Hello Future Canadians! 

So, you're dreaming of making Canada your new home? Excellent choice! But when it comes to landing your feet firmly on Canadian soil and launching your career, you might be wondering about the best strategy.

Should you battle the odds and try to secure a job offer from your home country, or aim for permanent residency (PR) first and then dive into the Canadian job market?

Let's break down "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" of both approaches.

 

The Good: Securing a Job Offer Before You Land

Let's be honest, the idea of stepping off the plane in Canada with a job already in hand is incredibly appealing.

The Good Aspects:

• Potential Immigration Advantage: While the direct CRS points for a job offer in Express Entry are gone, having a valid job offer remains a significant factor for eligibility under certain programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It can be a golden ticket to getting your immigration application approved.
• Instant Income and Stability: Knowing you have a job waiting for you provides unparalleled peace of mind. You can focus on settling in without the immediate pressure of finding work to pay the bills.
• Potentially Faster Processing: Some immigration streams designed for those with job offers might have quicker processing times, as your employment prospects in Canada are already established. The Francophone Mobility program, for instance, can offer a streamlined pathway for French speakers with job offers outside Quebec.

 

The Bad: The Grueling Reality of the Overseas Job Hunt

Now, let's pull back the curtain and face the harsh truth. Trying to get a job offer in Canada from overseas is, for the vast majority, an extremely difficult undertaking.

The Bad Realities:

• Intense Competition: You're competing against countless other qualified candidates, many of whom are already in Canada with the right to work. Canadian employers often prefer local candidates who are readily available for interviews and can start immediately.
• The Chicken and Egg Problem: Many employers are hesitant to invest the time and resources in sponsoring an overseas candidate (going through the LMIA process) unless they have already exhausted all local options and found an exceptionally strong applicant.
• The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Hurdle: For most job offers to significantly help your immigration, your potential employer will likely need to obtain an LMIA. This process requires them to prove that hiring you won't negatively impact the Canadian job market, involving advertising the position for at least 30 days and demonstrating that no suitable Canadian workers were found. This is a significant undertaking for employers.
• Limited Visibility: Standing out to Canadian employers from thousands of miles away is a massive challenge. Your resume might get lost in the digital pile, and you might miss out on networking opportunities available to those already in Canada.
• Time Difference and Logistical Nightmares: Coordinating interviews across time zones and navigating the complexities of international communication can be exhausting and frustrating.

 

The Ugly: The Cold Hard Truths

The "ugly" part is the disheartening reality many aspiring immigrants face when trying to land that elusive overseas job offer.

The Ugly Truths:

• High Rejection Rates: Be prepared for a barrage of rejections or, even worse, no response at all. The odds are often stacked against overseas applicants.
• Potential for Exploitation: Desperate to secure a job offer, some individuals might fall prey to unscrupulous "immigration consultants" or fake job offers. Always do thorough research and be wary of anything that seems too good to be true.
• Emotional Toll: The prolonged and often unsuccessful process of searching for a job from abroad can take a significant emotional toll, leading to discouragement and frustration.
• Focus on Specific Skills and Industries: Your chances of success in securing an overseas job offer are significantly higher if you work in a very specialized field with a high demand in Canada and a shortage of local talent.

 

The Alternative Path: Obtaining PR First

While the allure of having a job offer before immigrating is strong, the reality is that it is an incredibly challenging path for most. Obtaining permanent residency first, if you qualify, often provides a more flexible and ultimately successful route to finding meaningful employment in Canada.

The Good of PR First:

• Freedom and Flexibility: As a permanent resident, you have the right to work for any employer, in any industry, and in any location across Canada. This opens up a vast array of opportunities.
• Level Playing Field: Once you're in Canada with PR, you are on a more level playing field with local job seekers. You have a Canadian address, phone number, and are available for in-person interviews.
• Access to Canadian Job Search Resources: You can take advantage of local employment services, networking events, and gain a better understanding of the Canadian job market.

The Considerations of PR First:

• Proof of Funds: You will need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while you settle in and look for work.
• Initial Uncertainty: There's no guarantee how quickly you will find a job after landing in Canada.

 

Navigating Your Immigration Journey: Seek Professional Guidance

Given the complexities of Canadian immigration, with its various programs and ever-evolving requirements, it is always highly recommended to seek professional guidance. Consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can be invaluable. An RCIC can assess your individual profile, qualifications, and goals to provide you with a personalized evaluation of your immigration options. They can help you understand which pathways you might be eligible for, whether a job offer is a realistic immediate goal for you, or if focusing on obtaining PR first would be a more strategic approach. Their expertise can save you time, effort, and potential disappointment in your journey to Canada.

The Bottom Line:

While the allure of having a job offer before immigrating is strong, the reality is that it is an incredibly challenging path for most. Obtaining permanent residency first, if you qualify, often provides a more flexible and ultimately successful route to finding meaningful employment in Canada. Focus on exploring your PR options and consider speaking with an RCIC to chart the best course for your unique circumstances.

Good luck on your journey and rememeber, RCICs are here to help, so feel free to book a consultation! 

Kyle Broda IRB-RCIC