Canada Archives

March 18, 2024

Building A Resume for Job Hunting in Canada

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

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.

March 14, 2024

Eight ways to show proof of financial sufficiency as an international student in Canada

By Admin Student Visa

As an international student pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, there are multiple ways Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows you to prove you have enough money to come to Canada.

As part of the Canadian study permit process, applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves, as well as any family members who come to Canada with them.

Note: As of January 1 this year, the cost-of-living requirement has increased for students in all provinces and territories other than Quebec (see more below).

Providing IRCC with proof of financial support/sufficiency

According to IRCC, the department’s cost-of-living requirement is expressed in “base amounts” that include “all requirements related to transportation and other expenses, including the cost of books, equipment, and supplies.” These amounts prove that Canadian study permit applicants have sufficient funds to cover the following costs:

The first year of tuition fees, as indicated on the Letter of Acceptance(LOA) issued by their Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Travel expenses to get to and from Canada
The minimum cost of living in Canada for one year

IRCC lists the following eight ways for study permit applicants to prove they can meet the cost-of-living financial requirement:

Proof of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name, if they have transferred money to Canada
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
The applicant’s bank statements for the past four months
A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
Proof that the applicant has already paid tuition and housing fees
A letter from the person or school giving the applicant money for their living expenses and education
Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if the applicant has a scholarship or is enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

Note: IRCC clarifies that, in cases where an applicant’s home country uses foreign exchange controls, the applicant must prove that they will be allowed to export funds for all expenses.

IRCC’s new cost-of-living financial requirement

Since the start of this year*, IRCC has increased the cost-of-living financial requirement – the amount of money study permit applicants outside of Quebec must prove they possess – to $20,635 for 2024.

It should be noted that this new amount is in addition to tuition fees for the first year and travel costs and that IRCC has already indicated that its cost-of-living requirement will be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada’s newest low-income cut-off (LICO) release.

*This new cost-of-living financial requirement does not apply to any study permit applications submitted to IRCC on or before December 31, 2023.

Note: All funds presented below are expressed in Canadian dollars.

All provinces/territories except Quebec

On and before December 31, 2023: The following are the minimum funds (not including tuition) required per year by study permit applicants to prove they can support themselves as a student as well as any family members who accompanied them to Canada.

The applicant/student: $10,000

The applicant’s first accompanying family member: $4,000

Every additional accompanying family member: $3,000

As of January 1, 2024: The following are the minimum funds (not including tuition) required per year by a study permit applicant to prove they can support themselves and any accompanying family members in Canada.

It is worth noting again that the information below will likely change in 2025 and every year beyond that because IRCC has indicated that this requirement will be adjusted based on Statistics Canada’s annual low-income cut-off (LICO) release.

Study permit applicants (by themselves): $20,635

Number of family members (including the applicant):

Two people:$25,690
Three people:$31,583
Four people:$38,346
Five people:$43,492
Six people:$49,051
Seven people:$54,611
Each additional family member (if more than seven people):$5,559
Quebec
Quebec-bound international students must prove they meet a different set of financial requirements than students in the rest of Canada. The requirements for these students are set out by Quebec’s ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

March 9, 2024

Three provinces issue provincial nominations this week

By Admin Immigration

This week three provinces—British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan—issued invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR) under their respective immigration streams.

Candidates were invited under a combination of demographic and labour market streams, with differing criteria for each. In addition, different Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) utilise varying scoring systems, which result in great variance between cut-off scores for candidates from different provinces.

PNP Results March 2nd – March 8th

Ontario

On March 7th the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 2,104 invitations to healthcare professionals under the Human Capital Priorities stream. Candidates needed a CRS score between 352 and 421 to be invited.

To be invited, candidates needed professional experience under any of the following healthcare professions.

The Human Capital Priorities stream is an Express Entry aligned (or enhanced PNP) stream meaning that candidates within the Express Entry pool may be invited through this pathway. To be eligible candidates must have:

a valid Express Entry profile;
at least one year of full-time work experience;
a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree; and
Language proficiency of at least Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7 (for English or French respectively).

British Columbia (B.C.)

On March 5th B.C. held both targeted and general draws under the BCPNP, resulting in at least 156 total ITAs.

The province held general draws under five of its different streams, resulting in 54 ITAs. Candidates in the Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker-Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option, International Graduate, and International Graduate EEBC option needed a minimum score of 126 to receive invitations. Meanwhile candidates under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream needed a score of 99.

The province also held targeted draws under the Skilled Worker International Graduate (includes EEBC option) stream. These draws targeted candidates with experience in professions that are in-demand within B.C.’s labour market. These were:

Childcare—inviting 32 candidates with a minimum score of 70;
Construction—inviting 30 candidates with a minimum score of 80;
Healthcare—inviting 39 candidates with a minimum score of 70; and
Veterinary care—inviting less than 5 candidates with a minimum score of 70.

Saskatchewan

On March 7th the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held draws under two of its streams. This was the first SINP draw in more than two months, since December 27th, 2023.

Under the Occupations In-Demand stream, 14 candidates with professional experience in targeted occupations, and a minimum score of 89, were invited.

Under the Express Entry stream, 21 candidates with a minimum score of 89 were invited.

Both streams required candidates to have an education credential assessment (ECA) or be educated in Canada. Under both, candidates needed professional experience in the following professions (given as National Occupation Codes (NOC)).

February 27, 2024

Can I travel outside Canada after submitting my citizenship application? 

By Admin Canada Life

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

Helpful Advice for Landing Your First Job in Canada

By Admin Canada Life, Immigration

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.

1. Build a Resume for the Canadian Job Market

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.

November 7, 2023

What are the benefits of a Canadian passport?

By Admin Canada Life

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:

The United States;
The United Kingdom;
The Schengen Area;
Australia and New Zealand;
South Korea;
Singapore;
Japan;
Brazil; and
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:

proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate only);
any valid Canadian passport or other form of travel document issued in your name (such as a refugee travel document or certificate of identity);
two references in support of your passport application;
a document that confirms your identity; and
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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