The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is a major employer in Canada and contributes about $150 billion a year to Canada’s economy. There are more than 32,000 ICT firms across the country, with over 600,000 people working in ICT occupations.
It is important for you to have a general overview of how your international qualifications may be viewed in Canada and have a general sense of the Canadian labour market and workplace culture.
There are many steps that you can take before immigrating to Canada to improve your chances of success to practice your profession in your future homeland.
- Contact the Canadian diplomatic mission closest to you to find out about the employment requirements for the teaching occupation in Canada.
- You will need to prove your language skills in English or French (depending on your destination province) language competency or be tested. Even if you’re a good speaker of English or French, it’s helpful to improve your language skills and enroll in language classes while you are in your home country and continue them after moving to Canada. You can assess your language skills by taking an online self-assessment test on the Canadian Language Benchmarks website.
- It is easier for you to gather and organize your official education, work and identity documents while still in your home country. Check with your provincial or territorial regulatory body to enquire about the documents you need to bring and about verifying the translation of these documents. You might need to use a professional translation service in Canada.
- Understand how your profession is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the laws and legislation that governs your profession in the province where you will settle.
- Know the name of your job in Canada and make a list of potential employers.
- The Information and Communications Technology Council provides you with helpful resources that help you to find and collect important information and to develop your job search plan.
- Research ICT related Canadian companies on the internet. As well, search for ICT related groups on LinkedIn and become a member of the ones you think are very relevant so that you get a feel of what is happening in North America in regards to your industry. Get recommendations from your LinkedIn contacts.
- Check with the professional association governing your occupation in your home country and find out if they have any links with similar associations in Canada.
- Enquire about the procedure to get a driver’s license in Canada and apply for it right after you land, as it would be very useful when you get a job.
- Another helpful thing you can do is to attend a Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) seminar which organizes “pre-departure orientation” and a Know Before You Go webinarto know more about life in Canada.
