organized and visually appealing for prospective Canadian employers. To do this, be sure to use a clean and professional font, and include essential personal details, front and centre including your name, contact information, and LinkedIn® profile (if applicable).

2. Adapt Your Resume for Each Role
In Canada, one resume does not fit all job applications. Canadian employers give preference to resumes that are tailored to align with specific requirements of the job posting. To do this, take care to highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments you have that directly relate to the position to which you are applying
3. Mind the Length

Keep your resume concise and focused. Ideally, limit it to one or two pages. Highlight the most relevant and timely information that highlights your qualifications for the position advertised.

4. Include Volunteer Work

Highlighting your volunteer experiences can demonstrate valuable skills and a commitment to your community. This is particularly beneficial for newcomers with limited Canadian work experience.

5. Use Social Media

Canadian employers widely use LinkedIn to assess candidates. Ensure your profile is complete, professional, and aligned with your resume. Consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume.

6. Format Carefully

Pay attention to the overall formatting of your resume. Be sure to use some bullet points (but not too many) for easy readability and to maintain a consistent format throughout. Be mindful of the use of fonts, spacing, and section headings.

7. Use Keywords

It’s also recommended to identify keywords and phrases used by the employer in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. This will enhance your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many companies – and making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

8. Proofread Your Resume

Before submitting your resume, be sure to carefully proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.

February 27, 2024

All Canadian permanent residents (PRs) may leave the country, and return, after mailing their citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

However, IRCC clarifies that there are certain steps PRs must take to ensure they remain eligible for citizenship while outside Canada.

Specifically, to ensure that they remain eligible for Canadian citizenship, IRCC indicates that PRs must:.

Be a Canadian PR at the time they apply for citizenship

Only Canadian PRs can apply for citizenship. In other words, temporary residents of Canada, including foreign workers and international students, are not eligible to become Canadian citizens.

Continue to meet the residency requirement to maintain PR status

As part of being a Canadian PR, foreign nationals must reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days over the past five years to maintain their status.

This is what IRCC refers to as the residency requirement for Canadian PRs. Note that the 730 days needed to meet this requirement do not need to be continuous and some time spent outside of Canada may count towards this total.

Maintain PR status until they take the Oath of Citizenship

Further to the residency requirement described above, to remain eligible for Canadian citizenship, Canadian PRs must “not lose PR status before [taking] the Oath of Citizenship.”

Click here to learn about your obligations as a Canadian permanent resident, including additional information about what PRs can and cannot do while residing in Canada.

Travel outside of Canada with their PR card for simple re-entry

Travelling outside of Canada with your PR card will make it much easier to re-enter the country. This is because IRCC requires that Canadian PRs have a valid PR card when returning to Canada by plane, train, bus or boat.

Therefore, Canada’s immigration department advises all PRs to renew their card before leaving Canada if they know it will expire during their travels.

IRCC notes that PR cards can only be renewed in Canada and that the department will not “send PR cards to non-Canadian addresses [or] allow third parties to retrieve them” for an applicant.

Travellers without a valid PR card must apply for and obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. Unlike PR cards, IRCC only allows PRTDs to be applied for from outside of Canada.

IRCC also indicates that Canadian PRs who attempt to return without either of these documents may be denied entry onto their flight, train, bus or boat travelling to Canada.

Important notes from IRCC regarding the citizenship process for Canadian PRs

IRCC notes that there are certain things Canadian PRs should keep in mind about how the department handles communication with applicants and organizing appointments/events.

For instance, IRCC notes that they “usually only [mail] letters, notices and other documents to addresses in Canada.”

IRCC may also email Canadian immigration applicants. The department emphasizes that recipients of any IRCC “letters or emails [must reply to these communications] within a specified amount of time.”

Failure to do so without providing “an acceptable reason for not being able to keep your appointment [with us] or providing requested information” may result in IRCC deciding to “stop processing [an individual’s] application.”

IRCC also notes that immigration applicants must attend their appointments and events – including their citizenship test, ceremony, interview or hearing – at IRCC offices across Canada.

Applicants who are unable to attend such appointments or events are required to “either email or write to the local office that sent [them] the event notice” and IRCC indicates that applicants can contact the immigration department using this online web form.

February 19, 2024

Are you a newcomer to Canada keen to begin a new career in this welcoming and exciting country?

Now is the time to start your job search with confidence. With helpful guidance and a positive approach, you can make the journey to employment more productive and boost your chances of success. Simply follow these helpful tips to kickstart your job search.

Landing a job in Canada begins with tailoring your resume to fit a Canadian style resume. Ensure to highlight your relevant skills, education, and work experience for each job application in a way that is customized for the exact role. Be sure to include your achievements and qualifications that are aligned with the job description. It’s a good idea to learn about job seeker best practices and Canadian employer expectations. This will improve your chances of securing interviews and landing the job.

2. Get Networking

Making connections in Canada is a powerful way for job seekers to get ahead. Engage with seasoned professionals in your field through online and in-person events and industry associations. Remember: someone in these networks may have a lead on a fantastic job or might connect you with the right person who can propel your career forward. Networking not only keeps you informed about the latest industry trends, but also allows you to learn valuable insights from experienced Canadian professionals working in the field today. It’s a great way to inspire and jumpstart your own professional journey.

3. Tap into Employment Services, Job Sites, and Job Fairs

Discover the many resources available for job seekers in Canada like you. Consider registering for one of the free employment services provided by the Government of Canada. These services help you connect with employers and provide a wide list of job opportunities across the country. Leveraging popular job sites are also helpful, as employers actively look for candidates there. Make it a priority, as well, to attend some job fairs, whether virtual or in person in your area; these career events are a good way to directly connect with employers and learn about job openings. By using these services, fairs, and online platforms, you can significantly expand your reach and increase your chances of finding suitable employment fast.

4. Assess Your Credentials

As a newcomer to Canada, you may need to verify your qualifications to secure a job. Ensure your professional credentials are recognized in Canada by checking with organizations like the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC). This step is useful for a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce.

5. Elevate Your Resume: Certification and Volunteer Experience

You can also boost your job search by acquiring a Canadian certification in your chosen field. It’s a great idea to enroll in courses or programs aligned with the Canadian job market to expand and validate your skills, knowledge, and experience to potential employers. This will show potential employers your dedication to continuous learning and can significantly improve your employability.

Another great way to gain Canadian work experience and grow your network is through volunteering. Many organizations appreciate the skills and dedication newcomers bring as volunteers. Doing volunteer work not only highlights your abilities and enhances your skillset, but also demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact in your community. Participating in relevant volunteer opportunities can provide valuable experience and even secure references to enhance your resume.

6. Seek out the Right Mentor

Additionally, you can accelerate your job search in Canada by finding the right mentor, one with industry experience who is eager to guide and support you in your professional journey. A good mentor can offer you valuable insights, career advice, and assistance in navigating the Canadian job market. In sharing their experiences and perspectives, they can help you set realistic goals and expectations. Cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship is crucial for overcoming challenges and accessing new opportunities.

By embracing these insights, you can enhance your chances of finding a suitable job in Canada. Remember to stay persistent, learn about the local job market, and maintain a positive outlook throughout your job search journey. As a newcomer, your unique skills, diverse perspectives, and strong work ethic are all assets that can benefit a Canadian employer. With the right approach and a confident mindset, you’re well on your way to achieving professional success in Canada.

Why Choose TD?

150 years helping Canadians

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to also serve you in more than 60 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

February 16, 2024

Toronto is Canada’s biggest city. With its vibrant mix of cultures, robust job opportunities, and a bustling city life, Toronto is an appealing destination for anyone seeking a dynamic and enriching place to live.

This guide offers valuable insights and practical tips to help immigrants navigate the nuances of Toronto, ensuring a smoother transition as they establish their new life in Canada’s largest metropolis.

Toronto’s neighborhoods

The downtown core, anchored by the iconic CN Tower, is a hub of business, entertainment, and culture. Here, the Financial District showcases towering skyscrapers, while the Entertainment District comes alive with theaters, restaurants, and nightlife.

Neighborhoods like Queen West and Kensington Market showcase Toronto’s artistic and eclectic side. Queen West is renowned for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and hip cafes while Kensington Market is a melting pot of cultures, offering a mixture of international flavors and street art.

The Annex, nestled near the University of Toronto, is a mix of students and professionals, featuring tree-lined streets and Victorian houses. While some parts of the Annex can be relatively expensive, there are also more affordable housing choices, making it accessible to both students and professionals.

In contrast, the suburb of Scarborough in the eastern part of the city is a vast and diverse area, home to various cultural enclaves. It is often recognized for its diverse and affordable housing options. This area includes a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings, providing a range of choices for families and individuals seeking more budget-friendly living arrangements.

North York boasts a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. With neighborhoods like Willowdale and Don Mills, North York offers a suburban feel while maintaining close proximity to the city’s amenities. The area around Yonge and Sheppard is a condominium hotspot, attracting young professionals with its convenient access to public transportation.

Navigating the TTC

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars, and subways, providing a comprehensive network that covers the Greater Toronto Area.

The subway system is a primary mode of transportation for many commuters. With four main lines—Yonge-University, Bloor-Danforth, Sheppard, and the Scarborough extension—the subway connects key areas of the city. The subway runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

In addition to the subway, the TTC operates an extensive bus network that reaches neighborhoods not directly served by the subway. Streetcars also traverse various routes, particularly in the downtown core.

TTC fares are paid through a token, a Metropass (now known as the Presto card), or by cash when boarding buses. The Presto card, a contactless smart card offers a convenient and efficient way to pay for rides across all modes of transportation.

Understanding the schedules, routes, and potential delays is essential for efficient travel. You can get real-time updates, available through the TTC website, smartphone apps, and digital displays at subway stations.

Parks and outdoor spaces in Toronto

Toronto boasts an impressive array of outdoor spaces and parks, providing residents with opportunities to escape the urban hustle. High Park, located in the west end, is a sprawling green oasis featuring hiking trails, a serene lake, and even a zoo. Its cherry blossoms draw crowds in the spring.

The Toronto Islands, accessible by ferry, offer a peaceful retreat just a short ride from the downtown core with beaches, bike paths, and skyline views.

Trinity Bellwood’s Park, situated in the trendy Queen West neighborhood, is a popular gathering spot for locals. The park hosts a range of activities, from picnics to pickup games of soccer or tennis.

Toronto’s waterfront has undergone significant revitalization, resulting in a network of parks and trails along Lake Ontario. Sugar Beach creates an urban beach experience, while the Martin Goodman Trail invites cyclists, joggers, and walkers to enjoy the scenic waterfront.

Thriving industries in Toronto

Toronto is a thriving economic hub with a diverse range of industries contributing to its robust economy. The financial sector stands out prominently, with the city hosting the headquarters of major banks and financial institutions. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, playing a crucial role in global finance.

The technology and innovation sector is booming in Toronto, earning it the nickname “Silicon Valley North.” The city has become a hotspot for tech start-ups, attracting talent and investment.

The film and television industry is another cornerstone of Toronto’s economy. Known as Hollywood North, the city has a robust production scene, with numerous studios and soundstages. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) attracts global attention, solidifying the city’s reputation as a major player in the film industry.

Toronto’s healthcare and life sciences industries are also significant contributors to its economic landscape. The city is home to world-renowned hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.

Emergency services in Toronto

In case of a medical emergency, residents and visitors can dial 911, a universal emergency number connecting callers to police, fire, and ambulance services. Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operates a fleet of ambulances equipped with advanced life support systems, and paramedics are trained to provide immediate care on the scene and during transportation to hospitals.

The Toronto Police Service is responsible for maintaining law and order in the city. In non-emergency situations, individuals can contact the police at their general inquiry number, which varies depending on the specific division. For urgent matters or emergencies, calling 911 is the quickest way to seek police assistance.

The Toronto Fire Services responds to fire emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other rescue operations. Similar to police and EMS, the fire services can be reached by calling 911 in case of emergencies. Fire stations are strategically located throughout the city to ensure timely responses to incidents.

Newcomer services in Toronto

Toronto is committed to providing a welcoming environment for newcomers, and the city offers a range of services and programs to help immigrants integrate successfully into their new lives.

Organizations like the Toronto Newcomer Office provide guidance on various settlement matters, including language training, employment services, and community orientation. These agencies often host workshops and programs to help newcomers navigate the Canadian job market, understand the education system, and adapt to cultural differences.

Toronto offers language training programs to help newcomers improve their English or French language skills. These programs, provided by organizations like the YMCA and local community colleges, aim to enhance communication abilities, increasing newcomers’ confidence and facilitating their engagement with the broader community.

In addition to settlement agencies, community centers across Toronto offer a wide array of services to support newcomers. These centres provide a welcoming space for individuals and families, offering cultural activities, recreational programs, and social events that help newcomers connect with others in similar situations.

Education in Toronto

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Canada, serving over 247,000 students in nearly 600 schools. The TDSB offers a range of educational programs, including elementary and secondary schools, specialized schools, and alternative education options. In addition to the public education system, Toronto is home to numerous private and independent schools.

Toronto is also a hub for higher education, boasting several world-renowned universities and colleges. The University of Toronto, consistently ranked among the top universities globally, offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students from around the world. Ryerson University and York University are other prominent institutions contributing to Toronto’s reputation as an educational centre.

 

January 30, 2024

According to a Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) report released in late 2023, Canada is considered the world’s safest country for travellers in 2023-2024.

BHTP notes that the overall rankings are based on an average of “all measures from [BHTP’s] State of Travel Insurance research”, which combines “six sub-category scores as the basis” for the rankings.

Furthermore, BHTP notes that it balances its own surveyed “ratings with other indices and information, including the Global Peace Index and the State Department’s own travel safety ratings”, adding that BHTP “also [averages] the GeoSure Global scores of the major cities in each country.”

Together BHTP uses this variety of measures to “calculate a weighted score that reflects each country’s overall safety.”

Canada’s ranking is up five spots from a year ago

Up from sixth place in BHTP’s rankings last year, Canada has ascended to the top spot in the rankings for the world’s safest places to travel this year.

According to the report, key reasons for Canada’s high ranking include “cold weather and low population density, [which] make for safe travels.”

Further, each of the top 15 countries in BHTP’s rankings was given a dedicated section in this year’s report, which included a section titled “what you need to watch out for.”

For Canada, this section identified wildfires as an area of concern for travellers, noting that “Canada’s plethora of forests were seemingly all burning, which has reduced air quality in most major Canadian cities. This made travel to Canada difficult for people with respiratory conditions.”

Still, the quote included in Canada’s dedicated section of the report (from Gap Year Travel Store) sums up travel safety across the country this way, saying “as travelling destinations go it really doesn’t get much safer than Canada … Violent crime is comparatively low and there is a low incidence of gun-related crime.”

Breaking down Canada’s ranking by sub-category

BHTP’s report uses the following dimensions to produce an overall ranking of the safest countries for travel:

  1. Safety from violent crime
  2. Safety from terrorism
  3. Transportation safety*
  4. Health measures (including disease)
  5. Safety for groups (women, travellers of colour and LGBTQ+ travellers)

Notably, Canada ranked first in all sub-categories included as part of this year’s ranking. Click here to view the top 10 countries according to each sub-category.

*BHTP notes that transportation safety includes “countries with either well-developed road and transportation systems (everywhere but Iceland) or a limited need to travel far (Iceland).”

BHTP rankings by age and income

BHTP also notes that survey respondents for the 2023-2024 version of these rankings “had wildly different perceptions of the world’s safest countries depending on their age and income.”

Still, in most cases, Canada remained in the top four safest countries for travel according to these sub-groups.

In comparison to the overall rankings, the following indicates how Canada’s place in BHTP’s rankings would have differed if presented based on the responses from specific groups of respondents.

Millennials

Among Millennials who responded to BHTP’s survey, Canada ranked fourth in overall travel safety behind Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).

Gen Z

Among members of Gen Z who responded to BHTP’s survey, Canada remained number one in overall travel safety.

Respondents with a household income over $200,000

Among BHTP survey respondents who fell into this household income category, Canada ranked second in overall travel safety behind only Portugal.

Respondents spending more than $25,000 per year on travel

Among BHTP survey respondents who fell into this travel spending category, Canada ranked sixth in overall travel safety behind the Netherlands, Hungary, the UK, the Bahamas and Portugal.

“Mature” survey respondents

Although the report does not specify the age that qualifies respondents as “mature”, BHTP survey respondents who fell into this age group ranked Canada as the ninth safest country for travel overall. For this group of respondents, Canada ranked behind:

  1. Iceland
  2. South Korea
  3. Sweden
  4. Japan
  5. Denmark
  6. Norway
  7. New Zealand
  8. Ireland
Parents

For parents who responded to BHTP’s survey, Canada remained number one in overall travel safety.

LGBTQ+ travellers

Uniquely, BHTP survey respondents who identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community were the only sub-group of respondents who completely left Canada outside their top 10 safest countries for travel.

November 7, 2023
November 7, 2023

Henley & Partners—a global immigration consultancy firm—has ranked the Canadian passport as the 7th most recognized in the world, putting it alongside passports of the United States, Poland, Greece, and Czechia.

 

According to the report, a Canadian passport allows visa-free travel access to 183 countries, making it one of the foremost in the world. This year the distinction of most recognised passport went to the Singaporean passport (granting access to 193 countries), with Japan trailing closely behind (granting access to 192 countries). The Afghanistan passport scored last this year, allowing access to 27 countries without a visa.

Travelling with a Canadian passport

Having a Canadian passport impacts your travel activities. With it, unrestricted exit or entry into Canada is permitted without the need for permits, visas, or other travel restrictions. However, only Canadian citizens are eligible to receive passports, not permanent residents, or those with temporary status.

As mentioned previous, Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 183 locations around the world, some of which include:

  1. The United States;
  2. The United Kingdom;
  3. The Schengen Area;
  4. Australia and New Zealand;
  5. South Korea;
  6. Singapore;
  7. Japan;
  8. Brazil; and
  9. The United Arab Emirates.

You do not necessarily have to give up your current passport if you apply for a Canadian one. Canada permits dual citizenship, and hence multiple passports (if one’s home nation also has a dual citizenship policy). Thus, you can maintain as many passports as you qualify for.

You Need to Become a Citizen First

Attaining citizenship is a prerequisite for acquiring a Canadian passport. This involves several steps.

You must first be a permanent resident of Canada and comply with the country’s physical presence rules. For example, you need to demonstrate that you have lived in Canada for at least three of the past five years, which translates to approximately 1,095 days.

If applicable, you must also file your taxes. To highlight your understanding and communication abilities, passing a Canadian citizenship test and proving your language skills are also necessary.

Even if your permanent resident status was procured differently, these conditions must be met. Overall, a minimum of three years is generally required to secure Canadian citizenship, if pursuing a naturalisation route.

Note that if you are the direct child of a Canadian citizen (who was a citizen at the time of your birth) you may be eligible to inherit citizenship status from your parent.

How to Obtain a Canadian Passport

Once you have completed your citizenship ceremony and received your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a passport. Every citizen of Canada is eligible to apply for this document, and it is uncommon to be found ineligible. However, if you are found ineligible your citizenship may be revoked due to misrepresentation on your application or if there are concerns about security, violations of human or international rights, or connections to organised crime, associated with your application.

The procedure to apply for a Canadian passport requires specific paperwork as well. Your citizenship certificate is among the most critical documents, and you must include the original copy in your application. Even Canadians who were born in Canada need to provide a birth certificate as proof of their citizenship.

You will need several documents in your application form, including:

  1. proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate only);
  2. any valid Canadian passport or other form of travel document issued in your name (such as a refugee travel document or certificate of identity);
  3. two references in support of your passport application;
  4. a document that confirms your identity; and
  5. two identical passport-size photographs.

In addition, when applying for your first passport, you will need a guarantor. A guarantor must fulfil certain requirements, which can change based on both the type of passport, and location from which your application is being submitted.

You can apply for a passport online, and can complete the process at a Service Canada centre, either with a pre-arranged appointment, or through the walk-in service.

Passport Processing Duration

The need for new passports and passport renewals among Canadians is currently high, owing to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic easing across the globe.

The Canadian government has recently introduced a tool for tracking processing times. As of now, it indicates that the time taken to process a passport application from inside Canada could range from regular service (10-20 business days) to urgent processing, which could take anywhere from 2-9 days, or as little as by the end of the next day.

As a result, if you plan to travel outside Canada in the foreseeable future, it is advisable to initiate the application process well in advance.

Other Benefits

Apart from unrestricted travel, a Canadian passport offers several other advantages. With the passport, you’ll be recognised as a Canadian citizen, enjoying all the rights and freedoms like any other citizen; specifically, you’ll be eligible to vote in elections, run for political office, and be eligible for jobs that may require higher security clearances.

Another significant perk is that the hassle of status renewal every five years is eliminated, (something usually mandatory for permanent residents). This translates into saving costs associated with application submission and remaining hassle-free from approaching Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for extensions.

Lastly, new Canadians are also given free perks in Canada for the first year of their new citizenship. Over 80% of permanent residents in Canada prefer to attain citizenship, primarily due to these benefits.

Applying for your Passport

Applying for your Canadian passport is an important step in benefitting from all the rights of being Canadian. Like any other step in the immigration process it must be adhered to carefully, as any misrepresentation (known or otherwise) can constitute serious penalties, and even potential loss of status. For this reason, many individuals choose to hire immigration lawyers to handle their passport applications, not just to ensure adherence to best practices, but also for the peace of mind that their services can provide.

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