Working in Canada Despite a highly-educated workforce, Canada needs immigrants across its industries, from the expanding service sector to the skilled trades ECONOMY Canada is a highly affluent society very similar to America in its economic system and patterns of production. It enjoys a high trade surplus, and international trade remains key. Overall, Canada enjoys strong economic prospects and a high standard of living. The main changes in the Canadian economy have been a shift in focus to knowledge-based service industries. JOB OPPORTUNITIES Unemployment is at seven per cent, but rates have been falling steadily for more than a decade. As well as the service sector, there are many areas where skilled trades people such as electricians and welders are lacking, especially in rural communities. Canada's key industries include transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS Canada is bilingual so it is essential that you speak either English or French to work or study there. Which language is more important depends on the province. Quebec is mostly French speaking, while Ontario is mostly English. There are also pockets of French-speaking Canadians (Francophones) throughout Canada. FINDING A JOB Some occupations do not need a work permit, but if you do need one you will have to prove that you have been off ered a job in Canada.You may also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To apply you will need to have either permanent residency or a work visa. Many people search for jobs on the internet, and "job banks" - searchable databases - are popular. Job listings can also be found in national and local newspapers. Temping agencies are a good way to find a temporary job, and some of these operate both in the UK and Canada. VISAS AND PERMITS As a UK citizen, you can visit Canada unrestricted for up to six months. You do not need a temporary residency permit, but you will need health insurance because Medicare does not apply to foreign nationals. STUDY PERMITS Around 130,000 students a year come to Canada to study. If you are doing a course of less than six months in duration, you do not need a permit. If you wish to extend your study period once you are there, you will have to leave the country to obtain one, so it is worth getting one anyway. To apply for a study permit you will need a letter of acceptance from an educational institute, proof that you can support yourself and no criminal record. You may also have to have a medical examination. WORK PERMITS In most cases, you must obtain a work visa to work in Canada. A job offer is an essential part of your application and it is normally necessary for Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to confirm that it is ok for a foreign national to fill the post. You may also need a SIN IMMIGRATION POINTS SYSTEM If you wish to become a permanent resident, you will need to meet the criteria on the immigration points system. You must gain a minimum of 67 points from a range of factors including age, education, skills and other factors such as partner's skills or relations in Canada. You must also have skills that fall into one of three types - A, B or O - which usually require a higher education qualification. Practical training also counts, for example a qualified plumber would have level B skills, where a general labourer would have only level D. A matrix of professions and their skill levels can be found at www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca. You can apply for any of these visas at the Canadian High Commission in London, or download them at the Citizens and Immigration Canada (CIC) website www.cic.gc.ca

Working in Canada

Despite a highly-educated workforce, Canada needs immigrants across its industries, from the expanding service sector to the skilled trades
ECONOMY

Canada is a highly affluent society very similar to America in its economic system and patterns of production. It enjoys a high trade surplus, and international trade remains key. Overall, Canada enjoys strong economic prospects and a high standard of living. The main changes in the Canadian economy have been a shift in focus to knowledge-based service industries.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Unemployment is at seven per cent, but rates have been falling steadily for more than a decade. As well as the service sector, there are many areas where skilled trades people such as electricians and welders are lacking, especially in rural communities. Canada's key industries include transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Canada is bilingual so it is essential that you speak either English or French to work or study there. Which language is more important depends on the province. Quebec is mostly French speaking, while Ontario is mostly English. There are also pockets of French-speaking Canadians (Francophones) throughout Canada.

FINDING A JOB

Some occupations do not need a work permit, but if you do need one you will have to prove that you have been off ered a job in Canada.You may also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To apply you will need to have either permanent residency or a work visa. Many people search for jobs on the internet, and "job banks" - searchable databases - are popular. Job listings can also be found in national and local newspapers. Temping agencies are a good way to find a temporary job, and some of these operate both in the UK and Canada.

VISAS AND PERMITS

As a UK citizen, you can visit Canada unrestricted for up to six months. You do not need a temporary residency permit, but you will need health insurance because Medicare does not apply to foreign nationals.

STUDY PERMITS

Around 130,000 students a year come to Canada to study. If you are doing a course of less than six months in duration, you do not need a permit. If you wish to extend your study period once you are there, you will have to leave the country to obtain one, so it is worth getting one anyway. To apply for a study permit you will need a letter of acceptance from an educational institute, proof that you can support yourself and no criminal record. You may also have to have a medical examination.

WORK PERMITS

In most cases, you must obtain a work visa to work in Canada. A job offer is an essential part of your application and it is normally necessary for Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to confirm that it is ok for a foreign national to fill the post. You may also need a SIN

IMMIGRATION POINTS SYSTEM

If you wish to become a permanent resident, you will need to meet the criteria on the immigration points system. You must gain a minimum of 67 points from a range of factors including age, education, skills and other factors such as partner's skills or relations in Canada. You must also have skills that fall into one of three types - A, B or O - which usually require a higher education qualification. Practical training also counts, for example a qualified plumber would have level B skills, where a general labourer would have only level D. A matrix of professions and their skill levels can be found at www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca. You can apply for any of these visas at the Canadian High Commission in London, or download them at the Citizens and Immigration Canada (CIC) website www.cic.gc.ca