Nigerians, currently living in Nigeria, may be able to find placements and get a job in Canada if they go about it the right way. With independent job sites and a wide range of employment paths provided by the Canadian government, you might just land a job.
How to Get Work in Canada from Nigeria
In this article, we help you with tips on how to get a job in Canada from Nigeria.
1. Are You Skilled?
The Canadian economy thrives on manpower and having a skill that falls under any of the skills listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Since you are going to live and work in the country, you need to be at least semi-skilled in some occupation. Check Unskilled Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
2. Check the Job Market
As stated earlier, the Canadian economy is big on manpower. At different times of the year, companies hire more hands, including workers from Nigeria.
Make research ahead of time to find out the current shortages and where the next wave of job openings is most likely to come from.
3. Start Scouring Job Openings on Job Sites
We’d recommend this as the first line of action for the following reasons:
- Canadian job sites give you an idea of the types of current job openings.
- It is an avenue to figure out the exact skills and experiences employers are earnestly looking for.
A look at all that helps one determine if he or she has what it takes to apply. If not, you may need to “brush up” on your skills to stand a better chance.
Examples of job sites to check with are:
4. Tailor Your CV to Acceptable Standards
Keep in mind that you are not the only Nigerian applying to work in Canada. To stand a fair chance, update your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to match these standards:
- The requirements of the jobs you want to apply for.
- The CV should meet the basic formatting guidelines.
To be sure the CV is of good standards, certain things need to be in place:
- Highlight the transferrable skills you have, especially if they align with the jobs been applied for.
- The CV should include the following: relevant work experience, skills and achievements.
- Your accurate contact details should be included.
- Worked for someone or a company in the past and think their testimonials will go a long way? Ask for one and include those in your CV.
5. Apply for Jobs
It is now time to start your job application process. The rule of thumb is to apply for jobs that you have experience in and the ones you meet the minimum requirements, such as:
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
Use job websites like Indeed and Simply Hired. You could also be successful by using your professional network (LinkedIn) or using the websites of companies that are hiring.
6. Determine the Best Work Permit
Nigerians applying to work in Canada, but have never been to or worked in the country need a work permit. It is a visa and license that permits you, the holder, to be a part of the Canadian workforce and live there too.
The key is determining the right kind of work permit to get. We have explained some of the best options below:
International Mobility Program (IMP)
This type of work permit allows Canadian employers to hire and send you a job offer to come over and work in the country. It doesn’t require vetting and approval by the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Unlike the IMP, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires the approval of the LMIA before a Nigerian or any other foreign worker can be asked to come work in Canada.
Express Entry
This is not a work permit per se, but a set of immigration programs designed to help foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria to work and live in Canada.
Options include:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program allows qualified candidates from Nigeria to apply for pay in Canada, even if they have no job offer or prior work experience in Canada to come and work in the country.
Requirements include scoring up to 67 points in the IRCC’s six immigration selection factors, having up to a year of full-time work experience in Nigeria for any of the skilled occupations outlined in the NOC, and being financially capable of finding one’s stay in the country.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This Express Entry program is exclusive to Nigerian applicants looking to get a job in any of the Canadian provinces and territories.
The administration of these provinces and territories can call for applications to fill any void in specific labor shortages in any industry.
To qualify, you are required to meet the minimum requirements, including being skilled enough in the required areas.
7. Get Your Eligibility Criteria Sorted
Nigerians who don’t show proof of being eligible for admissibility to work in Canada may not get “called up.”
These are some factors that count towards being eligible:
Job Offer
It is only basic to have received a written offer from your Canadian employer, stating that you have been hired and the agreed-upon terms.
Proof of Identity
You are a Nigerian, but someone may not believe you until you show some ID. That is why showing your proof of identity, by way of a valid means (international passport, driver’s license or voter’s card) is important.
Besides legitimizing your identity, it also establishes the fact that you have a home to return to when the terms of your work in Canada have elapsed.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Important documents like a CV, and educational/academic transcripts help to confirm your eligibility for a job, as per the set-out requirements.
Providing supporting documents like proof of funds, passport and job offer letter will also go a long way to support your claims.
8. Monitor Your Job Application
Do not apply to work in Canada for the fun of it or go to bed after doing so. It is important to follow up on the applications, especially if you haven’t received a response.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the email for that job offer.
Concluding Thoughts
Living in Nigeria doesn’t stop one from dreaming big and having hopes for a greater tomorrow. When you eventually get the job offer letter, work towards getting your work permit approved, your visa sorted and every other necessity down to feeding and accommodation fixed.
We wish you a productive work experience in Canada!